Mission: Quest for 15 - COMPLETE!

Your Los Angeles Lakers are NBA Champions for the 15th time in franchise history after an impressive Game 5 victory over the Orlando Magic last night by a final score of 99-86. Kobe Bryant was named Finals MVP after securing his legacy with one of the great Finals performances we've seen since Michael Jordan. Kobe averaged 32 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in the five games against Orlando, just the second player ever to accomplish that in an NBA Finals series.

For Kobe and Derek Fisher, this is their fourth title together as teammates, who joined the league at the same time in 1996. Kobe was part of the Vlade Divac trade on draft day in 1996 that sent Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for the rights to Kobe, who was drafted by the Hornets for the Lakers as part of the deal. Fisher was the Lakers first round draft pick later that night. The two struggled through three playoff seasons from 1997 to 1999, and finally won their first of three straight in 2000, against Indiana in six games, when Phil Jackson took over as head coach at the beginning of that season in 1999. The Lakers beat Philadelphia in five games in 2001, and swept New Jersey in 2002.

Jackson, with the win, becomes the winningest coach in NBA Finals history with his 10th title as a head coach, surpassing the late, great Red Auerbach, who won nine titles with Boston in the 50s and 60s. Jackson won six with the Bulls from 1991 to 1998, including three-peats twice, from 1991-1993, and 1996-1998, before coming to the Lakers in 1999. He has now won 10 of the last 19 NBA titles as a head coach, and is 10-2 overall in the NBA Finals, the two losses coming in 2004 against Detroit, and last season against Boston.

As for the game last night, the Lakers thoroughly frustrated Orlando after the Magic started off quickly and ran off to a nine point lead early. The Lakers battled back, weathered the storm, and then ran off a 16-0 run that would essentially seal the deal as the Magic never really challenged them again.

Not to be forgotten, are the performances of Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza throughout the game, and the series. And of course, not mentioned yet and surely not forgotten, here in this space, were the two big three-pointers by Fisher in Game 4, the first sending the game into overtime, and the second helping ice the game in overtime that led to the all important 99-91 win.

In that game, the Lakers trailed at the half, after looking lost for 24 minutes. The Lakers battled through adversity, and early foul trouble, and came out of the locker room at halftime a much more aggressive team, led by Ariza's 13 third quarter points, and it carried over into Game 5. As aggressive as the Lakers were in the second half and overtime in Game 4, they did not shoot a single free throw after the third quarter. But it didn't matter.

The Magic made costly turnovers and missed numerous key free throws late Game 4, much like the Lakers did in Game 3, that enabled the Lakers to rally from five points down, and gave Fisher the opportunity to hit that game-tying three pointer with just under five seconds left in regulation.

In the decisive Game 5 win last night, the Lakers dominated many of the key components of the game, including the boards, offensively and defensively, and kept the Magic off balance much of the game, forcing them into key turnovers that led to key Laker points. As a result, the Magic played frustrated all night, and it was never more evident than in the play of Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu.

Congratulations to the Lakers on a remarkable season that saw them win 65 regular season games, third most in frachise history. Congratulations to the 15-time NBA Champion, Los Angeles Lakers!

Lakers Lose Game 3, But All Is Still Good

Talk about a weird game last night. Orlando shot an insane 63% from the floor, and Kobe missed some critical free throws late in the game, and turned the ball over and missed a layup, also late in the game, and the Lakers lost a tough one, 108-104 in Orlando.

Kobe scored 17 first quarter points but was relatively ineffective the rest of the night in spite of the miscues and missed free throws in the fourth quarter. Kobe led five Lakers in double figures, finishing with 31 points and eight assists for the third straight game. Pau Gasol had 23 points, Trevor Ariza finished with 13 points and Lamar Odom and Jordan Farmar added 11 apiece off the bench for the Lakers, who shot a respectable 51% from the floor.

Meanwhile, the Magic had three players score 20 or more points, led by Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard's 21 points apiece. But the key to Orlando's win last night was a breakout performance in the series by Magic point guard Rafer Alston, who finished with 20 points.

The Lakers overall played a solid game, and well enough to win. But Kobe's mistakes, miscues and misses would prove costly, and a bit too much to overcome late in the game.

If the Lakers continue to play as well as they have in the series, they should be in great shape as they continue their march to their 15th NBA title. I don't expect Orlando to shoot 63% from the floor again, and you can bet Kobe won't have the kind of fourth quarter as he did last night again. That said, I expect the Lakers to come out victorious in Game 4 tomorrow night in Orlando.

