06-05-08 JA Adande, ESPN

You -- heard as a basketball game tonight in Boston and I know it seems late for that to happen it is June 5 -- all the there is a game tonight at the TD BankNorth garden. Game one NBA finals Boston Celtics LA Lakers. Joining us on the line right now formerly of the LA times now with the ESPN and espn.com JAM Dundee as witness how are you --

Do great things pretty well let's just get out the way right now make your case Robert Horry we can move on. We can make fun of you to stand -- the top number -- talk about Lakers Celtics.

Are urged me and I'll update you people embarked since appreciated much as anyone out guy with seven championship ring school. You can make a strong case did they don't win maybe capital -- without him. I mean all -- that you -- you don't -- career numbers seven point four point predict a 39% shooter. Period I have read on the game yet even ought to watch because the winner if you value winning if you -- be coming through in the class the Tuesday -- motorsports. --

I -- to anyway Casey Jones Robert Horry -- in the same ball game not even that same sport I tell you. Casey Jones. Wasn't Olympic medalist champion with a champion in college along with bill Russell he was -- along with the Russell okay. The company you keep as important okay I'll give you that. He was an assistant coach on one of the great teams in NBA history note that the 1972 Lakers he was head coach for 2 champions.

Enshrined as a player yeah -- coaching out of you went in as a player not a contributor at -- player.

but but he goes in as a player. His college career as part of that is well right so we got two championships in college the Olympic Medal and several championships as a player.

Was he entitled to disrupt this championship as Robert or as to the Rockets -- maker of the Lakers don't win in 2002 or devoted against. Sacramento of the Spurs don't win if Horry doesn't to dominate the fourth quarter and overtime including a big shot. He gave up that old yet the way the brick through security in 95 weapons staring straight he's got yet you have people saying well it can be expected all of you can get if you can make. -- When he should have been in 95 day and -- yeah. -- go back and read all covered cinematic Robert Horry then why didn't give them another final. It is I'm going to keep your -- They're all they're typical redneck so we joked Bjorkman in the MVP of the property would -- that you got in the army and J Edgar credentials.

Do you feel comfortable saying that Robert Horry is one of the best forwards in the history of basketball.

Updated deep to a -- saying you can tell the story adaptable that the NBA the last two decades without Robert Horry. They've got to coveted best cricket and all famous and -- put the argument and one of the best Eric criteria -- that is can you tell the story of the sport without the taken it to the story of look of MBA in the last fifteen years without leaving comic who had seven hit -- did you -- of the Lakers and the Spurs the Rockets. Without Robert are you can't he can't or they are -- doubt -- Not unlike me. In the fourth quarter of this generation would you have. -- on the court fueled Robert was made more big shot and play -- a couple hundred I had a Robert Gordon and and Robert name named the real problem play up on its way to.

And dale and ask him -- let me just ask you as a question is this is what it was like last night when -- recreating my dinner with Andre at -- a dale Hawkins in this -- night. Drink and I I don't let let's that a rod to that much in -- pass up -- in that much about. These these of the thoughts promise over mine that. He's he did say today in his defense he said there was not that you could say it was going to convince.

record I'd say he can compare me there'd there'd been a greater part power forward and including Tim Duncan. -- Forward and and better and -- not -- lipped it that like back want to pick epic game. Five minutes you're sorry 2000 conducted Rusch is not -- embraces. Can create conduct and legacy otherwise and -- Duncan couldn't make a shot from two beating game but. They're up in the back of San Antonio down three to two in Robert Horry states and out in the -- you have to make checking Colby to go out.

Did you have red or White last night.

Little bit regret that they -- But I woke up -- worked out some of them you know Japanese -- already -- record -- pitch certain about tonight that. Now well let -- my convincing argument that.

At as a former writer for the LA times you know the Lakers much better than we do is this team. Going to win another championship for the Lakers.

