Starring Kobe Bryant as “the face of the franchise,” he is an aging star fighting for his place among basketball immortality. Now in his final years, Bryant is often referred to as the Lakers “closer,” facilitating the offense and striking at the heart of the opponent just in time to deliver the knock-out punch. This is the Lakers formula for success, when Bryant strays outside this formula, whether by necessity or not, the Lakers suffer; for the Lakers to succeed he needs to stick to what works best.
Co-starring Pau Gasol, as “the first officer,” he has the responsibility of carrying the bulk of the mission responsibilities on his sometimes shaky shoulders. For the Lakers to accomplish their mission Gasol must not revert to his passive Memphis years, but instead demand that he be the Lakers number one option. He provides the balance on the offensive end which then dictates the pace and readiness on the defensive side. When the triangle starts with Gasol, the Lakers are nearly unstoppable.
Also co-starring Derek Fisher as “the Captain,” Fish must find the words to keep his crew focused and he must provide the steady hand to navigate this ship where few teams have gone before. Fisher just signed a three year contract, but as the core of up-and-coming point guard cadets in the Western Conference continues to deepen, Fish will have his work cut out for him. For the Lakers to flourish, Fish doesn’t need to be a star he just needs to remain steady.
With special guest-appearances by Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum, two seven footers that along with Gasol provide the Lakers with an unmatched weapon: one seven footer who can handle the ball, work from the outside and outrun any forward who dares to match up with him and another who gives them the muscle, the strength, and the size inside. Together they are perfect compliments to the finesse game deployed by the Lakers other seven footer, Pau Gasol.
Odom and Bynum have but one purpose on this mission: to exceed expectations and to provide Bryant and Gasol the support they need, especially on nights that the two stars struggle. Odom and Bynum need to assert themselves into larger roles this year. They need to turn their supporting roles into lead roles; especially as teams focus in on Bryant and hammer down on Gasol. When engaged, Odom and Bynum provide the Lakers something with which no team in the league can compete. When disengaged, it’s the Lakers who come up short, literally!
Next: The Sky Is Not Falling
Can the team play better?
Of course they could.
Is there reason for concern given the lack of consistency especially on defense?
Sure there is.
Does this team still have what it takes to win the 2011 NBA Championship, despite its early season ups and downs?
In my opinion, absolutely.
What makes me so confident, you ask? Well the reason being is simple, or more to the point, not simple. In fact, in the history of the league only three teams have ever done what the Lakers are setting out to do.
In the history of the league!
Three.
Let’s put that into perspective for just a second, shall we?
Take the time to let your mind wander to all the great teams and all the great players of the past.
…To all of the Hall-Of-Famer’s and house-hold names that have come before…To those that won the title once and to the much luckier few who were able to do it more than once.
In the history of the NBA only three teams have been able to compete for the NBA title four years in a row.
Sustained greatness…It is the key ingredient of the NBA’s legendary teams. And, these Lakers, with all their supposed short-comings, with all their flaws, are on the verge of joining the ranks of the NBA’s greatest teams ever.
Next: Chasing Legends
Magic’s Lakers made their Final’s reservations from 1981-81 through 1984-85 and came close to doing so again from 1986-87 through 1988-89 but fell short in 1990.
In a nod to the Ghosts of Celtic Past, Bird’s Celts were able to carve out their own place in the Finals from 1983-84 through 1986-87.
On a side note, Jordan’s Bulls most likely would have been added to the list. If MJ hadn’t left the NBA to pursue his Big League Dreams, he may have even come close to tying the Russell/Cousy led Celtics. But, he did leave and the list of teams remains at three.
Hakeem never did it.
Neither did Shaq.
The Bad Boys couldn’t do it.
Nor could the Tim Duncan led Spurs.
And yet, here these Lakers are. With a season full of bumps and bruises, injuries and distractions these Lakers are on the verge of making history. Currently, they are sitting in second place in the Western Conference; approximately six games behind the San Antonio Spurs. Were the NBA Finals to start tomorrow the Lakers would have home court advantage against all opponents but one-the Boston Celtics.
Next: Live Long and Prosper
For what they are setting out to accomplish, is not easy. What they are attempting has only been done by the best. What they are chasing is history and what they are hoping for, is that with good health and better luck they will become number four on the list.
Think of those that deride this team and its star as being good but not great, of its co-star being too soft and its commitment being misplaced. Think of those that want to give the crown away to another team for its regular season success. Then, remember that it’s not what you do in December and January that count, in the NBA, it’s all about June baby.
Over the last three and a half years these Lakers have played in the most important, pressure-filled games that professional basketball has to offer. They’ve been to the Finals three years in a row and have won back-to-back championships. They are on the verge of a three-peat and of reaching the NBA Finals for a fourth time in four years.
Remembering that may allow us to overlook the occasional losses that are commonplace during the cold NBA winter and bound to happen to every team. And if the recent wins against Denver and Oklahoma City tell us anything it’s that when the Lakers all follow the same script, they are still the best show on TV. For now, our phasers are set on stun, and Scotty, er, I mean, Phil has yet to set the engines to warp factor 9. Our mission is but half way completed to boldly go where only the best have gone.