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By the way, I heard on local ESPN Radio 103.3 FM here in the Dallas area today that the L.A.P.D. sent a memo out to the Lakers and the city of Los Angeles, that should the Lakers clinch the title on Sunday in Game 5, they could be ready for a parade on Monday morning. The memo apparently also said that if it takes the Lakers longer, a parade could take place next Wednesday, next Friday, or the following Monday. The L.A.P.D. has apparently already mapped out a parade route that would begin at Staples Center, and wind through downtown, ending up at the Coliseum where the rally would take place.

Now if you ask me, this is a very bold move by the L.A.P.D. because they're already under the assumption that the Lakers will win. The department's reasoning for the memo will obviously be that they're planning ahead to be prepared from a security standpoint, and chances are the city would buy into that. I just hope this doesn't come back to haunt the Lakers and they wind up not winning this at all.

Lakers Go Up 2-0

It wasn't pretty, but the Lakers made the defensive stops when they needed it, and they made the big shots and free throws when they had to, and escaped with a 101-96 win in overtime in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Lakers used another balanced scoring attack as Kobe had a team high 29 points to go with eight assists. Pau Gasol added 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had another great game off the bench, scoring 19 points and pulling down eight rebounds.

The Lakers shot 46% from the floor, but early in the game it looked like both teams were struggling to make their shots. At one point in the second quarter, both teams were shooting under 35% for the game. Orlando wound up shooting 42% for the game with a better showing in the second half, but made just 10 of 30 from three-point land. Rashard Lewis led all scorers with 34 points. Lewis also chipped in with 11 rebounds, while Hedo Turkoglu added 22 points, and Dwight Howard had 17 points to go with his game high 16 rebounds.

The Lakers were badly beaten on the boards tonight, 44-35, but they out-scored the Magic at free throw line 24-20.

The game was tied after the first quarter, but the Lakers stretched it out to a five-point half-time lead, 40-35. The Magic came out of the locker room poised to send this series back to Orlando tied, and would lead after three quarters, 65-63. The game was a see-saw battle throughout the fourth quarter, and the Lakers had a chance to win it with just nine seconds left. But Hedo Turkoglu blocked Kobe's shot with :00.6 seconds left in regulation. The Magic tried one last lob and shoot play, but Courtney Lee missed the open lay-up from the inbounds lob pass, sending the game into overtime.

Teams taking a 2-0 playoff series lead in the NBA have historically won 94% of the time, so the percentages favor the Lakers heading into Game 3. The Magic have a chance now to regain home court as the next three games are in Orlando. Game 3 is Tuesday night, with Game 4 on Thursday night, and Game 5 a week from tonight if the magic win either of the next two games.

Total Domination

If Game 1 is any indication how the rest of the series will be played out, the Lakers can book their 15th NBA title now. The Lakers played their third straight impressive performance going back to Games 5 and 6 of the West Finals, by completely dominating the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the NBA Finals with a 100-75 rout. Kobe did his thing as usual, nearly putting up a triple-double, scoring a personal Finals-best 40 points to go along with eight rebounds and eight assists.

The Lakers dominated every aspect of the game from late in the first quarter. They pounded the glass and dominated the inside game, out-rebounding the Magic 55-41, and in the process, played stifling defense that kept the Magic off-balanced offensively for much of the night. The end result left the Magic with just three players in double-figures in scoring, led by Michael Pietrus' 14 points. Dwight Howard had 12 points and 15 rebounds while Hedo Turkoglu finished with 13 points. Orlando shot just 30% from the floor tonight, thanks in large part to the Lakers defensive efforts.

For the Lakers, Pau Gasol chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds, Lamar Odom added 11 and 14, and Andrew Bynum had nine points and nine rebounds.

Game 2 is Sunday night at Staples.

T-Minus Two Hours

Well, we've finally reached that time of the day when we can really begin to prepare and get ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. There isn't a whole lot new to report on the Lakers side, but there might be some on the Magic side.

Earlier in the week, Jameer Nelson (shoulder) began full-contact drills and workouts with the Magic in hopes he might be activated and ready for the Finals. After the first two practices, teammates proclaimed Nelson ready, and that he would play in the Finals. Then earlier today, we heard the Magic rule him out and Nelson would not be activated for the series. Now late word out of Staples Center is that he will be activated for the series. But how effective he will be if he even plays remains to be seen.

Nelson was an intrigal part of the Magic's two wins against the Lakers during the regular season. However, those games were back in December, roughly 61 games ago for the Lakers.

