On Thursday night, they have to.

Because Game 5 of the 2008 NBA Western Conference Finals gives these Lakers the best opportunity to do just that. Lose this one and you’re looking at another game against the Spurs with their backs against the wall in Texas for Game 6. Surely, these Lakers no longer want to come to that point.

Besides, clinching this series at home is easier than trying to clinch it in a hostile environment back in Texas. The Los Angeles Lakers have to win Game 5. Lose that and they’ll keep the window of opportunity for the defending champions to steal this series OPEN.

And giving the Spurs with any kind of momentum is like flirting with danger. The New Orleans Hornets did just that and where are those guys now? They’re at home watching the rest of the 2008 NBA playoffs.

Of course, for the San Antonio Spurs, in order to win Game 5, they have to stop whining about that no-call on Brent Barry first.

We probably saw travesty in action back in Game 4, when Brent Barry was clearly fouled by Derek Fisher in the dying seconds of the game. It didn’t matter too if Barry was in the shooting motion or not as the Lakers were already in the penalty situation.

With the Spurs down 93-91, Barry could’ve tied the game by making both free throws after Fisher rode him as is he was Big Brown at the Preakness Stakes. Unfortunately, the Spurs got robbed right on their home floor. And instead of preparing for overtime in Game 4, they’re preparing to keep their season alive in Game 5.

For what it’s worth, Tim Duncan had a strong game for the Spurs. He had a game-high 29 points to go with his 17 rebounds. If the Spurs want to keep their campaign alive, they would have to get the same kind of performance from their franchise player.

Oh yeah, stopping Kobe Brant is a MUST for San Antonio as well. Kobe had a double-double 28 points and ten rebounds. The Spurs can’t afford to have Kobe kill them like that again in Game 5 because on Thursday, their title reign is on the line.

Who will win the 2008 NBA Western Conference Finals? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Los Angeles Lakers 1.40

San Antonio Spurs 5.50

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Los Angeles Lakers San Antonio Spurs