Lakers Need to Revamp, After Embarrassing Downfall

Together, they were soft, feeble and spongy, whether it was overconfidence or tiredness, ignoring Andrew Bynum's insightful remarks on the lack of chemistry, cohesiveness and trust after Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. What's so easy to forget, when blinded by the invincibility as if the Los Angeles Lakers weren't vulnerable for attack and couldn't collapse in the postseason, a season featuring much unpredictability and astonishing events, is that the Lakers were on decline and requires an extreme makeover.


It's vital to the Lakers' stagnant personality that the front office handles the offseason with urgency and revamps the roster for the betterment of the future, within a franchise built with mystique and megastars. What did Kobe Bryant think of the fatality, an embarrassing demolition, which clinched the series for the Dallas Mavericks and ended the triumph for the Lakers to remind the Los Angeles' folks of the latest demise pulverizing a storied franchise?

It marked the first time in quite a while, wearing a towel with a depressing gaze on his face not having his usual intimidating facial features, that Bryant walked out of the shower dazed and frustrated, stepped onto the podium in the conference room somberly and walked off in tremendous shock. He was stronger and matured in a way, loaded with five championship rings in an era the Lakers preserved triumphant feats. While before the press, addressing a swarm of reporters sitting cramped in the room, he did not whine about the loss and acknowledged the winners, discussing the lack of dominance and effort to crowd and disrupt the Mavs.

Either Dallas was too much to disrupt or either the Lakers were too apathetic, lethargic and doltish. Seems it's clearly hard to intrude the minds of the erratic Lakers, a perplexing riddle in the NBA as the majority try to figure out what happened with the defending champs, collapsing in the postseason by not fighting efficiently or playing as a composed unit. So what's the problem for a team that cannot defy the odds of defending its title when the team isn't fierce or intimidating for the opposing opponent?

Nobody is afraid of the two-time defending champs with the intangibles to match the Lakers' firepower, durability and strength, unevenly outplaying and bullying Team Hollywood. But for some reason, probably because the Lakers were too pompous and comfortable as L.A. continued to reign as the most prominent franchise in the NBA, the well-respected basketball team in Los Angeles wasn't focused and failed to fiercely battle and allowed the Mavs to slaughter them. The face of the Lakers, for the rare defeat that sent a wakeup call to the Busses, is anything but flawless and hopeful. It would be convenient for the Lakers to clean house and seek a rebuilding plan to rebuild by surrounding Bryant with youth and athleticism.

This offseason, the Busses need to bring in explosive guards and a physique seven-foot center. So now, the Lakers should have Orlando's potent seven-footer Dwight Howard in mind and target Superman, given his maximized skills and capacity to rule the paint with his tallness that creates a sublime post presence. That's all the more reason the Lakers must consider proposing a trade offer, a package deal sending Pau Gasol aka Paula Gasoft and Ron Artest to Orlando for Howard and Jason Richardson.

It's not such a bad suggestion, but a shrewd conception for a franchise in desperate need of a severe transition to inevitably bypass the torture of staggering postseason debacles that produces horror with all the misgivings. No matter what, in retrospect, the NBA is a business and it is cruel at times, compelling a legion of teams to listen to trade offers and reach a consensus for a player that blends in with the rest of the players and its depleted roster. And so it should come as no surprise that the Lakers could send Steve Blake, Derek Fisher, Matt Barnes, Shannon Brown and Artest packing.

For that matter, any player other than Kobe, the centerpiece in the Lakers future. Meanwhile, for the most accomplished coach all-time, Phil Jackson can drift into the sunset on strong terms, despite a heartbreaking exit in the semifinals of the weirdest postseason seen in a long time. In his glamorous coaching career, he migrated from New York where he was a hippie in the 70s and played ball, then fled to the Windy City in Chicago where he was fortunate in mentoring arguably the greatest player all-time Michael Jordan and then left for the beaches in Southern California to guide Kobe and the Lakers to five NBA titles.


The perfect ending for a historic legacy would be this summer after he earned his 11th title last June when the Lakers won back-to-back titles in his spectacular career, cemented by Los Angeles' wonderful journey before the era approached a rare closure. In his tenure, he established a legacy in L.A. and had been the proudest symbol of modern coaches in pro sports best known for teaching the fundamentals of basketball with his psychological mind games, which had a strong impact on the Lakers in recent memory. This was, above all, a surprising series for the Lakers, a series of devastation and it showed signs of deterioration for the dysfunctional two-time defending champs.

If nothing else, given the painful relapses in the horrifying series against the Mavs, the Lakers three-peat and Kobe's pursuit of his sixth title were endangered by Game 2 of the horrid series. By the time it was over, for the 65-year-old coach who is the most decorated legend in NBA history, he walked off the court with a widened smile, acknowledging and congratulating his antagonist while accepting praise by others, ready to call it a career and decided to depart with the most successful odyssey by any NBA coach in history.

As for the amazing pursuit of procuring his sixth title to tie Jordan in championships, Bryant gave all his effort but the Lakers dwindled in an embarrassing sweep and disintegrated under the burden of enormous disgrace and surrendered to the Mavs. It's one thing to respond with no energy or bitterness down 3-0 in a series. It's another when the team refuses to attack, recover and stay alive in the best-of-seven series with faith that a historic comeback is probable. The absolute laziness and unwillingness to defend the value of a title, not avoiding the sweep by the Mavs to reduce the humiliation and derision over the next couple of weeks, creates a publicity disaster for the Lakers. And in the upcoming weeks, L.A. will be bashed for such paltry responses against the hungrier and mightier Mavs.

Aside from it all, the next coach in line?

Well, if you prefer to keep Bryant content and want creativity and resiliency, then Brian Shaw, a favorable candidate to fill in the vacancy when Jackson announces his retirement and forges his signature on the documents, is the man worth hiring for the job. It was pitiful and entirely dispirited the way the Lakers played, revealing signs of oldness and fatigue in their sudden demise.

Mortals, anyone?

The Lakers can use a roster upgrade, revamping not only the starters but the bench players as well. When the Lakers are devoid of respect and a championship, when Team Hollywood is subjected to destruction and stands on the brink of elimination, the specifics normally are that the Lakers consists of an old and attenuated roster. Now that the generation has ended for the Lakers and unleashed ignominy, with rants from people on what future plans L.A. might want to consider down the road, it's imperative they retool before returning to prominence.

And after observing the Lakers lose in the semifinals to the Mavs, unable to survive the series by keeping it alive, the priority for Los Angeles should be remodeling the whole roster and surrounding Bryant with younger and explosive talent. The vanity of heart and guts destroyed the Lakers faith when L.A. erroneously blew a 16-point lead in Game 1, the one contest in the series that dictated the momentum and shifted the sense of belief. From there, the Mavs hijacked each game of the stunning series.

If the Lakers fail to renovate in the offseason, primarily because the Buss family is too stubborn-minded or too egomaniacal in spending massively on a megastar, then it won't ever be resolved and they'll continue to behave like punks and utterly be blown out in an uncompetitive match up. As long as the Lakers lineup is old and motionless -- almost ineffective in protecting sharpshooters from beyond the arc -- they'll have trouble defending the pick-and-roll or setting up to run the triangle efficiently.

In other words, the Lakers will never, ever be a sufficient defensive-minded unit, particularly with old, soft and slow depth in the lineup. Near the ending, and near the beginning of an annihilation, aging heavyweights lost composure and self-esteem by their body language in the final quarter. When it all ended, putting aside the debate of a potential repeat in June, it was grisly as the Lakers had poor sportsmanlike conduct with their bad actions on the court.


The nightmarish episodes were frustrating and despicable for the Lakers to bear, as the team was awfully routed in a demoralizing 122-86 loss. That led to the wretched behavior, when Lamar Odom stupidly sent Dirk Nowitzki to the floor on his cheap shot and later was ejected. Then, moments later, there was Andrew Bynum delivering a hard blow to Dallas' J.J. Barea.

It was outrageous and uncalled for.

At the very top level is Jackson, for a coach who achieved a legion of greatness. This is a permanent exit, realizing he has accomplished enough to leave wearing a smile, evidently calm and proud, even if he has fallen short of his fourth three-peat. Years from now the Lakers will reflect on the final game in their powerful regime and recall Jackson's unparalleled coaching achievements. It turned ugly rapidly and midway in the second quarter, the Lakers trailed by 18 and they were very incompetent, enough to force Jackson in calling two full timeouts. At that point the Lakers were done when Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic fired three-point shots and dismantled the defense, which made a baffled Barnes' afternoon miserable and exhausted a drained Fisher.

What is shockingly mind-blowing is that the Lakers abandoned their throne, succumbing to the Mavs, who were successful in dethroning the Lakers and sending an influential statement.

"I don't think we played bad to start the game," Jackson said. "But in that second quarter, the roof fell in on us."

