Pages

▼

Dwight Howard calls Lakers' finish 'nightmare'; now what?

Lakers center Dwight Howard shows his frustration during Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Spurs, which eliminated Los Angeles. (Photo: Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights
  • Dwight Howard ejected after seven-point effort in Los Angeles Lakers' last game
  • Lakers swept by San Antonio Spurs in first round, enter offseason with uncertainty
  • Howard is free agent now, says he needs to clear head before deciding future

    LOS ANGELES — If it was Dwight Howard's last performance as a Los Angeles Laker, it was ugly.

    He was arguably his team's best player, and he scored seven points.

    His team was supposedly a title contender when the season began. But it was swept out of the playoffs without a single victory, beaten four consecutive games by the San Antonio Spurs.

    He was considered a team leader, yet he was ejected after drawing his second technical foul of the game with 9:51 remaining in the third quarter and his team trailing by 21 points.

    When it was over, the Spurs beating the Lakers 103-82 to complete the first-round sweep, Howard was asked to assess his first (and only?) season with the Lakers.

    "A nightmare," he said. "A bad dream. I couldn't wake up out of it. It seemed like nothing could go right from the start."

    LAKERS: Everything to go wrong this season

    SWEEP: Another Spurs blowout ends series

    SCHEDULE: First-round times, TV information

    Howard was hammered hard around the basket by the Spurs, who preferred to send Howard to the free throw line, where he is relatively inept, to having him make layups or dunks.

    Howard, clearly frustrated, drew the first technical for throwing an elbow. He drew the second for arguing.

    Afterward, he expressed regret.

    "I've just got to do a better job of keeping my cool," he said. "It's an emotional game, and I don't want to lose. Sometimes you don't react the right way."

    If Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni was furious about his best player getting himself ejected, he didn't express it.

    "I hate it for him," D'Antoni said. "He gets banged up so much in there. He takes a pounding. After a while, I guess his nerves are shot or whatever."