Back on the Lakers injury front, both Lamar Odom (sore back) and Trevor Ariza (hip/groin) both practiced at 100% today are both expected to be ready for tonight. Ariza will continue to start while Odom comes off the bench.

Lakers Have A Magic-al Opponent

Orlando defeated Cleveland tonight 103-90 in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals to eliminate Lebron James and the Cavs from the playoffs. That means the Lakers will have home court advantage in the Finals and will host Game One on Thursday night. For the rest of the Finals schedule, check out Dodger Thoughts' Jon Weisman's post connecting the Lakers and Dodgers schedule correlations.

The Quest For 15 Continues...

And it's back to the Finals for the 30th time in franchise history.

The Lakers completely dominated this game in every aspect, and used another solid balance scoring attack, coming away with a 119-92 blasting of the Nuggets. Kobe topped off his Game Five performance with an even better one in Game Six, pouring in 35 points, while shooting 60% from the floor, making all nine of his free throws, and most importantly, dishing out 10 assists. The Lakers got solid contributions from Paul Gasol, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza and Luke Walton. All four scored in double figures, with Gasol and Odom scoring 20 and Ariza 17. Gasol and Odom also combined for 20 rebounds. Walton hit a couple of big baskets along the way for 10 solid points.

Game One of the Finals is June 4th. If Orlando wins the East Finals, they'll open in L.A. If the Cavs win, the Lakers will travel to Cleveland for Game One.

The Lakers dominated this game inside and outside, playing aggressive basketball, smothering defense, and penetrating and breaking down the Nuggets defense. In the process, they shot 57% from the floor and made all 24 of their free throws. They came with a purpose, the executed their game plan, played with a sense of urgency, and they conquered. This was, arguably, the Lakers best performance of the season, and most certainly, of the playoffs.

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 for Denver, and J.R. Smith added 24. Chauncey Billips took just seven shots in the game again, five before halftime, and finished with 10 very quiet points. Denver shot just 43% from the field while missing 11 of 19 from behind the three-point line.

The Nuggets gave the Lakers a series in the first four and a half games, but the Lakers took control of the series mid-way through the third quarter of Game Five and never really looked back. They exposed the Nuggets weaknesses, and tonight, they nailed Denver's coffin shut.

Goodnight, "Birdman."

Lakers Lead Game 6 at the Half

So far, so good. Lakers showed up tonight. At the break, they're up 53-40. They're attacking the baket, they're playing aggressively, they're playing with a purpose tonight.

Lakers are shooting 60% to Denver's 37%. They're also shooting 60% from behind the three-point line. Kobe leads all scorers with 18 points, but he also has six assists. Ariza has 13.

Now That's What I'm Talking About

Well, that was a better performance by the Lakers last night. A well-balanced scoring attack propelled the Lakers to the brink of another trip to the NBA Finals with a 103-94 win at Staples. The Lakers slashed and dashed their way through the Nuggets defense all night, in particular from the middle of the third quarter to the end of the game. Kobe penetrated, drew double- and triple-teams while breaking down the Nuggets defense, and dished the ball out to the open man all night, racking up eight assists in the process, to go along with his 22 points on just 13 shots.

The result was a big night for Lamar Odom, who poured in 19 points with 14 boards, and Pau Gasol, who added 14 and 10, as the big men dominated the inside game.

The game was tied at the end of the first three quarters, but the Lakers used a 21-3 run that began mid-way through the third. They started the fourth with an 11-0 run to bust the game open. The balanced attack also featured 12 points each from Trevor Ariza and Derek Fisher. And Shannon Brown, who had just six points, hit a big shot late in the game to beat the 24 second clock that would turn out to be a huge basket.

Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 31 points, but unlike Game Four, when Denver had seven players in double figures, he had very little support from his teammates. hauncey Billips was limited to just seven shots all night for 12 points, the second highest scorer for the Nuggets. Only two others scored in double figures for Denver, who now trail the Lakers 3-2 in the series with Game Six back in Denver tomorrow night.

The Lakers were out-rebounded again, but this time by one board, but they did a much better job on the offensive glass, finishing with 14 offensive rebounds to Denver's 10. The game was more balanced from an officiating standpoint, as the Lakers shot just five more free throws than Denver. And despite that, Nuggets coach George Karl, much like Phil Jackson did after Game Four, criticsized the officiating after the game, although using much lighter words. Jackson was fined $25,000 for his comments. The league didn't fine Karl.

A little something to ponder heading into tomorrow's showdown...

