Can We Really Answer Yes To These Questions?

Hey Kobe, pretend I'm calling you this summer
to reminisce about the championship!

That was a fun one last night, eh?

As Austin Powers would say:

"NICE TO SEE OUR SHOOTERS GET THEIR MOJO BACK, BABY, YEAHHHHHH!"

Now, let's hope that's the end of the shooting slump for our collective backcourt (MVP excluded).

I cannot even imagine typing this last season:

"Does a healthy Vlad Rad make a big difference in our offensive and defensive efficiency?"

Makes my head ache just to write that.

Here's another...

"Could Coby Karl be an effective rotation player next season?"

It hurts, make it stop.

And a final one to really make you wonder...

"With Bynum's return uncertain, are Chris Mihm and DJ Mbenga the keys to a Laker Championship run?"

I think my head just exploded.

Not much else to say about last night's game except one thought did occur to me:

"Is Mike Dunleavy trying to shove it in Donald Sterling's face tonight?"

Ahhh. Now I feel better.

The Love Report - Suns Edition

With the season winding down, there is likely to be animosity between Lakers and Suns fans....so instead, let's write a little love letter to our favorite nemesis...

THE LOVE REPORT - SUNS EDITION

1. I love Steve Kerr for trading away Marion for Shaq.

2. I love David Stern for sticking to the "no leaving the bench" rule

3. I love Mike D'Antoni for continuing to sport the porn stache no matter what people think.

4. I love Raja Bell for filling the role of PE#1

5. I love Shaq for his dedication to free throw shooting

6. I love Kenny Smith for picking the Suns because he's afraid "The Big Mistake" will sit on him

7. I love Chris Paul for killing Nashy every time

8. I love Amare for his dedication to scoring no matter who wins

9. I love Suns Fans for picking fights with Laker Fans when we're the hottest team in the L

10. And most of all, I love Suns Fans for their unbridled optimism in the face of all evidence and logic...they're so cute when they get angry.

Punchless Pau and Krippled Kobe...

Well Laker Nation, how are we feeling about that loss last night to the young-but-still-dangerous Hawks? This was a frustrating game to watch, but in the end we should not be as worried about this game as others we have given away.

The Lakers have a very talented team but they are showing their youth with a loss like this one. In fact, the Lakers have made a habit of losing close games late, not winning them, which is the sign of a young team. They don't yet know as a group how to stay within themselves and preserve every possession so as to squeeze out a tough game. Their last three loses (by 3 to the Cavs, 1 to Detroit, 3 to Atlanta) illustrates this. Unfortunately, that is how most games are won in the playoffs. The only way to learn is to go through the experience a few dozen times and fail in spectacular ways just as Sasha failed last night. By contrast, when they win they are more likely to overpower their opponent and win fairly easily, at least by the end of the game.

The other factor last night was fatigue. Pau looked worn out, which is understandable, considering he'd been on 5 flights in four days and had his entire life turned upside down. Easy to see how he might have a letdown. Ronny had his worst game this season, getting yanked early by PJ after committing a turnover and failing to make an effort on D. Very un-Ronny like, we expect a huge game from him next time. Overall the team looked like they needed a day off.

And with Kobe's finger making him an Allen Iverson-esque shooter, the Lake Show needed someone else to step up the scoring - 6 in double figures was not enough as no one scored more than 19 and no one provided the "go-to execution" that Kobe couldn't offer this time.

This game is the perfect illustration of why the Lakers will need at least one year of seasoning to get to the mountaintop. We are as excited about this new collection of talent as any fan, but it must be remembered that no great dynasty is forged quickly or overnight. It requires the team pass through the fire together before it takes shape, hardens and joins the pantheon of champions.

Have Faith Laker Fans!!!

Stu Lantz's "Quote That Makes You Go Hmmmm."

Each night the Lakers broadcast, there is the chance for one special moment from our very own special broadcaster, Stu Lantz. Yesterday we were blessed with one such moment:

Lakers v NJ Nets - 2.5.08

Early in the 3rd quarter, Vince Carter drives into the Laker defense, looking for the refs to bail him out with a foul call. When his shot is contested by LO and missed:

Joel Myers: Carter, inside, and out of control. All he wanted was the whistle.
Stu Lantz: Well he got it but it was from his girlfriend. And that doesn't count. (awkward pause) I shouldn't say his girlfriend.

All together now: hmmmmmmm.