Yet not this year -- Barrett there as soon as spiritual figure and about a Becker talked about 2008 addition are. It's it's it's funny because part most frustrating thing about -- in the last year's and try to live among them. It is you know you present your argument to them -- confident that well round -- or target you can prevent. You know a very top logical argument to them about why they're team Alou and aunts or just be at -- You know right now. That's legitimate answer he'd been that good I mean you take the Spurs to a twenty point lead in game one of the conference final. And it it took over the last you know seventeen minutes of the game you saw the St. dating game pot when it was time closed out the Spurs coach Bryant to global work -- mean -- keep playing best -- For the level that we haven't seizures you know who and sometimes it really comes down to who the best player on the court and they have -- not other guys that can provide points. -- there's also -- them to their bench was doubly superior consultants pitched and I'd you know they have not got to get -- recorders in in the fourth quarter optical you'll --

AJ help us go over the paper trail of Kobe Bryant at one point last year saying. I don't want to be here to Kobe Bryant being the man who could decide the series and -- one give us that too. Ellis if if if you're surprised at all. How this this transpired because when I heard him last year thought okay he's gone so.

I have men you know he'll play guitar you've gone through and then to -- to be -- cute cute the one saying that I never doubted it was that. If they couldn't get -- treated work something out. That he would show up put on here. Perform and perform at a high level because that's what -- you've always done when all the other turnovers like you know whether to rape allegations the Colorado ordered. You know there's there's fighting for control the scene was secure in the -- bickering with Phil Jackson. You always showed up put on the uniform and play and you know I had no doubt that he -- to play and be able to play level. -- And -- in and basically you have to give credit to his teammates we're basically except in Kobe back into the -- he was pitching gauged from the team he could see it honestly some pre season. Just keep -- bench and does look like Q and on another planet. And even in the first few weeks and received and you know the -- up for pretty good start -- withheld judgment and praise himself well you know we've -- we keep Dornan you know he'd been by the -- late December or January. You guys market got a pretty good and now. A it's not a normal apprehension about got hurt he went -- the others to kind of -- they want -- to Seattle. And he put together one of those you know great forty plus point performance -- took over and over time. And the fact that he cared enough to will this team to victory like that so that he would -- so. You have to give credit to -- for not letting. They become a complete the -- decent but really it's about it can -- the work that they put in they impressed in and out they produced an an -- in the bought back into the paint. Which one I would make. I would say you make really make -- for Kevin Garnett and that the MVP in that he was the guy that led the Celtics to become and what they are aware as I think the rest of that. The players they led Coke into becoming the leader of the team.

You wrote recently that Kobe Bryant has learned to trust and as you added love his teammates. Is that trust unconditional and unwavering or -- change depending on a bad first half performance or something.

You obviously want to see his reaction to his teammates reaction here in the final you know if you feel like they're not up to the task. I mean -- Okobi is not going to be deterred by the bright lights and cameras and all that. Well I think if you see some the other guys not living up to the task in -- overwhelmed by the moment. I think the feeling getting on these guys -- and and really try and get an interface is. You know and counting him and he really won't have you talked to defensive exit stage -- As a you go to guys are going to change based on his final but you know Kobe had the chance to. You know move up in the really really really given that and they discussion about it it's closer than it's ever bet that if he gets the championship number. War especially winning out without Shaquille O'Neal you know he -- talked about Kobe being among the all time greats may be at the top of the list. So he's not going to have any patent I think it's these guys denied an opportunity.

You cover that 199394 Bulls team that did not include Michael Jordan. Phil Jackson did one of his best coaching jobs when did you. Say to yourself. Phil Jackson. Is one of the best coaches in NBA history it -- and I'm making an assumption that you said that to yourself but when did you come to that conclusion. Hey this guy is is one of the all time greats.

Well I realize you'd better than people give -- credit for during that season we're still lots got to tip upside allotment George got to give became -- really was not. You know cut out to be number one guy as we kind of learn over that. That he's an excellent start -- shares that is so frustrated with the pressure that and so. And put -- how that -- held up without the superstars are big group. How parents like BJ Armstrong jurors horse -- those guys made the opportunity that year. You know reducing him up close and that also watching him in the playoffs over the years the between games adjustments you know ever -- weapons and that in all that stuff but -- executed good tactical coach and perhaps he sees team. Make adjustments and and he's usually out coaching in the gap from the Cardinals perspective as well. You know I've thought about it then and then of course come into the Lakers you know who had been on the brink and the doubters. And just flourished under Phil and won three championships there. You know and that's what got up to read our back level of nine championships you know I think you really had to think about him over pat Rowley and right there -- our back.

What did you make an example you talk about the adjustments and I does a good job game to game what's what's water or -- that that to stand on your mind.