No, the Lakers played horribly and were outscored a staggering 36-16 in the second quarter. Not once did they seem hungry or feisty in challenging and battling with the Mavs to keep their championship dreams alive. It kind of brought back the dreadful memories where the Lakers dropped Game 6 in the 2008 NBA Finals by 39 points to Boston for vividly the most humiliating letdown in franchise history. And now a 36-point margin of victory, the largest of the game.

Alas, it sadly ended for the Lakers in such a dreaded cessation.

Lakers Wild-Swinging Block Party Provokes Dynasty

LOS ANGELES--As a glamorous parade crowded and journeyed through Figueroa Street, on an overcastted afternoon that suddenly brightened into sunny skies, the Lakers superstars rode down the street, waving and expressing their appreciation with thousands of Lakers faithful.

There were vibes wandering in the players, coaching staff, and rabid fans' minds that Team Hollywood can repeat.

There's a probable chance that the Lakers can return to prominence and win back-to-back-to-back trophies. Confetti would fall from the rafters at Staples Center, the team would loft a gleaming trophy and add a 17th banner inside the much-publicized scene in Los Angeles.

Wearing a stylish Black Mamba T-shirt, Kobe Bryant waved and gestured genially and lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy, delighted and impressed with the turnaround. He shared a memorable day and a piece of historic masterpieces with the gracious populace who jubilated in peace and unity.

It’s always a surreal dream to witness Bryant, whose hospitable smile warmed the emotions of lifelong Lakers fans who've never had the privilege of seeing the greatest player on earth in person.


For all the heart and talent they showed, the Lakers were discovered Monday afternoon touring the town in a well-deserving joyride, maneuvering in two flat-bed trucks that hijacked most of the streets in downtown to give way to the festivities.

In the wake of sustaining back-to-back triumphs after winning their 16th title in franchise history, pulling closer to their nemesis the Boston Celtics 17 championships, the most among any NBA franchise, the Lakers are focusing on repeating again.

Judging by the depth, size and talent, Team LA can remain famous in a town where celebrities are embraced and overexposed at times.

And of course, we want to disconnect from all the shame and heartless idiots who are spiritless in a community where dumbasses riot the town instead of celebrating with pride and dignity.

If the hardest thing in sports is to win three times in a row, then the Lakers are stuck with high expectations. They're already predicted as next year's team to beat.

It surely was an indicator last week, when Bryant had an abysmal shooting night, missing numerous jumpers in a particularly poor performance.

But with the contributions from his lofty supporting cast, the Lakers survived and outlived the reinforced Celtics with perseverance and stamina, strengthening all blemishes to erase frailty that almost devastated a promising season.

This could have been the season that the defending champions were dethroned for apathy and botches during an obscure playoff run.

Fact is, if the Lakers blueprint is to avoid another season of fiascoes and remain in the postseason picture without suffering the early ouster, the Buss family may want to persuade Phil Jackson to remain Lakers head coach and would be wise to retain the Zen Master.

As we know, he’s the most accomplished coach in sports history, owning 11 championship rings, more than any professional coach throughout history. In his exquisite career, he has been fortunate to mold and cultivate big-name superstars with incredible talent and unparalleled achievements, in the legendary Michael Jordan and now the intellectual Bryant.

The Lakers are assembling a dynasty during an era where stars are burgeoning as primer megastars and competition is steeper than ever. In reality, it’s common to believe that the Lakers are the favorites entering next season, and are bound to repeat glory as top contenders with Bryant looking for another ring.

If so, he’ll become the most decorated player in the NBA among a unique core that is recognized for the number of championships and superlative competitors who never back down without a hard-fought battle in the postseason.

For those adoring the Lakers, a franchise with mystique and fame because of its purity and astounding wins over the years, realistically tells us that they are contending at the highest level, starving and energized to add another prize to a beautiful collection of hardware.

It's true that Bryant and Pau Gasol are under contracts for a long time, and a flourishing supporting cast continues to develop and mellow, thriving as an invincible and uncontrollable core, finally releasing the softness and inactiveness conscience.

Yet there’s no other team in the league with a pair of skyscrapers in Gasol and Andrew Bynum, a seven-foot center who has been hindered a bit with injuries, but has come on strong for the Lakers in the postseason by establishing as a dominant post player in the middle.

He blocked shots, bullied opposing players and grabbed rebounds, making the contest easier for Gasol, who seemed more efficacious whenever Bynum had a stellar performance. The issue is whether Jackson will return next season or sign a deal elsewhere or even retire and call it a career after accomplishing more than the average coach.

Before he announces a return, he’ll take a couple of months to ponder his decision and monitor his health status. His natural motive would be to care for his health issues, which have battered him mentally and physically as his age and body language plays a role.

If he decides to retire, he’d depart on top, a rare scene transpiring in sports. Jackson is proving to be ailing and fatigued from an 82-game regular-season. But he’s accustomed to all the road travel and would strangely miss coaching or sharpening the minds of players with his psychological mind games.


By his presence, it motivates his players and helps controls Ron Artest, the weirdest and funniest man on the roster, leaving us with memories of his indelible press conference after clinching Game Seven of the NBA Finals.

More than any other Lakers’ megastar, he was excited to soak in his first championship and partake in a parade while flaunting his silliness during the celebration. This was arguably Jackson’s greatest season ever, one year folks will never forget, accomplishing the most accolades by grabbing 11 titles all-time.

You sense another celebration at the end of next season. But today alone, the Lakers shared the gratifying moment with well-behaved and delighted fans, witnessing the greatest player amid an exciting generation in Bryant, who wore his sunglasses with a knowledgeable persona.

“They’ve been fantastic,” Bryant said Monday following the parade. “I had a chance to relax and enjoy these old bones.”

He can recall hearing undying “Thank yous” for avenging the devastating 2008 Finals loss to their foes Boston. The screaming fans were filled with happiness and really touched Bryant.

“It was more emotion,” Bryant said.

One fan lofted a sign that read “This is Kobe’s Town!” “Back 2 Back Without Shaq!”

If the Lakers anticipate more emotion and unforgettable moments, then bringing back Jackson is in the cards.

Team Hollywood Thrills, Captures Revenge: Lakers Wins Indelible Classic

It’s almost titillating when a town embraces the top franchise in Hollywood, living in a town accustomed to winning championships, a triumphant ritual happening in a diverse community that assembles as a unified atmosphere, once the Los Angeles Lakers captures greatness and takes in euphoria.

Suddenly, the ideal ending came in a low-scoring Game 7, but a memorable showdown among two of the most hated rivals in sports as the purple and gold confetti fell, the team’s anthem was heard and the Lakers celebrated another glorious moment at home.

It’s a town famous for watching championship banners rise to the rafters, gazing at the sky to witness the purple and gold confetti fall from the ceilings, and now observed Kobe Bryant jump on the scorer’s table, shaking his fists and extended five fingers advertising that he won his fifth ring after the Lakers clinched its second straight championship.

“I just got one more than Shaq,” Bryant said after he won his fifth championship. “You can take that to the bank. You know how I am. I don’t forget anything.”

Thereafter, he leaped off the scorer’s table to meet and shake hands with Boston’s legendary Hall of Fame center Bill Russell, mostly smiling without revealing his frighten and intimidating scowl.

In the finest moment, a historic time in the existence of the Lakers, they were overjoyed and rejoiced as a team, releasing dismay and agony after a doleful 39-point loss in a distraught Game 6 at Boston two years ago.

At last, he’s not furious or has a bitter aftertaste about the Celtics, never erasing the memories of a depressing defeat that obliterated aspiration last time these two teams encountered a showdown.

Finally, the Lakers experienced heartfelt emotions, shedding tears of joy and uncontrollably jubilated in front of a boisterous crowd of non-celebs and celebrities.

This was a moment Jack Nicholson, the team’s cheerleader who has a personalized seat on the sidelines, applauded the Lakers and cheered loudly for his home town franchise.

This was a moment the enthusiastic town cherishing its basketball gathered around the inner and urban community to engage in a fairly pleasant celebration when Lakers supporters jived and party at the local sports bars and restaurants, despite the soulless idiots who poured onto Figueroa Ave., Flower Street, and Olympic Boulevard.

Shame on rowdy fans for such rebellious behavior by pathetically vandalizing vehicles and lighting one car on fire, refusing to celebrate with pride and dignity. Aside from all the embarrassment shaming the town, Bryant, who was named the Finals MVP for the second straight season, stood on the court with his wife, Vanessa, and had his two daughters on his shoulders, while accepting congratulations and embracing the moment.

For the first time in a seventh game of a series, he was frustrated and shot the ball poorly, harassed and forced to shoot as the Celtics defenders plotted the double-team and obstructed his mental toughness and capability in facilitating and burying shots during sequential shooting.

For a man who had an abysmal night, which included 23 points on six-for-24 shooting but an essential 15 rebounds, he still proved that he’s an authentic leader, the fiercest scorer on earth, and a godlike specimen with five rings, quickly moving closer of surmounting pass Michael Jordan.

