After a great game against the Houston Rockets last night, the Lakers are set to play the second of their back to back in the Lone Star State. The San Antonio Spurs are going to be a tough match, especially shorthanded. Thankfully, Lamar Odom is back in the lineup and ready to assist the Lakers in staying atop the league.

I sent out a few questions to one of the top Spurs blogs a few days ago. Unfortunately, something went wrong in the e-mail and it wasn’t delivered until quite late. Lucky for us, Wayne of Pounding The Rock was able to get out a few quick answers for us fans heading into this match up. He’s also got a live thread for the game, so leave some comments. Enjoy!

LABallTalk: Obviously the most important question. The Spurs seem to win titles on odd numbered years. Is 2009 their year again?

Pounding The Rock: Sure doesn’t seem like we will.  We aren’t playing worth a damn.  Our record is solid but we have piled up tight wins against lousy teams and very few wins against good teams.  We always start slow, so I’m giving us the benefit of the doubt, but we just flat have to start playing a lot better.  If we don’t, we don’t have a chance of even going deep into the playoffs much less winning the whole thing.  The odd year thing is a mathematical fluke and I wish people would quit talking about it.  We have only won in odd numbered years.  We haven’t won in every odd numbered year.

LABallTalk: Many analysts have been discussing the age of the Spurs. They seem to be playing really well as a unit but that seems to be based more on their experiences together than pure abilities individually. Do you feel that the Spurs need to start looking for some youth or can they continue to contend with the current unit?

Pounding The Rock: I think the age thing breaks down into two categories of players.  We have our big 3 and their age, and the age of everybody else.  Obviously, Tony’s age isn’t an issue but Tim’s is starting to become one and Manu’s health/age is something to keep an eye on.  I don’t think management will break up the big 3.  Manu’s contract ends after next year so we’ll find out pretty soon what the plans are.  For supporting cast, we could use some youth and energy.  George Hill has been great for us and provides all the youth and energy we need in the backcourt.  Where we really need help is in the front court.  Kurt Thomas is old and floor bound.  Oberto was limited to begin with and is now 32.  Bonner is fairly young, but not athletic in any sense of the word.  Honestly, I’d be thrilled with our team if we had one athletic guy that was 6’ 10” or taller – like Ian Mahnimi if he was healthy.  EVER.  That leaves Bowen and Finley.  We just aren’t going to be successful playing them long minutes and they aren’t going to get any better.  That is quite a ramble.  So I’ll recap.  Yeah, the Spurs are old but, in general, that doesn’t bother me as much as our need for an athletic big man.  Also, the Spurs organization will ALWAYS select guys who will play well as a unit than on their pure abilities.  For whatever reason, that is how they judge guys.

LABallTalk: Robert Horry has won titles with the Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs, being a key component to all three. In a recent interview during a Lakers game, Horry said he is staying in shape in case one of the team’s calls him up. The Lakers have an empty spot on their roster and I’m sure would love to have him back, what are your thoughts on why he’s not back with the Spurs?

Pounding The Rock: Robert Horry gave us nothing last year and next to nothing the year before.  I can’t imagine he has much to offer a team.  You guys can have him.  Remember, Robert “staying in shape” is probably relative to how he stayed in shape during his career which was not so much during the offseason.

LABallTalk: How have all the injuries affected the Spurs this season? What do you think their record would’ve been had they had a full lineup healthy throughout the season so far? With the age of the core players, will the injuries continue to affect them as time passes?

Pounding The Rock: You know, we were playing better basketball when Parker and Ginobili were injured.  We played harder. We played FAR, FAR better defense. I can’t explain it. I don’t think our record would be any different if we hadn’t had the injuries and Mason and Hill would not have gotten as much playing time early on.

LABallTalk: Many have asked how much longer Phil Jackson is going to coach. I feel that Pop has built a legacy almost as impressive as Jackson has. What are your thoughts on how much longer Pop can continue on?

Pounding The Rock: Pop will retire the exact day Tim retires.  He won’t coach a minute longer. So, it depends on Tim, not on Pop.