Quick Update

Along with rescinding Bynum's flagrant foul as noted below, the league has issued a flagrant-1 foul on Dahntay Jones for tripping Kobe. That is Jones' third of the playoffs, which means, one more, and he'll earn an automatic one-game suspension.

A Mile High Embarassment

Well, that was fun, wasn't it?! Last night's game has to rank as one of the worst performances I have ever seen from a Laker team in the playoffs. They were out-played, out-hustled, out-rebounded, out-coached in every aspect of the game. Sure, Kobe did his thing with 34 points despite showing signs of fatigued carried over from the end of Game Three. Pau added 21 and 10, and Bynum chipped in another 14. But they displayed no sense of urgency last night, and played the game as if it were another regular season game in November instead of a key playoff game in a seven-game series. And while the Nuggets went to the free line 49 times to the Lakers 35, the Lakers have no one to blame but themselves for that, as well. They just weren't aggressive enough. And it showed, even on the offensive glass where they were badly out-rebounded 20-9 (58-40 overall). The bench added no support, either. Jordan Farmar led all Laker reserves with just 10 points.

Once again, Chauncey Billups was a thorn in the Lakers side, pouring in 24 points. Nuggets reserve J.R. Smith, who's been cocky and arrogant all series, displaying unsportsmanlike gestures throughout, also added 24. Five other Nuggets scored in double-figures for Denver, who won 120-101.

And, for whatever reason, Kobe was on the bench for a good part of the 4th quarter, again, which seemed to be a hot topic on numerous post-game shows last night on both radio and television. Many people suggested that Phil Jackson was throwing in the towel for this game much too early by sitting Kobe when he did.

Pau Gasol questioned the way the offense lacked the involvement of the 'big men' more, as well. And while I understand his frustrations and being the spokesperson for the 'big men', I personally am still not convinced that Andrew Bynum is altogether with it defensively. His inability to dominate the boards as a seven-footer has not warranted the playing time he commands, thus, making his availability to be an intregal part of the offense limited.

Of lesser concern, both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, are both recovering from minor injuries. It is believed that their injuries limited their effectiveness last night. Neither are expected to lose any significant playing time, and both hope to be more effective in Game Five tomorrow night at Staples.

Also, Andrew Bynum was assessed with a flagrant foul last night after making a hard foul on Nuggets forward Chris "Birdman" Anderson. Bynum brought both of his arms down hard on Anderson late in the game while Anderson was driving to the basket. When the play occurred, and ended, Anderson's headband was down over his eyes. However, replays showed that Bynum made every effort to hit the ball when this arms came down on Anderson, that there was no intent to injure Anderson, and the league today rescinded the flagrant foul on Bynum after further review.

Likely still under review, however, is the tripping of Kobe in third quarter by Dahntay Jones. Unintentional or not, Phil called it unsportsmanlike; Kobe said it was good defense and added, sarcastically, that he was a "klutz."

Having said all that, with the series dead even at two games apiece, the Lakers did what they set out to do when they arrived in Denver: they regained home court advantage, and have two chances at home versus one for Denver, so the odds are still in their favor. Hopefully they'll take advantage of it.

Lake Show Regains Home Court

This series is really turning into a closely contested battle between two teams looking to gain whatever edge they can. Tonight, Kobe, Ariza and Gasol stepped it up and carried the Lakers, making the big shots and the big plays when they needed it, and the Lakers gutted out a 103-97 win from the Nuggets up in the Mile High City.

The Lakers trailed much of the game, and as was the case in the first two games, both teams had to overcome inconsistent officiating from the referees. But in the end, the Lakers were victorious as they held their cool over an emotional Nuggets team that made some costly mistakes again late in the game. The biggest play of the game, no doubt, was a replica of a play that turned out to be the biggest play of the Lakers Game 1 win. Trevor Ariza stole an inbounds pass at midcourt from the Nuggets, and was fouled in process, making the two free throws that gave the Lakers a four-point lead.

Kobe finished with 41 points, his second 40-point effort in the series. Game 4 is Monday night.

Catching Up: Lakers Play; Officiating

I didn't get a chance to blog at all during the past week, but I was finally able to watch the games. I saw the final two games of the Houston series, and have watched Games 1 and 2 of this series with Denver. And two things have become increasingly apparent. One, the Lakers do not look like a title contender with their Jeckyl and Hyde play. And two, the officiating is getting ridiculously worse and worse as the playoffs get closer to the Finals.