Fact is, he’ll never be like MJ, but in this generation, he’s definitely the well-known brand name in professional basketball and glowing as the ravishing megastar within his prime on pace to win at least eight rings before he calls it a career.

As a beloved athlete and a rare breed in a league when his presence has magnetized the NBA, he’s an admirable icon who isn’t selfish or egocentric, but selfless and willing to lead by example and as a sophisticated leader.

But it’s fair to assume that he would not have won his fifth championship without a poised and powerful supporting cast.

Nevertheless, his legacy would have been in tatters and lofting another Larry O’Brien trophy would have been delayed, had the Lakers failed to beat the Celtics twice in his career during the finals.

Once known as the most polarizing figure in sports, he's now known as a noble symbol in the Lakers franchise, and probably will go down as the greatest player in franchise history, if not league history.

We now know he can win without Shaquille O’Neal. We now know he can reach a crescendo in his career with his transcendent title runs, aiming to surpass the legendary Jordan for the most titles as the greatest player to implement worthiness.

At times, it appeared that the Lakers weren’t worthy of winning because of awful shooting droughts and unwisely over dribbling on possessions, but eventually recovered and came back to salvage an 83-79 victory over the Boston Celtics to win its 16th championship, completing the final chapter of a thrilling rivalry in Game Seven.


Because the Lakers played with much heart and guts, they rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second-half and managed to overcome a potential nightmare of falling to the Celtics again in the most storied rivalry showdown. Had it not been for their toughness, bravery and earnestness, the Lakers could have loss out on sustaining its 16th franchise title.

Doing so, however, Derek Fisher won his fifth ring, Pau Gasol won his second, Ron Ron won his first after taking a pay cut and signed with the Lakers to win a championship, Lamar Odom won another won, and as a core the Lakers captured vengeance and redemption.

“We wanted it more,” said owner Jerry Buss.

There were towel-swinging fans chanting, “Kobe, Kobe,” imploring for Bryant to get involved and take over in a nerve-racking and tense showpiece. And with the Celtics leading by double-digits in the third quarter hope quickly dwindled.

Because the archrivals looked as if they were the stronger and hungrier team than the soft and passive Lakers throughout the game, Team Hollywood trailed by four points at the start of the fourth and trailed by three with fewer than seven minutes remaining.

“I’ll be really honest with you, I didn’t even hear them,” Bryant said of the crowd. “I was so tired my ears were ringing. They really were. It felt like it was six in the morning and I was on track running. I was just drained.”

The high-energy and deeper star power of the Lakers, including frequent trips to the charity strike, diminished any acceptance of likely beating and dethroning the defending champs.

While the team in L.A. had immeasurable talent, proving that it could purge the Celtics, Fisher’s heroics were useful when he lofted a three-pointer to tie it, Bryant’s late rebounding was a factor in the comeback when he converted on a pair of huge free throws and buried a jump shot over a pesky Ray Allen.

Yes, he was urged not to shoot. But in this game alone, Artest was the MVP, firing one risky three-pointer with 1:01 remaining to clinch a miraculous night and pop the champagne corks and wear the goggles before squirting the champagne in the locker room for a well-deserving victory party.

“I want to thank my psychiatrist,” said Artest who had 20 points.

Dismissed as an awful shooter, but cheered for his exemplary defensive-minded tactics, he told fans if the Lakers failed to win a championship, that he was the one to blame. Turns out, no one is to fault.

It was a disputable signing by the Lakers front office when the Buss family brought aboard Artest for his defensive theories, while fans were perturbed about the departure of Trevor Ariza and the Lakers lack of interest in re-signing an energetic and younger defender.

Very impressive was the leadership of Pau Gasol, who is rapidly flourishing as the second-leading scorer on the Lakers, scoring 19 points and had 18 rebounds, finally eradicating his soft and attenuated trends. In other words, he fought and abused Kevin Garnett, who spent much of the night in foul trouble.

“We fought extremely hard,” said Gasol. “We kept our minds and our hearts into the game at all times, and we hustled…we hustled.”

This season, Bryant has broken down a bit for his aging and injuries. It wasn’t a day that past without the man playing with a taped-up right index finger and his sore right knee that he had drained after Game Four of the first-round, often monitored by team’s physician Gary Vitti.

He has been candid about his health. “I’m obviously going to have to look at the knee and figure some things out, said Bryant. “I can’t play a whole entire season the way it is now…Without the tape (on the finger), I can’t grip a basketball.”

His injuries are the least worry, I assume, after winning it all.

Now that the town is fueled over the win, the Lakers are delighted than ever after accomplishing revenge against the archenemies and unfriendly rivals. What an indelible classic the Lakers endured and excelled, capturing unforgivable triumph.

Lakers Fall, but Kobe Bryant Isn't to Blame

Kobe Bryant, who walked into the conference room flustered from another outraging defeat, sat gloomily in the midst of an elimination game answering the unassuming questions at postgame interviews sarcastically and angrily. Later, he emerged from the interview room speechless with a bitter stare, then down the hallway reflected on a 92-86 loss in Game Five of the NBA Finals.

If there’s a petulant superstar irritated in an unpredictable and startling series that the Lakers are bearing unfamiliarity by being on the verge of elimination, it’s Bryant losing his swagger and composure, despite shooting from the field brilliantly without faltering.

The Black Mamba, as we call the greatest finisher and scoring menace with four rings and the most frighten facial expression in sports, is very indignant following a loss that was considered a much-needed win, traveling back home to potentially close out an alluring series.


As the season winds down for the Los Angeles Lakers and a winner will very well soon be crowned the champs, the main feature of the Lakers is calmly representing much optimism in Game Six on Tuesday, ready to harass the Boston Celtics with his distributions and selfish ethics to score as a dictator and unstoppable force.

By meeting with the media lately, he proffers merely short-answered and dissatisfying remarks about the culminating results. As anticipated, the Lakers place any road woes in perspective at home, greeted by the celebrities and non-celebs as the cast emerge from the tunnel and are introduced by the PA announcer during the players’ introduction.

It’s apparent they like the savory taste of home cooking, instead of room service. It’s obvious they are comfortable sleeping in their own beds, instead of sleeping in a luxurious suite in Boston, a hostile environment where the Lakers are insulted and disliked.

For the first time in the postseason, L.A. trails 3-2 in a series and needs to survive in the next two games in order to host another parade on Figueroa Ave., a crowded street with the craziest activity.

In a sense, the Lakers could miss out in all the festivities, without staring skyward at the rafters to glance at purple and gold confetti fall from Staples Center. The finest scorer on earth, I suspect, is only a loss away from missing out on one objective in a series when the focal point is surrounding his legacy as he has an opportunity, a viable chance to strengthen his legacy by winning his fifth title.

With a lingering scare, as the Lakers are faced in an unfamiliar scene, the supporting cast is outworked by the Celtics' raw bench, outplayed by a hungrier and coveted starting unit, and more passive and softer than Boston. If there is a bigger letdown in sports, it's the lethargic sporting cast of the Lakers, considering that Kobe’s teammates have relied and comfortably watched the public airing of the Kobe Show, not realizing much is at stake.

It’s unfortunate that the Celtics are manipulating the tone with resourceful method, downsizing the style of a vintage Bryant. Unlike ever before, he’s hesitating on every attempt and draws defenders, frustrating his mentality and minimizing shots from the field on a night he scored a game-high 38 points in Game Five while the four other starters had 34 points combined and scored 19 in the third quarter alone.

There’s one thing certain about the esoteric Lakers previously discovered in Game One, a night the tenacious unit seemed worthy of winning a consecutive title with the fearless size, powerful depth, and a talented roster.


But now the Lakers are simply not championship-caliber, needing adjustments to rise above the Celtics’ superiority recently, with an incompetent supporting cast deteriorating and deranging at the moment a championship is on the line.

And this time, he’s not to blame for such collapses or back-to-back road losses in a significant showdown, putting on a shooting clinic and keeping the Lakers within a double-digit deficit.

While he’s ostensibly faulted for disrupting the chemistry and incapacitating the elements, selfishly taking over without involving his teammates into the offensive groove, he’s getting criticized for being too selfish and overly occupied. Early on, he wasn’t a facilitator, but an unconscious shooter.

Early on, he failed to spread the floor and share the ball with teammates, but realized his supporting cast has been shaky. So again, it’s damned if he does or damned if he doesn’t. For the time being, no one simply can dismiss the Lakers having a clutch finisher who seems helpless, even when he’s the most lethal superstar since Michael Jordan.

Near the end, Bryant screamed angrily and Ron Artest was befuddled and complained, and Pau Gasol was softer than ever, all bringing back the dreadful memories of two years ago when the Lakers were murdered badly by the Celtics in a 39-point loss, the worst blowout in NBA Finals history.

