What I said above still holds: Lakers in 6.

Round One – In Game 3 after going up 2-0
Round Two – In Game 4 after going up 2-1 and finding out Yao was done for the season, and in Game 6 after winning Game 5 by 40
Round Three – In Game 4 after winning back HCA against the Nuggets in Game 3

If you want to include last night’s game as one where they “checked out mentally” then it follows that same pattern, as it came following a 2-0 series lead. But as even you’ve begrudgingly hinted at, when the Lakers are focused they are damn near unbeatable. That’s why they haven’t lost back to back games all playoffs, and it’s why they only lost back to back games 4 times all season. It’s why they haven’t lost three in a row since they traded for Gasol. Its why the shortest stretch that they’ve lost 4 games in this season is 8 games (not the 5 the Magic will need to win it all).

Think the Lakers don’t feel challenged right now? Think Orlando’s gonna equal their Finals record setting shooting performance tomorrow? Think Kobe will let Lee get the better of him again?

I don’t. And that’s why the Lakers will win Game 4 (though I think they’ll then lose Game 5, due to mentally checking out a bit after going up 3-1 with Games 6 & 7 at home).

That’s my prediction and I’m sticking to it :)

Kobe will defeat CLee’s fronting by running across a pick on the ft line from strong side to weak side. Or the Lakers will triangle it on the strong side and have the corner guy throw it over the top to Kobe.

Instincts against Kobe. what a crock.

Lee’s defense in the 1st two games was spotty at best. But you could tell he was trying to feel out kobe before he went “all-in.”

With the next two games on Courtney’s court, and with the help of pietrus taking on some of the load, I think Lee will only gain confidence and quicker instincts against kobe.

You’re right, game 4 IS pivotal. And Orlando will win it running away. Extra contributions from the role players and team defense will make the difference.

2. having attended all of the home games in the playoffs, i can tell you the problem with the crowd tonight. it was only people who could afford the $150+ tickets. thus, the really raucous crowd we saw during the Cleveland series (probably the best crowd i’ve ever seen) was forced to stay home.