Ok, there are several compelling reasons to take the Lakers and I understand that experience at this point is valuable. That being said, the Kings have played the Lakers extremely well the entire series and in my opinion have gained the "experience" needed to take Game 7. They have shown the poise to hang with the Lakers in nearly every game of the entire series.
In a close game (as we should expect nothing less given that LA has not been able to pull away from the Kings on the road), one has to believe the calls will favor the home team. I thought is was interesting that EMJ32 indicated that the Lakers understand what happened in Game 5 and will make sure not to be as physical (or whatever terminology he chose to use). If this is the case, they will get crushed as the Kings will walk all over them. If they play hard nose defense which is what I think they will do (as it is hard to change your style once you've played it for six games now), the refs are gonna punish them ON THE ROAD. It has been quite easy to see this given the huge discrepancy of fouls gained by the visiting team.
If this game was played in LA, I would be on the Laker ML no question because of the home crowd and treatment from the refs. However, you've gotta believe the Kings hold a VERY significant advantage at home with the crowd and refs on THEIR side. Shaq will NOT be as dominating in Sacramento because of the refs and this has been evident the entire series. He will get called for cheap fouls simply because of his size.
I expect the better team of the series to step up this final time and eliminate the World Champs. The Lakers were basically handed game six. . . now that NBC has gotten their wish, the Kings will get their wish as well. . .
Actual plays to come tomorrow afternoon.
In a close game (as we should expect nothing less given that LA has not been able to pull away from the Kings on the road), one has to believe the calls will favor the home team. I thought is was interesting that EMJ32 indicated that the Lakers understand what happened in Game 5 and will make sure not to be as physical (or whatever terminology he chose to use). If this is the case, they will get crushed as the Kings will walk all over them. If they play hard nose defense which is what I think they will do (as it is hard to change your style once you've played it for six games now), the refs are gonna punish them ON THE ROAD. It has been quite easy to see this given the huge discrepancy of fouls gained by the visiting team.
If this game was played in LA, I would be on the Laker ML no question because of the home crowd and treatment from the refs. However, you've gotta believe the Kings hold a VERY significant advantage at home with the crowd and refs on THEIR side. Shaq will NOT be as dominating in Sacramento because of the refs and this has been evident the entire series. He will get called for cheap fouls simply because of his size.
I expect the better team of the series to step up this final time and eliminate the World Champs. The Lakers were basically handed game six. . . now that NBC has gotten their wish, the Kings will get their wish as well. . .
Actual plays to come tomorrow afternoon.