At this point, Kobe’s teammates are no longer the scariest one, nor are they the favorites to win the series for all the defensive lapses and lack of productivity.

The Celtics are a well-rounded squad coached by Doc Rivers, who utilizes his deeper bench, a second unit that has outworked and pestered the Lakers. It’s fair to say the Celtics are scoring on second-chance points, out-rebounding a taller frontcourt, neutralizing confused defenders, and badgering a perturbed Bryant.

The strongest heavyweights are the C’s, demonstrating toughness and potent balance. It wasn’t until late in the game when Rajon Rondo slashed the lane and levitated over Lamar Odom and Bryant for a tip-in. Even though he was born and raised in Los Angeles, Paul Pierce, who overly worked his defensive nemesis Artest, has no sympathy in beating down his childhood team, the Lakers, finishing the night with 27 points.

In the meantime, the L.A. team is still optimistic heading back home, realizing the series is sudden death and that a helpless Bryant needs team contribution if they expect to force a Game Seven at home. And without a sense of urgency or a stronger mindset, the Lakers won’t survive the potency of the Celtics. Asked about the fear of elimination, Bryant once again had a short answer and responded in sarcasm.

“I’m not very confident at all,” he said, laughing.

He is fearless, I’m sure. But he’s also earnest about winning a fifth title.

This is no longer the same Lakers, demoralized with injuries, softness, and passiveness. This is no longer the same Lakers grabbing rebounds or loose balls.

This is no longer the same Lakers pushing and sending bodies to the floor. And this is no longer the same Lakers with enough fight or heart, coming back home where the heart is, but certainly not for the purple and gold team, unless they turn things around. Now is the time Phil Jackson may want to make minor adjustments and escape the softness that destroyed aspiration two years ago.

Perhaps, the supporting cast could use extra practice and adjustments very quickly.

It’s very apparent that Kobe doesn’t need the practice or adjustments, just as he is not to blame.

Lakers Were Soft, Feeble Before Delivering Knockout Punch to Celtics

It happens instantly and inexplicably, on a pleasant evening at Staples Center, a locale nearly exploding on every possession and forced a fuming Doc Rivers to signal for a timeout when the rabid crowd exploded amid an energized frenzy. The Lakers survived on a night the celebrities and non-celebs attended to witness Team Hollywood avenge an embarrassing 39-point loss two years ago in what was the worst elimination defeat in NBA history.

He wasn’t scowling or grinding his teeth like a vampire anxious to devour the Boston Celtics blood, but he was fiercely the dictator on the floor for setting the tone early in an onslaught against his archenemies. He seemed much too enraged in his home gold uniform, willing to secure his legacy and establish redemption, but more importantly beat down the Celtics to direct the Lakers to its 16th title and pull one shy of Boston.

Rather than acknowledging that the Lakers aren’t soft, undermined or relapsing, the everlasting misgivings allows a cynical individual to disregard the much-improved toughness of a core once ridiculed for softness and a feeble-minded mindset. At one point, the Lakers were insulted for perishing in the regular-season, in which the lords of basketball began to downplay the mental toughness and shrewd efficiency.

There is, believe it or not, a reason not to dismiss Bryant and his teammates. Finally diminishing lethargy and imprudence, realizing much is at stake. It’s clearly evident that the blueprint in resounding pride and polishing in a win over the despised rivals is to disclose the Celtics blemishes. If you haven’t noticed the Lakers are tougher and more potent, unlike two years ago when they were manhandled and shoved around by the much physical and aggressive Boston.

But this season alone, the aging Celtics were sabotaged at times and the slowness in matching the intensity of younger and faster teams revealed flaws in the transition and defensive schemes. Once described as the softest and harmless franchise, suddenly evaded all the instabilities and converted into a physical heavyweight. In other words, the Lakers would have lasted in the Octagon, exchanging a brutal knock out punch.

What we desired was an NBA Finals rematch between two of the greatest bitter rivals in sports, wishing for a physical showdown after the Lakers were unemotional and lackadaisical in initiating minor skirmishes and dominating inside. But no longer are the Lakers fearful or reluctant, empowered to outweigh the older and sluggish Celtics.

For instance, it turned into a physical match in the early minutes when Ron Artest and Paul Pierce were tangled with their elbows underneath the basket before the forwards crashed to the floor in a scuffled that led to a pair of technical fouls. It’s an indicator that we are glancing at a physical and aggressive series, probably one of the greatest in NBA history and could extend to a seven game series if the Celtics pull off a win in Game 2 Sunday.

During the season, the Lakers were doomed in repeating for a title, but now the loudest crowd on Thursday night believes they’ll win a second straight championship and amass title No. 16. It’s very overwhelming to see the Lakers rebound after coasting to a breezy 102-89 demolition to take Game One of the NBA Finals, assuring doubters and disbelievers.

After all, the fiercest of them all resides in L.A., and seems unbeatable and invincible as Pau Gasol moved the ball inside, as Artest taunted and heckled Pierce with his stellar defensive effort, forcing the veteran forward to accumulate fouls, and as Bryant weaved through the uncontested lane dominating the paint. It was a shaky night in which Pierce finished with 24-points on 6 for 13 shooting and appeared frustrated while in foul trouble.

But the Lakers were determined and hardly forgotten about the dreadful disappointment two years ago, ready to erase the ghastly afterthoughts. On a flawless night, the hostile Lakers faithful chanted unpleasantly at Boston. It’s a team they truly loathe, dating back to the ‘60s-‘80s era. When the Lakers blew open a large deficit late, fans started chanting, “BOSTON SUCKS, BOSTON SUCKS!”

For nearly two years, Bryant has waited for a moment to seek vengeance after it all ended so humiliatingly in the NBA Finals. What a difference a year makes, watching the Lakers grow and mellow into a physical and forceful core, which now isn’t an easy out. Because Los Angeles is more experience, angrier and vigorous, the fiercest competitors are playing with urgency and approach a game with a believable mindset.

With all the chemistry and reinforcements, Phil Jackson strongly believes the Lakers can beat their nemesis, delighted to have another shot at the Celtics and expunge sorrow and heartbreaking memories, presumably by winning it again. In the meantime, Kevin Garnett disappeared and tried to dunk, but failed to convert twice on uncontested attempts.

Most can recall when he used to be the renowned forward in the league and was clearly known for his turnaround jumpers and defensive force, but now is gradually declining in touches and making shots. He stands on wobbly knees, wearing ankle weights and obviously looks slower than two seasons ago when he shouted to the heavens after winning his first championship that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”

As it turns out, it seems highly impossible to win, especially when Gasol is defending and contesting every shot. He’s quicker than Garnett, establishing a post presence and becoming a shot blocker in the middle, no longer described as GaSoft. Remember, he was the scapegoat when the Lakers collapsed miserably to the Celtics two years ago, and condemned for his softness and incertitude. There’s no doubt that Gasol was the difference in Garnett’s faltering, coming in a competition Bryant scored 30 points and defensive specialist Artest handled the truth.

But as the spectators viewed from the stands, Boston’s sensational and mellowing point guard Rajon Rondo was a non-factor, and never really was involved in the offense. Whether it was rust or just a poor night, the Celtics will need the floor general to bring the intensity and return to regular form in Game 2.

He’s an essential piece to Boston’s functional offense, but whenever he has an off night the entire team tends to frail. It’s obvious that he creates and inspires the offense with his exceptional pocket passes and drives to the basket, setting up the brilliant offensive play. As for the Lakers, Gasol was the ripple-effect, scoring 28 points on 8 for 14 shooting and earned a trip to the foul line 10 times and led with 14 rebounds.

“Pau is the guy that has to be part of the scoring combo with Kobe. So he has to provide some of that for us in this series against probably one of the top defenders in the game,” said Jackson.

If the Lakers continue to play physical and assertively, then they’ll win the series. Turns out we were skeptical of the Lakers’ tenacity.

Looking Back at It

It felt more of an trade than separate signings during the off-season. The Los Angeles Lakers let go of their key to an NBA Championship in Trevor Ariza. But the L.A. filled the hole at that small forward spot when they signed Houston Rockets power forward Ron Artest. Artest was good enough to be their SF and they were also lucky enough to keep Lamar Odom as well. Ariza was in Artest's previous team with the Rockets.

Houston's 2009-10 season later turned into a disappointment. Yao Ming was the big key, as he was out for the whole year. Then Tracy McGrady was traded, but the Rockets got Sacramento Kings' Kevin Martin out of it. But it wasn't enough and Houston would later turn into a team that is now looking forward to an off-season and the NBA Draft late in June. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers finished as the best team in the Western Conference and are now looking at revenge at the Boston Celtics in a re-match from the 2008 NBA Finals.

Many expected before the season that Trevor Ariza would have the better end of the deal with a five-year contract. Along with that, Ariza was in his prime at 29 years of age and was coming off an amazing performance in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Artest would seem like "that guy," even though he had a five-year deal as well. The thing was, Artest looked like he was past his prime as he would most probably play as a role player with his age of 34.

