My oh my what a night! As Chick Hearn used to say "the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butters getting hard and the Jell-o's jiggling", which often meant the end of the game or in this case, the series. The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA champions for the 15th time in Franchise history. It is their 4th title in this decade (more than any other professional sports team in that time frame). It is Phil Jackson's 10th title, passing Red Auerbach all-time and now has the all-time record for championships for any coach on any professional level. Kobe Bryant now has 4 rings, with his 1st Finals MVP. This is a big night indeed for the Lakers, their fans and the city of Los Angeles. After a humbling defeat last year to the Celtics, the Lakers came back this year understanding whats at stake and rising to the occasion on the biggest level. What made this Laker team even more special was they did it together. They got contributions from Kobe, Gasol, Odom, Fisher and Ariza to win this title. Championship teams make championship plays and all of those players each made phenomenal plays during the post season. This team never faltered once during the often up and down road to the Larry O'brien trophy. But in the end it didn't matter, because the Lakers are the ones left standing. Amid all of their critics this team kept persevering, even at the toughest of times. And if you look deeper at this team, it should be no surprise. Starting with Lamar Odom who lost his mother and sister and of course his child all to death in a short period of time. He exemplifies strength at the max and deserves this title more than anyone. We can also start with Trevor Ariza who lost his younger brother to tragic death at a young age as well. This team knows how to handle adversity and handle it well. So performing well on basketballs biggest stage shouldn't be a difficult task for this group and they showed it tonight. They are all deserving of winning the 2009 NBA Championship (Can't wait already for next year and the presentations of their rings!). The look on Kobe's face when he embraced Phil after the buzzer sounded said it all. Just a look of relief and pure joy. As he stated in the post game interview "feels like a monkey is off my back" and that is so true. The man has gotten criticized more by critics and analysts alike more than any athlete. And for what? All he did was give it his all and work the hardest. And that look he gave summed it up best. All those critics can now shut up. Kobe won a title without Shaq and did it leading a young team to the promise land. Kobe has now claimed a spot in the to
p 10 of all time conversation and possibly top5. This championship has now cemented his legacy forever more. Now the question is, how many can he win? This Lakers team is set up for the next few years barring the resigning of Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom. Kobe is still only 30, Pau Gasol is 28, Ariza is 23, Bynum is 21 and Lamar Odom is 29. This team is still relatively young and will only get better. The experience they have gained has been tremendous. And winning the 1st one is always the toughest. More to come later this week on my reaction to the finals and Kobe and Phil, but time to celebrate this one. And also stay tuned for my report from the Lakers championship parade. I love LA and everyone tonight may not love them, but damn they gotta respect them. Go Lakers!
My oh my what a night! As Chick Hearn used to say "the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butters getting hard and the Jell-o's jiggling", which often meant the end of the game or in this case, the series. The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA champions for the 15th time in Franchise history. It is their 4th title in this decade (more than any other professional sports team in that time frame). It is Phil Jackson's 10th title, passing Red Auerbach all-time and now has the all-time record for championships for any coach on any professional level. Kobe Bryant now has 4 rings, with his 1st Finals MVP. This is a big night indeed for the Lakers, their fans and the city of Los Angeles. After a humbling defeat last year to the Celtics, the Lakers came back this year understanding whats at stake and rising to the occasion on the biggest level. What made this Laker team even more special was they did it together. They got contributions from Kobe, Gasol, Odom, Fisher and Ariza to win this title. Championship teams make championship plays and all of those players each made phenomenal plays during the post season. This team never faltered once during the often up and down road to the Larry O'brien trophy. But in the end it didn't matter, because the Lakers are the ones left standing. Amid all of their critics this team kept persevering, even at the toughest of times. And if you look deeper at this team, it should be no surprise. Starting with Lamar Odom who lost his mother and sister and of course his child all to death in a short period of time. He exemplifies strength at the max and deserves this title more than anyone. We can also start with Trevor Ariza who lost his younger brother to tragic death at a young age as well. This team knows how to handle adversity and handle it well. So performing well on basketballs biggest stage shouldn't be a difficult task for this group and they showed it tonight. They are all deserving of winning the 2009 NBA Championship (Can't wait already for next year and the presentations of their rings!). The look on Kobe's face when he embraced Phil after the buzzer sounded said it all. Just a look of relief and pure joy. As he stated in the post game interview "feels like a monkey is off my back" and that is so true. The man has gotten criticized more by critics and analysts alike more than any athlete. And for what? All he did was give it his all and work the hardest. And that look he gave summed it up best. All those critics can now shut up. Kobe won a title without Shaq and did it leading a young team to the promise land. Kobe has now claimed a spot in the to
p 10 of all time conversation and possibly top5. This championship has now cemented his legacy forever more. Now the question is, how many can he win? This Lakers team is set up for the next few years barring the resigning of Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom. Kobe is still only 30, Pau Gasol is 28, Ariza is 23, Bynum is 21 and Lamar Odom is 29. This team is still relatively young and will only get better. The experience they have gained has been tremendous. And winning the 1st one is always the toughest. More to come later this week on my reaction to the finals and Kobe and Phil, but time to celebrate this one. And also stay tuned for my report from the Lakers championship parade. I love LA and everyone tonight may not love them, but damn they gotta respect them. Go Lakers!
3 comments:
Joey F.: Rashard Lewis did not show up for Orlando at all and I just remembered who he reminds me of - Peja Stojakovic. The Lakers must find a awy to keep both ariza and Odom. If they must choose between them, I htink Odom is more important. He cna do more things inside and outside and showed that while playing defense on Dwight Howard and hitting key 3 pointers in game 5. What do you think?
Rich E.
Yeah possibly, but Odom will be 30 this year and Ariza is still only 23 and to see how much he improved in 1 year is really promising and his ceiling is much higher than Lamars. I honestly think we are going to really make an effort to sign them both. I have faith.
New background looks great. Love all the photos.
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