As we approach the the beginning of the 2011 Western Conference Finals not many thought that the Dallas Mavericks would be hosting Game 1 of the series. Unfortunately for Lakers Nation, we will have to endure this Western Conference match-up without our beloved purple and gold. In order to keep us distracted from dwelling on the disappointment of this season, this week we will countdown the best Western Conference Finals games for the Lakers in the last decade. Enough with the negativity and let’s remember some of the better Laker moments in the WCF.
5. Lakers vs. Suns
2010 WCF-Game6
The most recent moment of the bunch and the only one that includes the Kobe/Gasol combo. The Lakers faced the Suns in Phoenix with a chance to close out the series and more importantly redeem themselves after being eliminated by Phoenix in the 2006 and 2007 playoffs. For that reason this game makes the number five spot, after experiencing two playoff failures to Steve Nash and company this time it was sweet revenge. The final score was 111-103, and the Lakers would go on to meet the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfYGBHi7ya0
4. Lakers vs. Spurs
2001 WCF-Game 4
Staying with the redemption theme, the Lakers would face the Spurs in San Antonio for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals with the Lakers leading the series 3 games to none. Two years prior the Spurs had swept the Lakers in the conference semi-finals and this time around it was a completely different story. Coming off one NBA title for Kobe and Shaq, they were chasing their second one and so far had been flawless not losing a single game in the first two rounds. So the Lakers took on the San Antonio crowd as they not only tried to close the series but more importantly sweep David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Final score was 111-82.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3lUtG5vL6k
Next: The Queens
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]
3. Lakers vs. Kings
2002 WCF-Game 7
One of the most competitive series in the three-peat era had to be decided in seven games. The Lakers would have to travel to Sacramento and face the Kings and that annoying crowd in game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. One more win would send either team to the NBA Finals and this Sacramento team was not intimidated by the back to back champs. The game would not be decided in 48 minutes and needed an extra five minutes to decide the outcome. It was a thrilling finish with the Lakers coming out victorious 112-106.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsivkdo4pjg
2. Lakers vs Kings
2002 WCF-Game 2
Yes, there are two moments in one series alone. Why would a game seven series clinching victory be considered number three on the countdown behind a game four victory you might ask? Big Shot Rob would cement himself in Laker history by providing us one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the NBA, easily making this the second spot on the list. With that one shot it completely turned that series around and tied the series at two games a piece. The Lakers overcame a 24 point deficit, and Robert Horry provided one of the greatest moments in Lakers history. The final score of this iconic game was 100-99.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO-5Fr3LF2E
Next: Kobe’s Lob to the Diesel
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]
1. Lakers vs. Blazers
2000 WCF-Game 7
The Lakers had the number one seed in the west and Shaq and Kobe were looking for their first NBA title but first they had to face a battle tested Portland Trail Blazers team that included Scottie Pippen and Rasheed Wallace. Although the game was played at Staples Center it sure did not bother the Blazers as they controlled most of the game until the fourth quarter. The Lakers erased a 15 point deficit with 10:28 to play in the fourth quarter, and would go on to win the West 89-84. The defining moment of the game came when a young Kobe Bryant lobbed it up to Shaq for a thunderous dunk and that would be the dagger that finished off the Blazers.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhNN920v6ss
This year might not have been our year, but we have much to celebrate and remember in recent memory, so let’s use that as a reminder that we will be back, hopefully sooner rather than later.
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]