Well you're the first one was his first championship won another -- the Lakers and I'm midway through the series two -- three games they've switched that it did not matter jobs and I had static pressure -- the whole. Like the record and really slowed down mad because I kept the Lakers from getting into their offense and Mike Dunleavy never really came back it made it count or adjustment. You know number one it was kind of somewhere they've they're in the order as it is with the -- And that kind of similar to what Detroit it relies on the -- that's an okay we're trying to make. Well on the obvious you know we're just ignore but I -- member they've let more people of the open and they said month -- can see all the eighteen footers and whatever adamantly. And you know -- he just couldn't get that would want to miss part was in -- 95 when they're on against Orlando and they basically -- coarse red to deep in the gets what you deep in the didn't open jumper and knock it down. I think -- underestimated the bank and inspector that in order been let go lovable didn't try to reach on -- appreciate him without Orlando and I think he loves chicken and interfaces that. More often than not which what did that he makes --

Which Big Three gets the edge in your mind the Bryant assault Odom trail. With a Garnett pierce Allen trio here.

Top to bottom ago the Celtics but it is difficult factor you know on the fact that. You know sometimes when you have more you don't have many like you have two quarterbacks he can't decide you really don't have to quarterbacks fear is that we know cornerback you gotta have won. And I'd rather have one guy that I know was going to get the ball in the fourth quarter and that place is called black.

It sounds like going to pick the Lakers to win the series are --

I think are true. You know I'll listen to your arguments for the so it's much more and then with much more understanding -- that -- against Robert Horry and all of a leadoff you can certainly say between home court advantage committed. You know we have to the Lakers on -- road conservatives say the team with the best deep sense was more often than not -- the championship. And that would be the Celtics who well are you know it's just like the MVP art in America Anatoly dismissed argument for Kevin Garnett this regular season. And there's no way am going to -- argument for the Celtics. You know I think that the opportunity -- the Lakers and -- has lamented this search. -- this -- that kind of the European influence on the team in other not a very physical group. You know see what happens when Celtic are pushing him around you know and they've been used could be you know they're being against Cleveland they're being against Detroit. The Lakers you know their frontline got a little bit roughed up -- the Spurs in the conference finals let's see what happens when the dark no one else you know -- physical Celtics. You know also there's a lot of arguments you can make for for the Celtics but. Under is going to be that that one sided smile pig diet is says -- electric.

Obviously where Boston so we know all about. The players who were outside of that new three we know about James Posey and his effect how Kendrick Perkins is underrated at times we know about Rajon Rondo. With the Lakers. Outside of those three what guy JA it is going to impress as what guy who will we say after game three game four man. This guy is a little better than we gave credit for.

I think especially if they're playing at home about like options which is seriously you know -- each. -- likely where are being eagerly awaited you know ignoring regulators keep sticking around these shots. So if not think so you look at type of which it think of -- Derek Fisher -- or all conference finals and -- looking for him to come back. In the east finals you know the kind of kind of quiet leadership and -- excited you know it keeps knocking that shot if -- running to operate properly. And I think seventh and -- appreciate the bats well like Q Luke Walton who can -- dispute was really important part of the team last year before ago effort like around the all star break. -- haven't played quite as well let you forget he's the last game of I was one last in the Lakers one of the finals will because Luke Walton you know we played a great game. I came in as a rookie and just you know distribute the ball -- get all the right places reached. Yeah did you just have to understand it out of that game especially persons and that's why -- felt that the postseason some of the decisions that he makes. I think sort of -- appreciate could not like but at least appreciate.

J one of the side stories of the NBA playoffs this year has been officiating. And and almost what I've defined as a crisis of confidence in the public in the officiating of the NBA what's your thoughts on how that's played out.