First, the Lakers play. How does one explain a team that wins by 40, then loses by 20, then wins by 20 in three straight games? Kobe said it best earlier in the week on Mason and Ireland on 710 when he said, and I'm just paraphrasing here, that the Lakers are bi-polar. This team, probably more than any other Laker team that I can remember, gives their fans major heartburn and headaches. I have never seen a team play so inconsistent through 48 minutes than this one. It makes me wonder sometimes, how this team ever won 65 regular season games. It's probably a miracle they got this far, as well. And when I say "this team" I'm referencing to last year's team, as well.

I could sit here and break down how each of the 12 players on the team has been brutally horrid at one point or another in the playoffs. But let's stick to what we already know. Lamar Odom is the most passive-aggressive player I've ever seen. I've never seen a guy try to do more than he has to to make an easy layup. Luke Walton is probably worse. As smart of a player as he is, he's also the most mistake-prone. He, too, like Odom, can't seem to make a simple layup. And where do we begin with Andrew Bynum? Phil Jackson has literally lost all confidence in him because of his defensive deficiencies, as well as his inability to dominate the glass, that his playing time has been cut nearly in half. And Derek Fisher, while he can still hit a big three when they need one once in a blue moon, just isn't the same player he once was. The smaller, quicker guards in the league are just simply abusing him defensively. It might be time for Jordan Farmar to take over the point guard duties.

Now my rant on the officiating. Bottom line: it stinks! The officiating has gotten worse and worse every year, and it has become more prevalent in the post-season. And I'm not just talking about how bad it has been against the Lakers, it's been bad for everyone. One example: Dallas got robbed of a win in one of their games in their Denver series. It wouldn't have made a big difference in the series outcome, but the point is that the horrific officiating has taken the games out of the players hands, and right into the referees hands. The games aren't being decided by the players anymore. And it's been like that for years now.

As for the officiating against the Lakers, Lamar Odom nearly had his jersey pulled right off his back in Game 7 of the Rockets series after he made a steal, and no call was made. Chauncey Billups clearly stepped out of bounds late in Game 1 when he made a key three-pointer right in front of a referee, and it wasn't called. Kobe suffered a dislocated finger again when he got hacked in the same game, and no call was made. Trevor Ariza got hit on top of his shoulder after he made that steal of the inbounds pass late in Game 1, and no call was made.

The technical and flagrant fouls have gotten way out of hand, as well. Again, I know the league and officials, probably in light of the Detroit-Indiana brawl of a few seasons ago, are trying to control the games before they get out of hand, but it seems as if they're taking control of the games instead.

I know the league would prefer to have the higher profiled teams in the Finals because the ratings would be higher, and you'd have two of the biggest profiled players in the league in the Finals going head-to-head. Sometimes I wonder if the league is nothing but a bunch of hypocrites because one day you get the feeling the league is doing whatever it can to avoid having certain teams advance, and then the next day its the complete opposite. You almost get the feeling that the league is fixed, that the games are fixed.

But here's my real problem with the officiating in the NBA. The officials in the NBA hold grudges against teams and players moreso than in any other sport. And they become that much more magnified on a bigger stage such as the playoffs. There is also no consistency what-so-ever. There never is. It's gotten worse every year. The officiating isn't the same now as it was 10 or 15 years ago. I do wonder if the ever-changing rule changes every year might have something to do with it, or if perhaps Commissioner David Stern is just dictating to the refs what he wants for his own personal agenda.

It has gotten to a point now where if it weren't for the Lakers, I would probably never watch the NBA. In fact, I really don't anymore. And as big of a Laker fan as I am, living outside of Southern California, I refuse to pay extra for the Full Court satellite package so I can watch the Lakers when they aren't on national television (ESPN, ABC, TNT, NBA TV). I refuse to give the NBA any of my money. I would rather watch an NHL playoff game instead, because the officiating is consistent from game to game, and they let the players on the ice decide the game. Seriously, turn on an NHL playoff game and you will rarely see penalties called late in the game, or in overtime if it gets that far. NHL officials, in my opinion, are probably the best of the four major sports in America. NBA officials? The absolute worse. And it's not even close. And what makes it even worse is when it is brought to David Stern's attention, he refuses to acknowledge that it's a big problem.

I could probably go on and on about this but there's no point in beating a dead horse. But my points are made. If the Lakers somehow win this series, and even the next one, it will be a miracle at this point. Their inconsistent play is their biggest achilles heel at this point, and they better turn it around quick or its going to be another long off-season of finger-pointing and what-ifs. They need to get tough. They need to care. They need to play these playoff games as such, as if every game is a game seven, not a regular season game in November. And as for the officiating, good riddance to the team that does win because chances are they'll get plenty help on the court from the guys in stripes.

