Although the two teams have met 11 times in the playoffs and have represented the west in 11 of the last 12 finals, there’s no bad blood or rivalry between the two teams. You’re likely not going to find any of the Lakers sporting Kevin Garnett trash-talking type shoes reading “105-87,” the overall win-loss record the Lakers hold over the Spurs.
If anything, the only on-going debate over the Lakers and Spurs involves the two people at the helm—Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich. Since Jackson signed with the Lakers in the 1999-00’ season, there’s been much chatter over who of the two is the better coach.
Things however could change rather quickly.
George Hill might have something to say as he checks Bryant tonight. Assuming Andrew Bynum sits out once again, Gasol and Lamar Odom will have to battle with Blair’s activity under the basket. Then there’s the question of if they can contain Parker’s damage to a minimum.
Fans have only been witness to the Lakers beating two of the top teams in the NBA. A team searching to put their talents to good use on a consistent basis, another trying to prove they’re not a fluke and the Lakers recent drama of late might just be the perfect recipe for a pseudo-playoff game in February.