I hate when the to Astoria -- even borrowing becomes the main story as it did you know games for the conference Arnold the Lakers and bird. You know when it was just -- blown call mr. Caldwell on their -- against them very. I'm hoping that indicates a problem on opening can just let these two teams decided. You know but I are to believe that officiating did not determine the outcome series says the one exception and make that would be. -- before going back to that -- along of late. Well that's about it and Hubert Davis -- the all of like twenty feet you know gone by the time. Gotta -- that that technically it met the definition of well. Each Egypt difficult at times in in the that they the bullet when making a home court that -- technical non conference finals. But you know retirement and -- fourteen years ago you know overall I think proficient in terms -- game -- Wal-Mart and target almost again last night. You know audio it's the reason it's the Lakers beat the kings in 2002 was because of that -- usually -- six -- the Lakers are all the calls it parade the three point line. I data kings still had a game seven at all in overtime and it broke about. And achieved because if you -- going to game seven at home you know dirt models minority argument oppositional. They're picking a seven game series it's not about it's 32 format which -- spot without and I don't think it'll be about the officiating. You know any particular called may be this doll which again it's epic itself it would like it inside you know they can be a little rougher and and maybe get away with it. That we can't sit in the Lakers overcome you know that it is so determined the tone for the series and like it can adjust that the that their -- about the officials.

What -- you can nurses question for as we watch the Celtics are your we've seen -- play. Up tempo at times they can they can handle that game and they can handle that ugly game like game one against Cleveland 7672 when that game. About the Lakers are they good in a 81 to 78 tied the game.

They would prefer that you know they did did you have slowed down against itself but against the Spurs but I you know this is team -- that's quarantine. In the play out so far men you know I was so continue to -- well. Yeah America yeah that the -- of the contribute particularly good luck of the development of course the series but you know that they wanted to up and he's. In the hundreds and down. You know I think was encouraging for them is that they didn't run pretty indicators so they'll beat the Spurs -- the Spurs are the best team could have faced before the Celtics causing other place in the deep sense that. I still don't think -- see it -- like Internet at Illinois played a regular season especially out in LA itself in deep -- really won today. You know just decency that deep sense now how to spot variable that kind of cheat on. -- and I have to bottom because he didn't have the skills that. And that the main difference now they can run the offense Lucas saw -- policy a threat to score that you sent the threat to pass. And he makes Lamar Odom better players don't see that adjustment that they get a lot of attention out of salt. That's going to free up Lamar Odom and even a little pickle -- can't forget about him of course to. So so that the that the main difference that we've seen with people Lakers and and the team that the Celtics beat -- pregnancies.

Is it safe to say that the Lakers have not seen the fence in the playoffs like they're about to -- and by the same token. That the Celtics have already seen the toughest -- fence they'll say when they played Detroit the last round.

Yeah and then and not trade agreement has better it is for the Lakers and that was my main question -- the Lakers was could they get stops when they had to. You know and that that's the -- of the detention of a championship team. I'm not sure they can get the top stops. But you know they're not beaten the likes it's been document not based on the Darrent Williams then went through excite them up in the conference semi. You know in this case you're not going up against that quality of a point guard. So you don't want -- that we insisted that we saw exploited the Celtics would not be able to take advantage of as well you know and and local consultant don't have a -- either. You know like Tim Duncan that is so. So you know there's there's two ways that you can exploit the lake is that that the Celtics can take advantage of so. You know about the other thing is -- move the ball I think the Lakers we -- some deep sense is also the deepest rotations and they're tough time getting the open shooters so the Celtics and invitations when the ball around. And not try to go one on one of the other exploit that as well. You know can the Lakers take advantage of of the Celtics well you know a Kobe is not going to get -- point one think disperse really do away with this so much single coverage on -- Because Bruce Bowen does probably the best job you're sending against him any one league. I don't think the Celtics have that one on one defender to that though it appears to agreed to up that were brought. Wondering if you so that was that they were able to get LeBron open jump shot he can't -- called Ramadan shut you can make you pay every time.

J always great talking to man look for my column coming up and WZER dot com. Derek Fisher hall of Famer.

Not commit the cardinal I'm ready yeah it was that does not winning X seven. The -- might.

You know let you know OJ. --

It went of his generation and -- and I'm retired and here.

That I came Olajuwon and Kobe Bryant and in Shaq O'Neal. I'm really happy that they were able to win championships because Robert Horry was a teammate -- they're just so.

Don't make it I'll man I would not ordering him it was big shot Bob. Torre that's about. You have made me hate the idea -- what that nice guys in the NBA very friendly downer. But by making the case Robert Horry as as a hall of Famer now him. I don't I had a hate on them now it -- it's tragic it. I don't that's the best point of the game I have no -- okay so.

That's the step ball boy the year jay thanks for taking a few minutes would -- they that your game at -- from my ESPN and espn.com