    PHOTOS: Dwight Howard's Magical ride to Laker Land

    Dwight Howard's travails as a Los Angeles Laker have become the story of the season. But how did he get here? Flip through for the making of a star.
    Dwight Howard's travails as a Los Angeles Laker have become the story of the season. But how did he get here? Flip through for the making of a star.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard was the top player in the country his senior season at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.
    Howard was the top player in the country his senior season at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.  Michael A. Schwarz, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard won Gatorade National Player of the Year his senior season.
    Howard won Gatorade National Player of the Year his senior season.  Michael A. Schwarz, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    When Howard was picked No. 1 overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Magic out of high school, he still had braces.
    When Howard was picked No. 1 overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Magic out of high school, he still had braces.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard had veteran teammates to guide him as a rookie, as Grant Hill does here Oct. 6, 2004, during a preseason practice.
    Howard had veteran teammates to guide him as a rookie, as Grant Hill does here Oct. 6, 2004, during a preseason practice.  John Raoux, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard, particularly early in his career, was criticized for his lack of finesse on the offense end. Here, he bulldozes past Hawks center Jason Collier as a rookie Nov. 26, 2004.
    Howard, particularly early in his career, was criticized for his lack of finesse on the offense end. Here, he bulldozes past Hawks center Jason Collier as a rookie Nov. 26, 2004.  Gregory Smith, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard was drawing regular double-teams by his second season in the NBA.
    Howard was drawing regular double-teams by his second season in the NBA.  Julie Jacobson, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard developed his rebounding skill at an early age, averaging a double-double as a 19-year-old rookie. He led the NBA in rebounds per game four times in his final five seasons with the Magic.
    Howard developed his rebounding skill at an early age, averaging a double-double as a 19-year-old rookie. He led the NBA in rebounds per game four times in his final five seasons with the Magic.  Eric Gay, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard shows off his headphones during part of the Team USA tour before the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
    Howard shows off his headphones during part of the Team USA tour before the 2006 FIBA World Championship.  Samantha Sin, AFP/Getty Images
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard made his Team USA major-competition debut during the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.
    Howard made his Team USA major-competition debut during the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.  Mark J. Terrill, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard and company brought home the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japana.
    Howard and company brought home the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japana.  Mark J. Terrill, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds in the 2007 All-Star Game, which drew attention and led to him being voted in as a starter every season since.
    Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds in the 2007 All-Star Game, which drew attention and led to him being voted in as a starter every season since.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Before being beset by injuries in recent seasons, Howard was one of the most reliable big men in the NBA. He played all 82 games in each of his first four seasons and only missed seven in his first seven combined.
    Before being beset by injuries in recent seasons, Howard was one of the most reliable big men in the NBA. He played all 82 games in each of his first four seasons and only missed seven in his first seven combined.  Paul Connors, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard worked with Magic assistant Patrick Ewing for years on his post skills and defense.
    Howard worked with Magic assistant Patrick Ewing for years on his post skills and defense.  Todd A. Anderson, for USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's Superman-themed dunk during the 2008 dunk contest won him the title and remains one of the most iconic moments in contest history.
    Howard's Superman-themed dunk during the 2008 dunk contest won him the title and remains one of the most iconic moments in contest history.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard played with current Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant for Team USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning his only Olympic gold medal.
    Howard played with current Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant for Team USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning his only Olympic gold medal.  Greg Pearson, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard reportedly had a $7.8 million home in Orlando.
    Howard reportedly had a $7.8 million home in Orlando.  Preston C. Mack, for USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard brought back out his Superman cape for the 2009 dunk contest, only to allow Nate Robinson to leap over him for a dunk that sealed Robinson's victory.
    Howard brought back out his Superman cape for the 2009 dunk contest, only to allow Nate Robinson to leap over him for a dunk that sealed Robinson's victory.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's 6-11, 270-pound frame combined with his spectacular athleticism makes him nearly impossible to defend.
    Howard's 6-11, 270-pound frame combined with his spectacular athleticism makes him nearly impossible to defend.  Michael Perez, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard and Jameer Nelson watch as the Magic lose Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals to the Lakers. Orlando lost twice in overtime during the five-game series.
    Howard and Jameer Nelson watch as the Magic lose Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals to the Lakers. Orlando lost twice in overtime during the five-game series.  John Raoux, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's marketability hinges on his incredible physique and fun personality, shown as he flexes with tennis star Venus Williams.