The Lakers looked like they had a bad deal coming for them. They never built their roster when they were aging with the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant era. Now the Lakers are with a new team with as Kobe Bryant is acting nothing like people are saying that he is "past his prime." Pau Gasol is in his prime and is just doing amazing right now. But the Lakers pulled the trigger on the AK, taking in Artest. But it didn't seem right. Artest was aging. And it took the Lakers six years to win a title again because they got younger. Now they were aging again and the 2009-10 season may not be what it was in the 2008-09 season.

But the Lakers got the better end of the deal here. First of all, Trevor Ariza should be considered a bit overrated if you ask me. He shot over 47 percent with his three-pointers during the post-season in the Lakers' title run. But, here is the thing: in his whole career, Ariza was nearly 30 percent from shooting behind-the-arc. And with that, he shot 33.4 percent for this year with the Houston Rockets from behind the three-point line.

Another reason the Lakers got the better end of the deal because players simply are going to play worse when they land in Houston. Ron Artest may not have a polished season, but Ariza was no where near polished. It was worse than smelling a wet dog. His true shooting percentage was a downright horrible 48.8 percent. Along with that, the so-called "superstar" averaged 14.9 points per game. Artest's true shooting percentage was 51.1 percent and averaged 17.1 points per game, also acting as if he were a power forward most of the year while Ariza was a small forward. Big difference there.

Though Artest's number weren't that good from last year, he helped spread the floor and make other players better actually. Many people complained with Artest in the triangle offense. But it wasn't that bad and Phil Jackson tried to defend him as much as possible. So what, his player efficiency rating was worse than Trevor Ariza's; but if you have been living under a rock, Artest is poor on shooting with his two-pointers, which is about 45 percent. But he also didn't shoot as much, too.

But Artest showed during the Western Conference Finals what he really means to the team and why the Lakers picked him and should pick him over Ariza every single time and moment. Game Five was his best performance of the series. Artest had 25 points in that game, and 17 in the first-half. Along with that, he made a spectacular game-winning shot right at the buzzer. Then in Game Six, when the Lakers (with, of course, the help of Mr. Kobe Bryant) eliminated the Phoenix Suns 111-103, Artest had 25 points once again. Artest helped big in that series and Kobe Bryant also had his best statistics ever in a playoff series; averaging 33.7 points per game, 8.3 assists per game, and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Lakers must feel lucky not playing the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, or facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. They will be going against those tough small forwards like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. But there's something worse than that when they face the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. They will face a small forward that destroyed them in the 2008 NBA Finals: Paul Pierce. Pierce smothered on defense, guarding Kobe Bryant at times. But his offensive game was very very productive; averaging 21.8 points per game and 6.3 assists per game in a six-games series-win. But Pierce was going against guys like Luke Walton, Vladimir Radmanovic, and sometimes Kobe Bryant. Now he will face a defensive-stopper in Ron Artest. Ariza wasn't very productive in his 35 minutes of play during the 2008 NBA Finals (according to John Hollinger, the games that he was in were the Game Two and Game Six blowouts). But now the Lakers have a so-called upgrade and a much better player, which was explained above: Artest. Paul Pierce did not do so good against Artest this year; averaging only 13 points per game and 2.5 assists per game. Artest is different, too. With the Indiana Pacers, Artest pantsed him, which gave me the name for my NBA podcast at PantsingPaulPierce.com. But nevermind that, Artest is ready.

Now as we look back, we'll see who got the better end of the deal: the Houston Rockets in Trevor Ariza or the Los Angeles Lakers in Ron Artest. I guess you'll have to decide. But no worries, if you don't want to, you already found it while reading this. Enjoy the NBA Playoffs. I expect a great performance from Artest, as the Lakers will win this in six or seven games. But as we look back at this, the Lakers have the last laugh.

Lakers-Celtics Rivalry Renewed: You Wished Upon a Rivalry and Got It

The fiercest scorer in basketball wasn’t wearing a scowl on his face, one of the most formidable facial expressions in sports, but he was ultimately instrumental in a critical Game Six on the road.

He seemed much too earnest in a hostile environment, the atmosphere where inhospitable fans chanted unpleasantly at Kobe Bryant.

It wasn’t long ago when the Los Angeles Lakers were discombobulated and nearly delayed of returning to the NBA Finals for a rematch against the bitter rivals the Boston Celtics.

A few days ago, the defending champs were dysfunctional and portrayed as an elusive unit, gradually faltering against the competent Phoenix Suns.

In two games, the Suns embarrassingly sent a statement, smearing a reputation of the Lakers, a franchise wrapped in mystique and built with the most talent.

The second unit outplayed and outhustled Team Hollywood, the core with the greatest superstar in a modern generation since the Michael Jordan regime, were vulnerable of unsettlingly losing in an alarming upset to the Suns.

Even when the majority anointed the Lakers, putting pressure on the defending champs to repeat back-to-back resiliency, the optimist forgot and ignored the strength and heart of the Suns, never realizing that the hottest team in the desert had L.A. on the brink of elimination in a 2-2 tie.

Suddenly, the Lakers bring nothing but perseverance, energy and emotion, avoiding the ideas of futility and lapses in a moment the most admirable franchise in L.A., normally wins a championship to fortify eminence and mystique.

A town that prides itself on basketball is intrigued to witness a fascinating and intense rematch against its long-time rivals, the Boston Celtics, an antagonist the Lakers faithful loathes greatly.

So what we’re about to witness is exactly what the average basketball loyalist desired, a Lakers-Celtics rematch. All the celebrities are in for a dramatic and physical showdown between a two hostile rivals.

Life in California revolves around the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood, but also revolves around the breathtaking finishes of Bryant’s clutch shots and the purple and gold topping the NBA in amazing feats.

It’s fair to suggest that we are glancing at a postseason of blood, massacres and mortals, so fittingly the Lakers vs. Celtics is the greatest rivalry in sports, publicizing an event once again in existence to magnetize a series that will likely be decided in seven games.

All the people wished for the dream series, and now are fortunate to relive a storied rivalry in sports. When the Lakers won 111-103 over the Suns Saturday night clinching the Western Conference championship and advanced to its 31st finals appearance, it’s also the 12th meeting against the Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Once again, the Lakers are enduring a rematch to redeem a heartbreaker two seasons ago, woefully humiliated and dismantled in the formidable 39-point loss in Game Six of the finals in Boston.

That year, the Celtics earned its 17th banner. That year, the Lakers suffered an egregious letdown, departing a town disgusted and embarrassed.

For a long awaited Lakers-Celtics series, we can only expect it to be physical and vigorous, a ripple effect that advertises tradition and appealing basketball in the next couple weeks.

So now, the Lakers realizes much is at stake after winning to advance to the finals for the third consecutive season to meet the villains of the Eastern Conference and the most hated team in Southern California.

For weeks the Lakers have made adjustments and enhanced the level of performance by executing and upgrading the game plan, surviving on the heroics of Bryant’s ability to seize a game with his successive shot making and mental capacity.


The ultimate goal, of course, is to win the 16th championship in franchise history and move inches closer of tying the Celtics at 17 titles, but will need the essentials to unhinge Boston.

Even if The Big Three are older, aging and past the prime years, the Lakers will have to produce and raise the intensity level.

The blueprint is to avenge a disastrous loss, without having a sluggish mindset for apathy and very little soundness.

Throughout the postseason, the Lakers deteriorated on a numerous occasions before returning to normalcy late in the series, riddled by the younger and faster Oklahoma City Thunder and outplayed and outhustled convincingly against the Suns.

And it wasn’t long ago when Figueroa Avenue was hopeless and deprived of pouring the streets to celebrate a Lakers victory, distraught about an unfavorable letdown faltering against its assassin.

If you are willing to erase any agonizing afterthoughts of the awful ending to a momentous season two years ago, then you are probably wishes for the ultimate beat down.

It’s a team on the East Coast that die hard Lakers fans love to hate, realizing the home team has a shot at redemption and owns home court advantage in the 2-3-2 format.

The pressure is clearly on the Lakers, losers of nine of the 11 Finals during the 51-year rivalry. It’s amazing how they have been to 10 more finals, but the C’s have won two more titles, labeled as the winningest franchise in pro basketball.

Flirting with the possibility of winning it all over the most hated rivals, the Lakers refused to suffer, yet, another heartbreaker, more matured and prepared for the biggest series.

It’s impossible to predict a winner, but easy to admit that the Lakers seeks revenge, looking to take down their longtime foes. Of all the hype and hearsay on the upcoming series, the Lakers are faster and younger than the aging Celtics.

Unlike a year ago, they are hungrier and have strengthened the roster and style within the triangle offense.

The difference is that Bryant is still disappointed with the devastating loss that sabotaged spirit, and even greater, Pau Gasol isn’t as soft in the middle, now attacking with much stamina and heart.