Well, Talk About Payback...

Once again, I did not see any of the game. However, just from looking at the score, it's quite obvious the Lakers took this game a lot more seriously than they did Sunday's game. How does a 40-point blowout sound? Not bad, huh?! Now let's see if they can take that energy and head back to Houston and play the same way they did tonight and wrap up this series. There's no excuse for them to not get it done. Just do it!

I'll share some more thoughts tomorrow after I've had a chance to read up on the game summaries and post-game comments from the players, and see some of the highlights.

Game Four Thread

Well so much for going back to L.A. up 3-1. Lakers are just getting demoralized today in Houston, trailing by 13 as I start typing this here in the fourth quarter. The defense has been brutal all day. Kobe just now returned into the game after sitting the first 5 or 6 minutes of the fourth quarter. Not sure why Phil sat him for so long. Oh well. Too little, too late for the Lakers today.

More later.

Ya-ouch!

BREAKING NEWS: Just as I finished my previous post and clicked the "publish" button, word came down that the Lakers have caught a big break... or a small one, depending on how you look at it. Rockets center Yao Ming, who was playing in obvious pain in Game Three, will be out for the remainder of the playoffs as an MRI revealed he has a hairline fracture in his left foot. In any case, a big blow to the Rockets chances, even though I really never thought they would have beat the Lakers with Yao. Here's the breaking news story from the Houston Chronicle.

Houston Has A Problem

I've obviously been slacking here, but for good reason. I'll leave it at that and get to the point. In the last three months, we know the Lakers clinched the best record in the West, and then dismantled a very good Utah team in five games in what I thought would be the Lakers toughest opponent in the playoffs based on match-ups. Now, before I get dive into what has become a very touchy and physical series between the Purple & Gold and the Rockets, keep in mind everything I know about this series is what I've seen of the highlights and read up on the game recaps online. I have not been able to watch a game in over a week for various reasons.

Here's what we know: the Lakers have a two-games-to-one series lead heading into Game Four tomorrow afternoon in Houston. But it hasn't been pretty. They looked lost in a Game One loss at Staples. Tensions began to boil over in this game when Houston's Shane Battier took an inadvertent elbow from Sasha Vujacic.

The Lakers rebounded nicely in Game Two defending their home court, but with what seemed like a chip on their shoulder. Ron Artest was ejected late in the game for making a threatening gesture to Kobe from across the court, but not before Derek Fisher threw an unexpected elbow at Luis Scola and was eventually suspended for Game Three. There was plenty of jawing going on as Scola, Lamar Odom and Luke Walton were all given technical fouls. Kobe was assessed a technical foul which the league ruled a Flagrant Foul 1 the following day. Can someone please explain to me what the hell a Flagrant Foul 1 is?

The Lakers then marched into the Toyota Center in Houston and won back home-court with an impressive Game Three win over the Rockets, minus Derek Fisher. The game was a much cleaner, well played game on both ends by both teams in what seemed like see-saw battle in the middle of the game. But the end of the game turned testy, as it did in Game Two, and Artest was ejected for a hard foul on Pau Gasol. In the end, the Lakers kept their cool, and roll into tomorrow's Game Four with a chance to take a very commanding three-games-to-one lead heading back to L.A. for Game Five.

Stay tuned!

Has Anyone Noticed...

That Chris Mihm was traded yesterday? Well, if you're wondering, today is the trade deadline in the NBA, and that move obviously stirred some questions around Laker camp as to whether that was a precursor to another move today by GM Kobe (just kidding, Mitch!). I guess the main concern is the Lakers sudden lack of big men (Bynum's out until at least April, and Gasol is really now the only center on the team). Is Amare on his way in? Is Shaq coming back for one last hoorah? I highly doubt it. But Josh Powell sure seemed to like the move as his minutes suddenly skyrocketed to the point he played enough last night to score 12 points... by half-time!

Speaking of last night (and the night before), it looked like the Warriors were going to run the Lakers off the court much in the same way the Lakers did to Atlanta the night before at Staples. Instead, the Lakers held their own, and then Trevor Ariza - yes, Trevor, and not Kobe - took over the game. Ariza hit two huge three-pointers that would prove to be too much for Golden State to overcome. And what's with Lamar Odom suddenly becoming this force to be reckoned with? Oh, maybe it's just the fact he's playing for a contract next year! But who cares! He's actually playing his best basketball as a Laker right now, and the Lakers will gladly take it in the absence of Bynum.

