"As for the Lakers-Queens, if you went through the whole series, you could argue that the Lakers did not get preferential treatment overall. As for the final game and the final outcome, I maintain that the supposed disequality has been exaggerated by whining losers, a not infrequent occurence in hard-fought, close playoff match-ups, especially ones between reigning champs and upstart chokers. The Kings could have won that series, but to dethrone the champs they should have knocked 'em out, not hope for favorable scoring from the judges. That's just the way it is, whether it should be or not. Even the way it played out, the Kings had their chances, but they didn't have anyone who could get them over the hump during the last crunch. "
I don't know what series you were watching. Maybe you could argue the Lakers were not given preferential treatment, but you would not be able to make a case to objective parties who watched the series. Objective parties, who favored neither the Lakers or the Kings, in great majority saw preferential treatment by the Refs.
True, being forced to a seventh game by preferential treatment by the Refs, the Kings had their chance for victory, and they did not sack up, and Predrag Stojakovic was never right, and shouldn't have come back at all.
They were so emotionally wrecked after the 6th game debacle, that they thought they were never going to beat the Lakers when the Refs were in the Laker's pockets.
That was their immaturity. We will see if they outgrow it, that is assuming the Lakers make the playoffs, and even get past the 1st round.
It is different this time. 7 game series from day one of the playoffs, and Shaq daddy ain't gonna like that one bit.
Lakers had better hire a staff of trainers to keep the wounded Lakers going.
The Kings are still leading their conference with a rash of injuries this year. Bibby did not play the first part of the year, then Bobby Jackson went down and Pollard is out, and their best player, Webber who was on an MVP pace, is out....yet they prevail. New players like Keon Clark and Jimmy Jackson are stepping up.
How many "new" Lakers are stepping up this year?
Can the Lakers win consistently without their best player on the court?
Sacramento is one year older, one year wiser, one year better, one year hungrier.
Can we say the same for the Geriatric Fakers and Kobe?