And let’s not forget about Ron Artest, the defensive-minded forward who will make it miserable and difficult for Paul Pierce to score.

“We’ll see…we’ll see how much we matured,” Kobe Bryant said after scoring a mere 37 points to drive the Lakers to a win. “The Celtics challenged us two years ago…now it’s a test to see how much we’ve grown.”

Had he not taken over in the fourth quarter to stop the Lakers from blowing a comfortable lead, the Suns might have forced a Game Seven Monday at Staples Center.

But as usual, Bryant came close to a triple-double three times, and more importantly, knocked down a desperation jumper from the right side with 34.2 seconds.

Nonetheless, this is what each avid fan base expected, a Lakers-Celtics rematch, and a long-awaited match. The other night Boston fans chanted blatantly “Beat L.A.”

Feelings are mutual as the Lakers fans chanted friendlier “We want Boston” repeatedly.

“They’re physical,” Jackson said.

In short, Artest is physical too, and began surging on offense. Ever since going from goat to hero, he has scored by making mid-range jumpers and hitting the shots inside.

He made 10 of 16 shots, four of seven from three-point range and led all scorers in the first half. Remember, his miraculous game-winning put back on Bryant’s miss as the clock expired in Game 5 shifted the dynamic of the series.

Most importantly, the Lakers are as balanced as Boston and may even be slightly better. No longer are they soft or intimidated by the Celtics’ Kevin Garnett trotting in the line to collect rebounds or fire a shot.

No longer will they allow an unstoppable and older Paul Pierce to drive inside to draw fouls or score on the well-executed layup, not if he’s shut down by Artest.

It’s a defensive advantage, given that Artest is known for frustrating and getting in the face of his opponent. And no longer will Rajon Rondo undeniably speed by the Lakers defense, only if Bryant is assigned to guard the explosive guard.

He’s the one star player who may actually scowl and frown, becoming the Black Mamba, still anxious on seeking revenge.

Now is the time since Andrew Bynum’s defensive presence is factor and could stand as a tandem with Gasol, two seven-footers who match the size of Kendrick Perkins and Garnett.

He missed all the action two years ago, while struggling with a knee injury, but his oversized body could outweigh the Celtics if he doesn’t perform like a bust.

It’s interesting to see which team comprises of more willpower and heart. Expect it to be really bloody and physical, but expect the stronger team to win the series.

Maybe that’s the Lakers or even the Celtics. What we’re presumably witnessing is the most epic classics in sports of all time.

Lakers-Celtics relives.

Ron Artest Salvages Must-Needed Win for Lakers, Overshadows Any Tumults

There are times, such as moments when someone needs a wondrous moment to avoid doubts and ongoing criticism, realizing that he was viewed as a narcissistic nutcase with problematic outbursts throughout his troubling seasons in the NBA.

Labeled as a miserable thug for initiating bizarre melees during games by losing it on the floor and throwing tantrums and provoking altercations with a blatant crowd, Ron Artest is no longer perceived as the problem-child. He’s no longer a psychotic goon for his stupidity and absurd madness in previous seasons, but a savior at the right time.

By the end of a disappointing and fluctuate Game Four loss, Kobe Bryant was asked during a postgame interview about his feelings while in despair over a disengaging defeat and he said sarcastically that he was “jovial.”

If he was filled with euphoria, he indeed was on a night a noiseless and a motionless Staples Center exploded when Artest put back Bryant’s miss as time expired to beat the buzzer in a breathtaking 103-101 win over the Phoenix Suns.

This was the portrait of an underachieving superstar salvaging a must-needed win, protecting home-court advantage and taking a commanding 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals, now one win away from returning to the NBA Finals for the third straight season to defend its title.

So now, before critics berate and ridicule a defensive-minded player with the resemblance of Dennis Rodman, understand that his heroics may have saved the Los Angeles Lakers in facing potential doom.

Before critics affirm any doubt in his disappointing and awful performances since signing with the Lakers, understand that his inconceivable game-winning shot will always be remembered in franchise history, especially if the Lakers win its second consecutive championship.

All the celebrities and season-ticket holders witness a jovial night and celebrated once Artest’s awkward layup dropped in. Then, at the end of a miraculous finish, Bryant pumped his fist and wrapped Artest in a bear hug as the nerve-racking crowd roared, relived of a potential relapse and meltdown in what may have extended into a thrilling overtime.

His teammates heckled the forward who seemed lost in the series and struggled to find the intended target from beyond the perimeter, celebrating a miracle to alleviate tense emotions and the notion of elimination.

Unwisely, he attempted an ill-advised three-pointer with 56.9 seconds remaining and possessed a fresh shot clock. He often committed foolish blunders, but none as fatuous as taking an execrable shot with much at stake.


Moments later, he walked slowly and embarrassingly to the bench when the Suns called a timeout. It’s apparent that he had to redeem himself of nearly costing the Lakers a loss at home for selfishly shooting, instead of burning time or finding his teammates, knowing his inconsistency in shot making lately.

Leading by three points, barely holding on against the vintage Suns, he ended up with the ball and foolishly fired. It nearly endangered the Lakers season after he missed woefully and gave the Suns a chance to steal a road game, before traveling back to Phoenix.

Long ago, Artest was the dumbest thug and migrated to Hollywood in hopes to win his first championship alongside Bryant, but he was scolded by Phil Jackson near the bench and described as the dumbest clown in the league for launching one as a prayer.

That almost doomed the Lakers when Suns sharpshooting guard Jason Richardson banked in a three-pointer. Over the years, Artest has mellowed, but no one has forgotten the Malice at the Palace, the most devastating brawl in NBA history, when he charged the stands and attacked a fan.

Never has it been easy to understand his mind, a peculiar and weird dude declared a psycho for all his poor judgments and anger outbursts, becoming a greater nuisance than Brett Favre begging to comeback, Terrell Owens weeping about fewer touches, or Manny Ramirez performing his ridiculous antics.

I guess critics or people in general will think wisely before insisting that he doesn’t shoot, but strictly implement in-your-face, physical defense to counterbalance an opposing superstar, such as nemesis Paul Pierce of the Celtics, if the Lakers and Celtics advances to the NBA Finals.

“Everyone was saying, ‘Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot.’ You know, there was a point in time when I shot 40 percent on threes,” said Artest. “I’ve hit a lot of shots before.”


With 3.5 seconds remaining, Artest was the player least expected to score the game-winning shot and alarm a tense and terrified environment, realizing the Lakers were in trouble if they failed to win at home before traveling to Phoenix in a sudden death situation.

Like always, the play was designed for Bryant to hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer, but he was trapped on the sideline and double-teamed tightly by Steve Nash and Grant Hill.

As a result, he forced an off-balance pump-fake jump shot, only to fall short for an air ball. And moments later, there was Artest bailing out the Lakers by grabbing the rebound and hurling his unbelievable put back that initiated the biggest celebration at Staples Center and outside on Figueroa Ave.

“He has an uncanny knack of doing this, and sometimes it just works out,” Jackson said.

The Lakers have won 11 straight postseason games at home. Artest’s heroics installed much hopefulness, but they’ll need assertiveness and awareness in Phoenix to avoid a Game Seven. It seemed that Bryant, who had 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, isn’t the only clutch shooter with Artest capping redemption.

In an unhappy ending, the heartbreaking loss has the Suns in a must-win situation, needing two more wins to survive a compelling series. For whatever reason, Phoenix abandoned the 2-3 zone defense, a successful formation that has offset the Lakers, who were fortunate to win after blowing an 18-point lead.

Despite all the talent and depth within a solid bench, the Suns vanished in all levels of the game. By the stellar performance, Nash and the Suns bench keep hopes alive, and Phoenix almost pulled off the stunning upset on the road Thursday. For much of the game, Alvin Gentry, the head coach of the Suns, was bothered by a sour stomach and suffered an illness on the sideline, needing a trash can to vomit on the bench.

But seemingly from out of nowhere, Artest knocked down a game-winner in clutch moments, merely scoring four points on 2 for 9 shooting and had five rebounds, two assists and three steals.

“I don’t know why I left him in the game,” Jackson said. “I actually questioned it myself,” he said, smiling.

Maybe his amazing shot answers the question. He can practically shoot.

Andrew Bynum Stands as Dominant Force, Lakers Are Alive, Dangerous

In any other city, any other basketball franchise or any other loyalist residing anywhere other than Los Angeles, are burnt out of the Lakers and inclined to see the biggest attraction under the bright lights in Hollywood descend.


Lately, the town has been obligated and worried about the Lakers, a common reaction in a community always trying to figure out an enigmatic franchise with arguably the most talent.

For all the weird and eccentric meltdowns, the primary major sporting franchise declined in previous weeks and all the relentless predictions of a potential back-to-back conquest tapered.

So there were the Lakers, in the finest win this season, brainwashing us with second thoughts to whether they can repeat, jubilate and gaze at a 17th championship banner rise to the rafters at Staples Center, and even partake in another parade on Figueroa Street.

Suddenly, the egomaniacal Buss Family can sleep tonight, Kobe Bryant can wipe the sweat from his head and relax, and a raucous crowd can believe in purple and gold.

A week ago, the Lakers scared the hell out of me. And it wasn’t always a soothing or wonderful outlook, when the Lakers barely won games in the regular-season with their lackadaisical and soft responses.

A week ago, the Lakers made me nauseated, but now they have alleviated my soul and convinced us that they are still the defending champs, until someone else pummels the hell out of them.

It’s no longer necessary to have Lakers flags at half mast on any vehicle, but hoist all flags high, flaunting team pride and support. It happened all so quickly, accustomed to the peculiar and perplexing reactions in basketball contest.

But suddenly the Lakers improved overnight, reducing shakiness and inactivity at least to some extent.

In a diverse town that comes together whenever the Lakers uplifts an entire community with entertaining hoops and breathtaking moments, courtesy of the Kobe Show, the Team of L.A. is still distinguished as a baffling riddle. The main event in L.A. percolated when the Lakers won a pivotal game, exhilarating a frenzied crowd and the team's mascot Jack Nicholson, a righteous supporter who inspires a dull crowd to maximize the volume as a blatant and inquisitive crowd.

The problem seems to be injuries and aging bodies, slowing down the Lakers as a potent and experienced team. It’s too often you hear that they are soft. It’s too often you hear that they are aging. It’s too often you hear that they aren’t a perennial force.

It’s too often you hear that Phil Jackson can’t win without his long-time consultant, Tex Winter. And it’s too often you hear that Kobe Bryant breaks down.

Earlier in the season forward Ron Artest, who the Lakers signed as a free agent and took advantage of his availability mainly for his persona defensively, said he’s worth blaming if Los Angeles humiliates itself and fails to sustain back-to-back exhilaration.

But considering all the injuries and softness, the Lakers were minorities in the playoffs and not even close to matching the starved Denver Nuggets or the active Dallas Mavericks.

Of all the craziness, up and down performances, the Lakers excelled in Game 1 of the first-round. The effulgent dynasty and Kobe’s regime isn’t completed, after the brilliant performance in front of a delirious crowd in a Sunday matinee.

And now, here we have Andrew Bynum on the rise, overcoming his frequent injuries and manipulating the interior with his height advantage over a much smaller team. It was embarrassing and agonizing when the Lakers barely survived the second half of the season without deteriorating.

That wasn’t a good sign nonetheless, to finish out the season just 16-12 since the All-Star break. That’s no longer imperative when the Lakers finally come alive.


Ever seen Bynum play the dominant role as an intimidating center? Not long ago, he was an overpaid bust, not measuring up to standards and spending quality games on the bench, nursing injuries.

The aura of the overrated seven-foot giant was fearless, inactive and unintimidating. But in a critical game when every player’s presence was felt, the only thing that stopped Bynum was his shortness of breath.

It’s about time he makes his name relevant, playing like the dominant force he’s supposed to be in the middle and making everyone else involved. He rendered signs of fatigued, but set the tone early and ignited the crowd with an electrifying one-handed dunk over a defenseless and smaller Nenad Krstic in the second quarter that extended the lead to 17.

Some will call this a nice win -- mind you -- not Kobe. Once time expired to end regulation, he met with ABC reporter Lisa Salters near the tunnel and told her “It wasn’t pretty.” No one ever said it was going to be pretty.

But if anything, it’s going to be competitive and challenging. He poured in 18 points, but wasn’t as impressive as the two seven-footers who played and seemed like the fiercest tandem, taller than the average player in a 87-79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, a young and inexperienced team.

He was simply missed and sidelined, wearing street clothes since March 19, but returned as a key component in good health from his 13-game absence and scored 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting.

He was exceptional on the boards, too. He’s a good man. And he has the knack to probably be one of the biggest centers in Lakers’ history, by growing and monitoring his health.

Ever since the Lakers have been in existence, they’ve had possession of dominant centers, such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal, the Superman who is not the same dominant center.

If Bynum keeps bullying and scoring inside, he’ll fit within the category of a history of centers. He had a career high with 12 rebounds and four blocks, all while playing 31 minutes.

This takes much pressure off Kobe and Pau Gasol, making it easier for the seven-footer to knock down the midrange jump shot and amass 19 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.

He’s the center and the center of focus. Most of the time, he was aggressive and earnest to produce in a decisive game.

And it benefited the Lakers, improving their recent progress. And now the boys from L.A., with the Giant of the West, are scary to face as long as Bynum dominates the interior.

“The more I keep playing with this aggressive nature, I think I’m going to get better at it and I think my teammates will trust me even more with the basketball and we’ll just keep building,” Bynum said.

The sensational Kevin Durant, who was contained efficiently by Ron Artest and Kobe, wasn’t a factor like most had foretold but it was Bynum.

They might not have all the juggernauts, but considering that their monstrous center has come alive, the Lakers can repeat after all. He’s not fully healthy, but he’s good enough to stand as a vital factor.

I wouldn’t put anything past the big fella.

This Isn't the Team To Beat: Lakers Perish, Too Lackadaisical

Never mind it being the best, most well-rounded basketball team in Hollywood, the most entertaining team in a community where movie stars crowded the streets of Hollywood for the Oscar awards Sunday evening. Deep down inside, witnessing Sandra Bullock win an award for leading actress was more galvanizing than watching the Los Angeles Lakers’ continuous struggles to win games.


It’s both fascinating and mind-blowing to watch arguably the most talented franchise in the NBA unravel and fade away from title conversions. All that said, the defending champs recent disastrous stumbles raise concerns as to whether the Lakers can repeat and defend their title.

In a big town such as Los Angeles, the well-known basketball franchise is the town’s trademark, a way for L.A. sporting fans to interact and cheer on the purple and gold. Whether or not the Lakers have been deteriorating because of lethargy and careless lapses, the team still embodies humanity and essence within a diverse and hysterical environment.

Fans still believe in the Lakers, a championship-driven team with all the components to amass its 16th title and move closer within their archenemies the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.

Fans believe it’s a team to be reckoned with, simply for its experience and depth.

Fans believe the Lakers remain invincible and impossible to beat, only because they possess the most dangerous and finest finisher in the game, Kobe Bryant. In this way, the Lakers are unique and have been one of the NBA's most amazing franchises.

Where amazing happened (not to mention thrilling heroics whenever Kobe’s buzzer-beaters fell) hasn’t been too amazing recently. Its dreadful to think that the Lakers aren’t described as fierce villains any more. If anything, you’re staring at an enigmatic team that seems unsure of themselves and fails to find its rhythm. Go ahead, feel at ease, but no team is afraid of them or intimidated by them at the moment.

Without the fear of suffering a dispirited loss, teams are beginning to test the Lakers toughness and mentality, raising questions as to where L.A. stands as far as being able to muster another championship banner and parade on Figueroa Ave.

Here’s a memo to the Buss family: "this might be the end of the magical rebirth we saw a year ago." In reality, that is how fans feel about our team right now, even though the Lakers usually find their mojo during the postseason by playing with a sense of urgency and energy. But as of now, the Lakers are perplexing and seem doomed.

Oh no, the thoughts of TERROR!

As we know, mystique plays a huge role in Los Angeles. Mind you, this is the team that possessed Magic Johnson’s unbelievable performances and Kareem Abdul-Jabber's ideal skyhook during the Showtime era. They are the most compelling franchise in all sports, with all-time legends like Wilt Chamberlain imprinting a spot in Lakers’ history, as well as Jerry West, the long-time floor general who also assembled a potent nucleus when he traded for Kobe in the 1996 NBA draft.

So there’s no question it’s a franchise with a great deal of mystique.

But things are different of late. There is a sense of unfamiliarity with this team, losers of three consecutive games for the first time in more than two years.

Nonetheless, the Kobe Show isn’t cancelled from its regularly scheduled program. Unfortunately, this funk has affected Bryant’s teammates who aren't getting involved in the now-stagnant offense. Blessed to have an exemplary guard in Kobe, all his lackadaisical teammates look to him to orchestrate a dramatic comeback, which happens often despite their underachievement.


None of this is good for a primary shooter, overloaded and fatigued by the end of the first half. It’s important that Kobe remains healthy and energized for the postseason, a moment when Kobe usually dominates and carries a heavy burden. Without him, the Lakers lose their killer attack and fall out of the playoffs much earlier than imagined. Truth is, minus Kobe’s ripple-effect the purple and gold is unable to survive a competitive bout in the playoffs.

In a shaky matinee Sunday, the Lakers stumbled again and were unable to find an escape from the dismay of the last three games. In what turned into a miserable ending, the Lakers faltered in a 96-94 loss to the Orlando Magic, in which they trailed by 10 points after three quarters, even though Bryant scored 18 of his game-high 34 points in the fourth quarter.

All of the sudden, the Lakers cannot close out a win, and they continue to defy the odds as to why they are called the best team in the Western Conference. Maybe it’s the moment to panic, bite nails and shut eyes. And maybe the L.A. faithful are scared to realize the possibility of suffering a heartbreaker in the postseason.

As a team, the Lakers had a team meeting to make a few tweaks and adjustments. No surprise there, because it’s a work in process after the Lakers finally improved at defending the pick-and-roll, a weakness that has created misery for years. The turnovers were also reduced a bit, finally protecting the ball anytime they had possession.

Most importantly, the defense is shaping into an unstoppable force, limiting the Magic to 34 points in the paint and creating misery for the physique Dwight Howard. Almost identical to when the team had minor flaws last season, before turning it around in the Western Conference Finals against Denver. Any ill-feelings or bad vibes in Lakerland could soon vanish, as the Lakers are accustomed to returning to form when necessary.

Ever since Kobe returned from the injury, Pau Gasol is not shooting as effectively, Shannon Brown misses more shot attempts, Lamar Odom is inconsistent, Artest is having his worst offensive season of his career and well, Bynum is an overpaid bust. No disrespect to Kobe, but it was a fun, exciting team without his presence. Still, there’s no one more frustrated than Gasol, who has to be tired of his offensive deficiencies as he's averaging a mere 14 points in the last three games.

“Kobe is a great player, the best offensive player out there…but at the same time, we need to find some balance with our interior game, develop it a little more, moving the ball and changing sides.” Gasol said. “We need to get focused on that a little more, to find balance, to find some flow.”

But now, it’s hard to figure out if the Lakers are potent to win back-to-back.

My guess is no.

Ron Artest Haters Really Needs To Get Lives

Years ago, I avoided Ron Artest. And if the Lakers were to sign him years ago, it would have divided a bonding team and absolutely demolished all chemistry. But now, Artest means everything to the Lakers, especially after Trevor Ariza traded spaces with him as the newest defensive force.

Artest was introduced Wednesday at the Lakers practice facility and was elated about entering next season in a purple and gold uniform. What does this mean for the Lakers? It means softness will most likely vanish, as Artest will stimulate a sturdy defensive assignment. He defended opposing stars and frustrated them by preventing their ability to drive inside the lane.

The one thing fans tend to worry about is his behavior, which shouldn't be much of a problem.

Folks, Artest has mellowed in the course of his career, finally having a breakout season in Houston a year ago.

Many still haven't erased the memories of his gruesome brawl as a member of Indiana, when he charged the stands at the Palace of Auburn Hills and prompted an infamous melee, the worst in NBA history.


Folks who still hate Artest must get a life. He's not a cancer as before, nor is he a problem-child who causes turbulence in the locker room. He's a man of defense and has finally arrived on the right team.

The Lakers haven't committed much time to defense and no player has really stepped up to enforce or emphasize defensive accountability.

So if there are people who still hate Artest for his heinous conduct in the past, get a life.

No kidding, he's the best defensive player in the league. And that's the truth.

Artest Goes Hollywood: A Lakers Necessity

A few years ago, I would’ve ignored Ron Artest. Now, he is an archetype of how a jeopardous and troubling personality transforms, building a reinforced sphere amid title runs, not to mention the nightmarish upheaval he presented to other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

Once, Artest was the most villainous player to roam into Hollywood, but now he’s lovable and a vibrant necessity in the town where stars reside.

Artest’s sudden arrival into a town of bred champs shouldn’t come as a surprise. And now, instead of classifying Artest as NBA’s thug, it is simple to forget his infamous reputation and refer to him as one of NBA’s best defenders, if not the best in the league currently.

Meaning he must be treated as a good citizen and as a virtuous competitor that is unveiling whenever his temper doesn’t flare into entropy and divide a harmonized team.

However, he’s abounded to help the Lakers secure a back-to-back. Over the course of his poisonous mood changes in an infamous past, he has mellowed into a respectful competitor, pestering and intimidating opponents.

The Lakers exactly know what type of player they are adding to their natural gifted family. Before, it was enigmatic to tell if Artest was a risk or a cure for establishing clarity among an NBA team.

But now, he’s not abound to sabotage chemistry, and has developed into a top-market player for the Lakers, courtesy of a genius measure by owner Jerry Buss to agree in principal with Artest on a multiyear deal at roughly $18.7 million over three years or $33.5 million over five years, base on whichever contracts suits Artest.

If he reaches an agreement on the five-year deal, it will include a player option on the fifth season. But if the Lakers rebuff offering a five-year deal, then Artest will have to settle for a three-year deal and will become a free-agent in 2012.

For many, it’s a surprise that the Lakers have reached verbal agreements with Artest, until July 8 when players can officially sign new contracts. Next season, Artest will wear a Lakers’ uniform, joining his postseason antagonist Kobe Bryant and will now stand in someone else’s face.

Not long ago, Artest was a pest, getting in a face-to-face dispute with Kobe at midcourt.

Non-stop trash-talking described the series, and familiarized the league’s toughest players. They are competitive and good friends who assemble a blend for an ideal Hollywood story, though their emotions broiled into facial trash-talking and back-and-forth exchange of words.

Being ambitious dictates emotions, especially in the midst of seeking a title as they were attempting to win it for their teams.

Fortunately, it turned out the Lakers were more dynamic and consisted of sturdy depth more than the Rockets. By parlaying Artest, it cultivates powerful depth that gives the Lakers legitimate changes of duplicating triumph for a second straight season. For a few seasons, Artest has being poised about accompanying with the Lakers.

Lobbying and agreeing happened in perfect timing, on a day Trevor Ariza agreed on a multiyear deal with Houston. Similar to Artest, Ariza was arguably the Lakers top defender, and the one play talked about greatly was the steal of Chauncey Billups’ inbound pass against Denver in the Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers are reluctant to negotiate further with Ariza, but are willing to add the well-experienced defensive forward whose bad posture has being forgotten as last season was his breakout season, producing 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

As a result, he was named 2004 Defensive Player of the Year for the tough in-your-face, trash-talking action. It is an important addition for the Lakers, who have being criticized for softness, before just managing to win its 15th title in franchise history. Early in the postseason, the Lakers had us guessing on if they were potent enough to win a title.

Most of last season, they relied on offense from Kobe’s unstoppable scowling and amazing shots or Derek Fisher’s electrifying deep bombs from downtown, rather than fixing defensive woes and solidifying weaknesses. By welcoming Artest, it will fortify fiascoes of the Lakers teetering defense, establishing developments defensively.

Not at all should fans worry about Artest’s selfishness or angry eruptions dividing a locker room of ambitious champs. Fact is, giving challenging assignments of defending preeminent players in the league, he handled each efficiently with ability to frustrate and forestall opponents. Not at all should fans worry about Artest’s relationship with Kobe.

Know that they’re a sterling tandem, as Kobe is known for his far-fetched scoring and Artest is known for his tight defense.

On the other hand, the Lakers are bound to lose Ariza, who contribute to their championship thrive. The Rockets are returning the favor to the Lakers of reaching an agreement with their former star by reaching one with Ariza, trading spaces and finding homes in opposite towns.

Without sturdy defense, the Lakers would have found it difficult winning a title, of which Phil Jackson would still have to wait for title No. 10, and Kobe would still have a burden on his shoulders that he can’t win without Shaq.

In the postseason, Ariza was the player who changed complexions of the game, like an energizer bunny who persist and urged defensive intensity with his quickness to strip away lose balls and had great awareness.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is elated to sign a defensive force as well as Artest. With the Lakers, there are greater chances of Artest capping his first championship. Rather than trying it over in Houston, he knows signing with the defending champs brings better luck.

Right now, the Rockets are being treated as patients and staying away from the courts due to injuries. Just a few days ago, reports confirmed they could be Yao-less next season, but are awaiting the prognosis on Yao Ming, who sustained a fracture in his left foot during the postseason.

Clearly, the Lakers are not refusing to give Artest a chance of playing alongside Kobe, but will brace the presence of the newcomer who has erased the poisonous modus out of his system, and translated his angry on the court by using his one-on-one method.

With the Rockets, Artest was on his best behavior, an explanation to why the Lakers ownership doesn’t have to hesitate in offering a deal.

Although, the infamous Malice at the Palace in 2004, when Artest crazily charged into the stands and attacked a spectator for hurling a glass of beer into his face that resulted in a 73 game suspension for the harshest punishment in the NBA history.

Later, Artest demanded a trade from Indiana after upsetting his teammates. From Hoosier town, he was dealt to the backyard of Arnold Schwarzenegger and served as a Sacramento Kings forward at the state capital of California.

From a bitter closure with the ownership in Sacramento, he than flew into Houston and missed with Texas a full season.

But now, Artest goes Hollywood to create an ideal story.