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Rockets-Lakers Game 2: Now What?
In game one the Lakers tried to be physical but ended up being pretenders. The Rockets despite being the ones battered and bloodied got the first knock out. Shane Battier’s bloodied face and Yao Ming’s bumped knee wouldn’t detract the Rockets into getting away from their game plan. They just stuck with it while the Lakers just took shots in hopes of getting something to stick.
So how will the Lakers respond in game two?
Mike Trudell from Lakers.com is reporting that Lamar Odom might start, while Shelley Smith from ESPN told the Mason and Ireland show on 710 ESPN that Odom will definitely start. Trudell also reports that Luke Walton will be activated for tonight's game. Also the normally 30 minute to 45 minute gameday shootaround reportedly lasted two hours.
For those of you who feared the Lakers would be nonchalant about Monday's loss, it looks like the Lakers are serious about tonight's game. A good thing too since a loss tonight will make it very difficult if even possible for the Lakers to win the series.
But this will not happen. With Odom starting, it gives the Lakers extra length that will cause a lot of problems for the Rockets. The only problem I can foresee is how the Lakers respond to Aaron Brooks. They need to find a way to slow him down, but I don't think it will happen unless Brooks gets a cold hand.
It will be another close game, but this time the Lakers will prevail. If not, well...
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