Explain this Laker game to me???

[HoulihansTX]

and for the record, I have heard on numerous occasions both players and coaches comment after a game that "we covered for the fans as well"...

now that is true. these lines are posted in the newspapers on the front page, and you know if their teams' name is on it, they are gonna read it. Whether its a priority for them on the court, is up for debate, but they are well aware of what is going on in vegas.

[Mac4Lyfe]

I really don't think the player's pay the lines much attention. Some may say to themselves or their teammates "Hey guys, we're 12 point dogs tonight, let's kick LA backer's and Vegas in the ass", but like I said earlier, players make too much money to probably be bought off. I think it's easier to buy somebody off in football (but less of an impact) or maybe a tennis match or of course boxing, where if your a nobody and can't win the fight you could bet a chitload on getting knocked out in a particular round and make a killing.

NFL ref's are probably the easiest marks to pay off. They really don't make much in comparison.


NBA ----- MLB ----- NFL



Salary $90K-$400K/yr ----- $87,859-$357,530/yr ----- $2,134-$7,334/game

[WileOut]

You and me both. The Lakers have given me the double whammy this series. Build up the big lead and in your head your already cashing the check. Then toy with you and the other team down the stretch.

I guess these guys who set the numbers have got my number.

Thats why you never see a line more than about 15 or 16 in the NBA. If great teams kept the foot on the throttle the whole game, they would have to set lines like 24. But great teams dont keep the foot on the throttle, very seldom. The Lakers this year are really bad about it. They let up when they get the 20 point lead every time. That is why the spreads are 12. The linesmakers know the Lakers are unlikely to keep intensity up when they get up by 20, and also Utah is a very good team themselves. I personally expected a closer series and was very surprised to see the Lakers with a spread of 12 against a good team like Utah who just got a starter back and were now full strength.