    Howard's marketability hinges on his incredible physique and fun personality, shown as he flexes with tennis star Venus Williams.  EA Sports, via Getty Images
    Related story Fullscreen
    Fouling Howard has long been an ideal defensive strategy because he can't shoot free throws well.
    Fouling Howard has long been an ideal defensive strategy because he can't shoot free throws well.  Phelan M. Ebenhack, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard is among the NBA's best shot-blockers, leading the NBA in 2008-09 and 2009-10. He won defensive player of the year honors both of those seasons and in 2010-11.
    Howard is among the NBA's best shot-blockers, leading the NBA in 2008-09 and 2009-10. He won defensive player of the year honors both of those seasons and in 2010-11.  Charles Krupa, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    In Orlando, Howard was the smiling face of the franchise for eight seasons.
    In Orlando, Howard was the smiling face of the franchise for eight seasons.  Scott A. Miller, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Shaquille O'Neal didn't shown much respect to Howard as a player and still doesn't as an analyst. Both were No. 1 picks by the Magic who then went to the Lakers, both centers known for their strength and athleticism, both Superman enthusiasts.
    Shaquille O'Neal didn't shown much respect to Howard as a player and still doesn't as an analyst. Both were No. 1 picks by the Magic who then went to the Lakers, both centers known for their strength and athleticism, both Superman enthusiasts.  Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    The Magic brought back Hedo Turkoglu in 2011 with hopes of keeping Howard, but they never quite found the same page they had been on during their five seasons together from 2004 through 2009.
    The Magic brought back Hedo Turkoglu in 2011 with hopes of keeping Howard, but they never quite found the same page they had been on during their five seasons together from 2004 through 2009.  Chuck Burton, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's last season in Orlando was full of frustration, vented at his balky back, his mediocre teammates, franchise executives and more.
    Howard's last season in Orlando was full of frustration, vented at his balky back, his mediocre teammates, franchise executives and more.  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard and coach Stan Van Gundy didn't see eye-to-eye on many issues, and both ended up getting booted from the Magic in the 2012 offseason.
    Howard and coach Stan Van Gundy didn't see eye-to-eye on many issues, and both ended up getting booted from the Magic in the 2012 offseason.  Michael Perez, AP
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard watched the end of the 2011-12 season, his last with the Magic, from the sideline after having back surgery to repair a herniated disk.
    Howard watched the end of the 2011-12 season, his last with the Magic, from the sideline after having back surgery to repair a herniated disk.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    After months of speculation, the Magic dealt Howard to the Lakers in a four-team August 2012 trade. The Lakers gave up center Andrew Bynum for him, while the Magic received a package of players including former 76ers center Nikola Vucevic and Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo.
    After months of speculation, the Magic dealt Howard to the Lakers in a four-team August 2012 trade. The Lakers gave up center Andrew Bynum for him, while the Magic received a package of players including former 76ers center Nikola Vucevic and Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    The trade produced more news media coverage than anything else in the 2012 offseason.
    The trade produced more news media coverage than anything else in the 2012 offseason.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard shows off the muscle frame that makes him arguably the strongest player in the NBA during his first Lakers media day Oct. 1, 2012.
    Howard shows off the muscle frame that makes him arguably the strongest player in the NBA during his first Lakers media day Oct. 1, 2012.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's Lakers debut was delayed until late in the preseason, Oct. 21, 2012, against the Kings, because of his lingering back issues.
    Howard's Lakers debut was delayed until late in the preseason, Oct. 21, 2012, against the Kings, because of his lingering back issues.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's first half-season with the Lakers was uncharacteristically poor, with his numbers and efficiency down across the board.
    Howard's first half-season with the Lakers was uncharacteristically poor, with his numbers and efficiency down across the board.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard and Kobe Bryant formed a tenuous alliance for the Lakers, not showing much chemistry on or off the court.
    Howard and Kobe Bryant formed a tenuous alliance for the Lakers, not showing much chemistry on or off the court.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    One of Howard's highlights in his first season with the Lakers was making the second three-pointer of his career Nov. 30, 2012.
    One of Howard's highlights in his first season with the Lakers was making the second three-pointer of his career Nov. 30, 2012.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard's free throw woes reached new lows in 2011-12 and 2012-13, as back issues dropped his percentage to below 50%.
    Howard's free throw woes reached new lows in 2011-12 and 2012-13, as back issues dropped his percentage to below 50%.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard struggled with shoulder injuries, aggravating his torn tendon Jan. 30, 2012, against the Suns.
    Howard struggled with shoulder injuries, aggravating his torn tendon Jan. 30, 2012, against the Suns.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Howard and point guard Steve Nash joined the Lakers in the 2012 offseason but spent much of the first half of the season unable to play together because of injuries.
    Howard and point guard Steve Nash joined the Lakers in the 2012 offseason but spent much of the first half of the season unable to play together because of injuries.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen

    Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
      Replay
      • Dwight Howard's travails as a Los Angeles Laker have become the story of the season. But how did he get here? Flip through for the making of a star.
      • Howard was the top player in the country his senior season at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.
      • Howard won Gatorade National Player of the Year his senior season.
      • When Howard was picked No. 1 overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Magic out of high school, he still had braces.
      • Howard had veteran teammates to guide him as a rookie, as Grant Hill does here Oct. 6, 2004, during a preseason practice.
      • Howard, particularly early in his career, was criticized for his lack of finesse on the offense end. Here, he bulldozes past Hawks center Jason Collier as a rookie Nov. 26, 2004.
      • Howard was drawing regular double-teams by his second season in the NBA.
      • Howard developed his rebounding skill at an early age, averaging a double-double as a 19-year-old rookie. He led the NBA in rebounds per game four times in his final five seasons with the Magic.
      • Howard shows off his headphones during part of the Team USA tour before the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
      • Howard made his Team USA major-competition debut during the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.
      • Howard and company brought home the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japana.
      • Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds in the 2007 All-Star Game, which drew attention and led to him being voted in as a starter every season since.
      • Before being beset by injuries in recent seasons, Howard was one of the most reliable big men in the NBA. He played all 82 games in each of his first four seasons and only missed seven in his first seven combined.
      • Howard worked with Magic assistant Patrick Ewing for years on his post skills and defense.
      • Howard's Superman-themed dunk during the 2008 dunk contest won him the title and remains one of the most iconic moments in contest history.
      • Howard played with current Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant for Team USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning his only Olympic gold medal.
      • Howard reportedly had a $7.8 million home in Orlando.
      • Howard brought back out his Superman cape for the 2009 dunk contest, only to allow Nate Robinson to leap over him for a dunk that sealed Robinson's victory.
      • Howard's 6-11, 270-pound frame combined with his spectacular athleticism makes him nearly impossible to defend.
      • Howard and Jameer Nelson watch as the Magic lose Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals to the Lakers. Orlando lost twice in overtime during the five-game series.
      • Howard's marketability hinges on his incredible physique and fun personality, shown as he flexes with tennis star Venus Williams.
      • Fouling Howard has long been an ideal defensive strategy because he can't shoot free throws well.
      • Howard is among the NBA's best shot-blockers, leading the NBA in 2008-09 and 2009-10. He won defensive player of the year honors both of those seasons and in 2010-11.
      • In Orlando, Howard was the smiling face of the franchise for eight seasons.
      • Shaquille O'Neal didn't shown much respect to Howard as a player and still doesn't as an analyst. Both were No. 1 picks by the Magic who then went to the Lakers, both centers known for their strength and athleticism, both Superman enthusiasts.
      • The Magic brought back Hedo Turkoglu in 2011 with hopes of keeping Howard, but they never quite found the same page they had been on during their five seasons together from 2004 through 2009.
      • Howard's last season in Orlando was full of frustration, vented at his balky back, his mediocre teammates, franchise executives and more.
      • Howard and coach Stan Van Gundy didn't see eye-to-eye on many issues, and both ended up getting booted from the Magic in the 2012 offseason.
      • Howard watched the end of the 2011-12 season, his last with the Magic, from the sideline after having back surgery to repair a herniated disk.
      • After months of speculation, the Magic dealt Howard to the Lakers in a four-team August 2012 trade. The Lakers gave up center Andrew Bynum for him, while the Magic received a package of players including former 76ers center Nikola Vucevic and Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo.
      • The trade produced more news media coverage than anything else in the 2012 offseason.
      • Howard shows off the muscle frame that makes him arguably the strongest player in the NBA during his first Lakers media day Oct. 1, 2012.
      • Howard's Lakers debut was delayed until late in the preseason, Oct. 21, 2012, against the Kings, because of his lingering back issues.
      • Howard's first half-season with the Lakers was uncharacteristically poor, with his numbers and efficiency down across the board.
      • Howard and Kobe Bryant formed a tenuous alliance for the Lakers, not showing much chemistry on or off the court.
      • One of Howard's highlights in his first season with the Lakers was making the second three-pointer of his career Nov. 30, 2012.
      • Howard's free throw woes reached new lows in 2011-12 and 2012-13, as back issues dropped his percentage to below 50%.
      • Howard struggled with shoulder injuries, aggravating his torn tendon Jan. 30, 2012, against the Suns.
      • Howard and point guard Steve Nash joined the Lakers in the 2012 offseason but spent much of the first half of the season unable to play together because of injuries.
        Autoplay
        Show Thumbnails
        Show Captions
        Fullscreen Last Slide Next Slide

