The Lakers have been bumped out of the run for the championship in the fifth game of their series against the Thunder, 106-90. This season has been surprising in more than one way. From the season that almost didn’t happen, to Kobe’s masked mug playing on the court after the All-Star game nose bash. From Sessions, Gasol, and Bynum stepping up during Kobe’s “coaching debut,” to the three of them giving nothing at all to the playoffs series, forcing us fans to ask some tough questions about the state of this Lakers roster. Steve Blake got death threats. Fisher and Odom, two of the Lakers crowd favorites, were traded. And World Peace had a 7-game suspension. If we can take anything away from this season, it would perseverance. The Lakers still made it to the playoffs as the three seed in the West, defeated the Nuggets, and got eliminated by a caliber team after an entire season of adversity. That is something to cheer about.
Kobe Bryant was the star last night with 46 points, over half of the points made by the Lakers. But he is without improvement, as the Mamba didn’t have one assist the entire game. Bynum was the night’s biggest disappointment, with only 10 points and 4 rebounds. Pau assisted Kobe’s rainfall of baskets with 14 points and 16 rebounds.
So what’s next for the Lakers? For one, rest. With back to back playoffs series, I am sure the players must be exhausted. Injuries need to heal and the dust needs to settle as they head back to a normal routine. Trades are bound to happen; Bynum himself talks about the possibility of him leaving this Lakers team. And as for Kobe, he adamantly proclaims:
“I’m not fading into the shadows, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not going anywhere…We’re not going anywhere. It’s not one of those things where the Bulls beat the Pistons and the Pistons disappeared forever. I’m not going for that (stuff).”
For all you basketball fans, don’t forget that this summer will be filled with basketball through the Olympic games. Lakers Nation will be covering how our US team does through out the coming months. The NBA draft will also promise some exciting basketball news, as this year’s winning Kentucky team have all declared to participate.
Lakers Nation News
Kobe Bryant After Loss: “I Am Not Fading Into the Shadows”
Is Ramon Sessions Worth Resigning?
Lakers Season Ends Despite Kobe’s 42 Points
Kobe: “We’re Not Going Anywhere”
Steve Nash and Lakers a Good Match? RUMORS!
Mavericks Brian Cardinal Takes a Twitter Shot at Kobe During Game 5
Lakers Pass the Torch to the Thunder, For Now
Shooting in OKC After Lakers Elimination
Lakers News
Has Kobe Won His Last NBA Title? [Lakers Blog]
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow [Forum Blue and Gold]
Where Do The Lakers Go From Here? [Silver Screen and Roll]
Time is Not on the Lakers Side [LA Times]
What to Make of Kobe, Andrew, and Pau Now [OC Register]
Ebanks on Lakers: “Pretty Interested in Me” [Lakers Blog]
Bryant: “We Are Going to be There Again” [NBA.com]
What’s Next in LA? The Future [Yahoo Sports]
Thunder- Lakers Series Review [Silver Screen and Roll]
The LA Lakers Need to Make Big Changes [ESPN.com]
Jordan Hill Looking to “Find a Home” [Lakers Blog]
Lakers Roster Needs Rebuilding [OC Register]
NBA News
Howards Fault for Van Gundy? [Yahoo Sports]
Tim Duncan, Spurs on Historic Winning Streal [SI.com]
Miami Heat Big Two Could Use Help [CBS Sports]
Westbrook Hit Impossible And-One Shot to Beat the Lakers [Yahoo Sports]
NBA Draft Grades: Grizzlies [SB Nation]
8 Injured After Gunshots Fired after OKC beat LA [ESPN.com]
Irvin, Lin Will Help Train Team USA [SI.com]
Garnett’s Passion Fuels Win Over the Sixers [Yahoo Sports]
Warriors Moving to SF from Oakland? [CBS Sports]
The Celtics Greatest Decoy [SB Nation]