By the way, anyone see new Laker Shannon Brown's block late in the game against Atlanta the night before last? Talk about being light on your feet. I don't ever remember seeing a block like that... ever! Enjoy!

Kobe, Shaq & P-Jax Reunited

Well, for nostalgia purposes anyway. The Big Three, as Shaq might have once called them, reunited on the same team for a one night only affair tonight, and it was apparently a rousing success! Of course, nothing could possibly top the pre-game Kazaam-like performance by Shaq as he danced, and razzled and dazzled a raucous Phoenix crowd. Shaq, the class clown of the NBA, did not disappoint in entertaining the fans, before, during, and after the game.

So could this all lead to one last hoorah for the Big Three as the Lakers make their run towards their possible 15th NBA title this June? Maybe, maybe not. There's no indication the Lakers are interested in Shaq's services with Andrew Bynum ahead of schedule in his recovery (and rehab?) from a torn MCL in his right knee. But one thing we do know, Kobe and Shaq, like they did for eight years together until five seasons ago, dominated tonight's All-Star Game in Phoenix, where Shaq calls his NBA home these days, and took home the co-MVP honors.

In the end, Kobe finished with a game-high 27 points on 12-23 shooting (very Kobe-like) along with four rebounds, assists and steals apiece. Shaq finished with 17 points and five boards and dominated the middle in his 15th All-Star Game appearance, second most in NBA history. The West All-Stars routed their East counterparts 146-119, blowing the game open in the third quarter. Amare Stoudemire added 19 points, while four others, including the Lakers' Pau Gasol, chimed in with 14 apiece for the West. The East was led by LeBron James' 20 points, with Paul Pierce and Dwayne Wade each adding 18 each.

And while Shaq said he missed the old times the two, or three if you include Phil Jackson, had together, Kobe was particularly ho-hum about it, saying it was fun for the one night while it lasted. It was quite obvious after hearing Kobe talk about it afterwards, even after Shaq had plenty of compliments to pass around about Kobe, labeling him as the best player in the league, that this was, indeed, just a one-night stand.

The Lakers will continue their title quest Tuesday at Staples against Atlanta. And with the trade deadline this Thursday, all eyes are on Phoenix as rumors have been swirling around the league that Shaq and/or Stoudemire could be on the move. Just don't expect Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers to be calling Steve Kerr.

New Lakers Sit

Just thought I'd pass that little piece of pretty useless information regarding tonight's game against Oklahoma City. Lakers have a 52-45 lead at the moment, very late in the first half.

As for Oklahoma City, I'm sure the Thunder have more on their minds tonight than basketball, as their city was blasted by a tornado this afternoon, and was still getting hit pretty hard by severe weather tonight.

Streak Busters!

This is becoming very routine for this Laker team. On Christmas Day, the Lakers ended the Celtics' 19 game winning streak. Last Thursday, they ended Boston's 12-game win streak. Yesterday, the Lakers upended Cleveland 101-91 to snap the Cavs' home winning streak at 23, including handing them their first home loss of the season. But the story of the game was Lamar Odom stepping up and perhaps playing his best game in his Laker career, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 17 boards. An ailing Kobe Bryant added 19 points despite looking like hell and as if he were going to puke all afternoon. Kobe, suffering from flu-like symptoms all day, actually received an IV before the game and during halftime, and walked off the court with about 12 seconds left in the game to get a head start with treatment in the locker room. Pau Gasol added 18 points and 12 rebounds.

This might have been the Lakers best effort of the season despite being down by 10 points at halftime. The Lakers dominated the second half with tenacious defense and outscoring the Cavs by 20. Cleveland, who had 61 points at the half, had just 30 second half points. Lebron James finished with 16 very quiet points on just 5 of 20 shooting.

Next up for the Lakers, a home game tomorrow night against Oklahoma City, and then a quick stop in Utah for a date with the Jazz Wednesday night before the AS break his weekend.

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New Lakers Adam 'Mustache' Morrison and Shannon Brown practiced with the team today for the first time since being traded to the Lakers Saturday afternoon. Both are expected to be in uniform tomorrow night.

Radmanovic Traded

Purple & Gold have shipped out struggling forward Vladimir Radmanovic to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for forward Adam Morrison and reserve point guard Shannon Brown. Morrison's mustache is expected to provide some perimeter shooting depth for the Lakers and should slide into the starting lineup at the 3. More on this later.

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Also, rumors have surfaced that former Laker center Shaquille O'Neal, who is being shopped by Phoenix along with power forward Amare Stoudemire, has hinted that he'd like one last hoorah with the Lakeshow. With Andrew Bynum likely out for at least two months, maybe three with a torn MCL, this one does carry some weight. Stay tuned to this one, too...

Purple & Gold Roll Into Beantown

UPDATE (10:12 PM CT): Game over. What a finish!!! Lakers hold on for a 110-109 win in OT. They made the stop when they needed it most. Kobe finishes with 26-10-5 (yes, that's not a typo... he did not score in OT). L.O. contributed with 20 big points, and Pau Gasol added 24. Lakers now leapfrog Boston with best record in NBA at 40-9 (Cleveland is 39-9, Celtics are 41-10). Next up for the Purple & Gold: at Cleveland on Sunday.

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UPDATE (9:56 PM CT): On to OT. Much better defense in the quarter. KG has fouled out... advantage Lakers? We'll see. Score: 101-101. Kobe with 26-9-4 through regulation.

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UPDATE (9:14 PM CT): Another entertaining quarter... Lakers still trail... 81-77. Defense is starting to give up too many points... gotta tighten that up in the fourth... Kobe with 17-7-4 now.

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UPDATE (8:41PM CT): Start of third quarter, C's up 52-51. Exciting first half of hoops. Lotta bone-headed plays on both ends by both teams. Should be a better second half. Kobe with 13-5-3 halfway through the game.

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UPDATE (7:43PM CT): End of first quarter, Lakers up 23-20. Slow start for both teams. Kobe with 10-4-3, so far.

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Big game tonight in Boston as the Lakers and Celtics square up for the first time in Boston since Game 6 of last season's Finals, where the Lakers were embarassed by a 39-point humiliating loss to end their season and give the C's their first title since 1986.

The Lakers come in to the game tonight on a 4-game winning streak so far on the road trip, with one more in Cleveland on Sunday. The C's, who went spiraling out of control for a bit after the Lakers ended their 19-game streak on Christmas Day at Staples, have since rebounded with another streak: a 12-game winning streak. KG returns to the wars tonight for the C's, while the Lakers will be without Andrew Bynum, who tore his right MCL on Sunday, and is out 2-3 months.

Lakers are 39-9, 16-5 on the road this season, while the Celts are 41-9 overall, 24-2 at home. Should be an interesting game. Lakers must play better transition deense if they are to have any shot in this game, and they've got to get Lamar Odom more involved. We'll see if any of this holds true in about three hours. Tip-off is in 10 minutes on TNT.

Lakers Rule the NBA

Back on October 30th, I wondered, if after two games, they were as good as they had played in those first games. Thirty-one games later, and after a horrid stretch were they were finding ways to blow big leads and either barely hang on for wins or lose games altogether, I'd have to say, "Yes, they are this good."

Even after losing last night at home for the just second time all season against a very good New Orleans team, the Lakers have shown that they can be mentioned in the same breath with the elite teams in the league. Because they ARE an elite team in the league. For a while it looked like the Lakers were one of the worst elite teams we had seen in years. They were winning games, as their record had proved, but they weren't pretty. They had lost two games on an East Coast road trip that proved they weren't an elite team, yet. Then they went home for Christmas and the red-hot 27-2 Boston Celtics, the defending champs, arrived, and the Lakers ran them off the court like they were a bunch of teenage street players just learning how to play "HORSE". Since then, the Celtics went spiraling into a 2-5 record and have shown they are a very beatable team, and the Lakers leapfrogged both Boston and Cleveland into the league's top spot with the best record.

Kobe Bryant continues to be Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol has become a huge fan favorite with his likeable charm on and off the court, and his ability to step up and come up big late in games as a second option. Andrew Bynum hasn't had the season he would have liked so far, but when you realize he would still be a Junior in college right now, the Lakers can't really complain too much. The biggest surprise so far has been the consistency from the bench, in particular from Trevor Ariza, who has provided much of the hustle and spark of the bench left behind by the departed Ronny Turiaf to Golden State.

If the Lakers can shore up the defense a little (they're giving up 100 points a game), they should be in good shape heading into the second half of the season.

Bynum Gets Extension

Andrew Bynum has reached an agreement with the Lakers on a four-year extension that will pay him about $58MM. This means Bynum will forego free agency for at least three years as the fourth year of the contract extension is an option year. This should also keep the core of the team intact, assuming Kobe Bryant stays put, for several years and essentially assures the Lakers will be a title contender for the next three or four years. Excellent signing by both sides.