        Howard, who was traded to the Lakers before the season, is now a free agent. He has given mixed signals about whether he would like to stay with the Lakers.

        After Sunday's game, he talked about the Lakers rehabilitating their various injuries and returning for a stronger effort next season.

        Asked if that was a sign he wanted to stay in L.A. or if that would be reading too much into his comment, he said, "You're reading too much into it. ... I'm going to step away for a couple of weeks and clear my head before I talk about next season. I think I deserve that."

        Howard, 27, a seven-time all-star and three-time defensive player of the year, did not prove to be the dominant player this season the Lakers thought they were getting. They envisioned putting him in the middle, surrounded by fellow All-Stars Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol and vying for another championship.

        But it was clear from the beginning of the season that Howard was not fully recovered from offseason back surgery. He ended up averaging 17.1 points, his lowest total since his second year in the league, and 12.4 rebounds, his lowest total since his third year in the league.

        LOGICAL SOLUTION? Howard should choose Rockets

        LAKERS FANS: They are angry and want Phil Jackson

        PHOTO: Metta World Peace shows world his knee cyst

        How much was he hampered physically this season? Did his health improve?

        "It improved a little bit," he said Sunday, "but coming back super early form a major surgery was tough. I was in pain for the whole season. I wanted to play through it, fight through it."

        He again downplayed questions about his supposedly rocky relationship with Bryant, who was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in the third-to-last regular season game.

        In a bit of odd timing, Bryant, on crutches, walked out to the court to take a seat on the Lakers bench — making his first appearance on the court since being injured — moments after Howard was ejected and left the court.

        "I didn't see him," Howard said.

        No telling when they will see each other next.

        PHOTOS: Top shots from Spurs' 4-0 sweep of Lakers

        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Lakers center Dwight Howard yells at several Spurs in the lead-up to his ejection.
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Lakers center Dwight Howard yells at several Spurs in the lead-up to his ejection.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Lakers forward Pau Gasol shoots over Spurs forwards Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan.
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Lakers forward Pau Gasol shoots over Spurs forwards Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Spurs guard Danny Green splits the Lakers' defense.
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Spurs guard Danny Green splits the Lakers' defense.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Lakers forward Pau Gasol gets caught up between two Spurs defenders.
        Game 4 in Los Angeles: Spurs 103, Lakers 82 - Lakers forward Pau Gasol gets caught up between two Spurs defenders.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Lakers center Dwight Howard strains for a rebound between Spurs forward Matt Bonner, left, and guard Tony Parker.
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Lakers center Dwight Howard strains for a rebound between Spurs forward Matt Bonner, left, and guard Tony Parker.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Spurs guard Tony Parker holds his face after taking a hit from Lakers forward Metta World Peace's forearm.
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Spurs guard Tony Parker holds his face after taking a hit from Lakers forward Metta World Peace's forearm.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Spurs guard Tony Parker slips past Lakers center Dwight Howard for a layup.
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Spurs guard Tony Parker slips past Lakers center Dwight Howard for a layup.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Lakers guard Andrew Goudelock drives past Spurs guard Danny Green.
        Game 3 in Los Angeles: Spurs 120, Lakers 89 - Lakers guard Andrew Goudelock drives past Spurs guard Danny Green.  Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - DeJuan Blair reaches out for a rebound.
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - DeJuan Blair reaches out for a rebound.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - Tony Parker posts up Steve Blake.
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - Tony Parker posts up Steve Blake.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - Dwight Howard gets fouled while going up for a shot.
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - Dwight Howard gets fouled while going up for a shot.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - Pau Gasol drives to the basket.
        Game 2 in San Antonio: Spurs 102, Lakers 91 - Pau Gasol drives to the basket.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Spurs guard Tony Parker shoots over the Lakers' defense.
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Spurs guard Tony Parker shoots over the Lakers' defense.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Lakers guard Jodie Meeks commits an offensive foul and falls backward.
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Lakers guard Jodie Meeks commits an offensive foul and falls backward.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Spurs guard Tony Parker argues a call.
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Spurs guard Tony Parker argues a call.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Lakers center Dwight Howard dunks on Spurs center Tiago Splitter.
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Lakers center Dwight Howard dunks on Spurs center Tiago Splitter.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Spurs center Tim Duncan drives on Lakers forward Pau Gasol.
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Spurs center Tim Duncan drives on Lakers forward Pau Gasol.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Lakers guard Steve Nash goes up for a layup.
        Game 1 in San Antonio: Spurs 91, Lakers 79 - Lakers guard Steve Nash goes up for a layup.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
        Related story Fullscreen

        Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: