Can You Say 30?

What a night for the Los Angeles Lakers. This Finals appearance makes it the 30th in Laker history. That's almost like saying "In every other year the Lakers are in the NBA Finals". So, after a tough and emotional series, the Lakers prevailed with ease in game 6 of the western conference finals. Led by Kobe Bryant, the Lake Show was as efficient on both ends of the court as any team could be in a 119-92 victory. The Lakers from the start to finish were moving the ball like no team left in the playoffs. Quick ball reversals and smart execution led to wide open 3's and uncontested shots. The Lakers just played a complete game. Early on Pau made his presence felt under the basket by blocking and altering shots. And Trevor Ariza, wow, what a game did he play. He really set the tone early on with his penetration and 3 point shooting. This then led to the Nuggets having to commit to him and allow #24 to take over. Late in the 2nd quarter the Lakers were playing sloppy by committing 11 early turnovers, but then Kobe took over. He played probably the best 3:30 minutes any basketball player can possibly play. He first nailed a jumper like usual and then hit another tough contested shot in the corner. Kobe then got to the line and converted both attempts. Then with about 28 seconds left, the Lakers had the ball and Pau gets the offensive rebound and finds Kobe in the corner and he drains the 3 with about 7 ticks left. Melo then gets the ball and takes it coast to coast and who else, yes Kobe comes out of nowhere and blocks his shot as time expires. At this point you knew the Lakers had a different look in their eyes. They looked so determined to end this series. Then in the second half the Lakers just took control and they never looked back. Kobe finished with 35 pts (12-20 from the field and 9-9 from the line), 10 ast, 1 to and 6 reb. He played within the game and made every right decision all night. Even George Karl said "I don't even think Jesus could have guarded him tonight". Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom also contributed monster games scoring 20 a piece and dominated inside all game. To win a game on the road in the playoffs is tough enough, but to win a road game in a close out game is incredibly tough. Especially winning in Denver, with that raucous crowd and having posted a 16 game winning streak at home heading into this series. If you had any doubts about the Lakers being able to win a championship, well, you shouldn't, because they look ready. So Cleveland and Orlando, watch out here they come. Stay tuned this weekend for a Finals preview.