Curse of the Lakers

Haven't you heard.......around here and in Houston everything that goes wrong is the Steve Francis' fault. No way we're cursed, it's all Francis' fault

 

No. The play-offs are another issue all together. In fact, the Lakers would be more likely be "cursed" against us (The Punch).

The deal is that the Rox secretly respect the Lakers. But they RESENT the "flash and hype" the Lakers promote.

Houston is a no-nonsense type city. And the teams reflect that; business as usual. It's refreshing to have a "cocky" player like Francis or Berkman. They give the "boring" Houston style a little edge. It's all good as long as they BACK UP WHAT THEY SAY on the field/court. Anyone notice that Houston teams always put their foot in their mouth when they talk trash, but can't back it up?

So, with the Lakers. What you have is a team that talks the talk, and walks the walk. But, the Rockets chose to *just play.* And the Lakers are nervous about playing the "quiet type" teams. They WANT their opponets to talk trash (like Sacramento).

The Rockets have never been scared about playing the Lakers regardless of how good they are. It's a cultural thing. A rivalry. We have always been a thorn in their side. Just like the Sonics have been a thorn in our side (Rox) and the Braves against the Astros.

P.S. The funny thing about the Lakers and Celtics was that the Lakers always secretly respected the Celtics. They wanted to aspire to "be like the Celts." And that "prove it" attitude was what pushed them over the edge which enabled them to beat the Celts on their home court (Finals in the 80's).

So, if you want to beat a team: RESPECT THEM. LEARN from them. Then, beat them; just like a little brother learning from their big brother. Sooner or later...

"Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer."