Lakers House

Lakers In Session

My prayers have been answered, not by God, but by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It's been so long since we had a point guard that could at the very least outrun his grandma.

Just about any point guard in the league would be an upgrade over Fisher. It's like trading in your Dreamcast system for a new 360.

It's been a long time since we had a point guard that could penetrate farther than the three point line.

But overall we'll miss him, there will be a void in leadership. No one was as vocal as Fisher. And no one besides Kobe on that team has done more for the Lakers.

But this upgrade was much needed, and Session is a young, fast, and athletic. He was averaging 10 and 5 off the bench in Cleveland. That's more than Fisher, and Fisher was starting. Session is a pass first guard and that shall definitely contribute to more success for the purple and gold.

Now we have someone who can actually guard players like Westbrook, Paul, Nash, Felton, Lawson, and the others.

The biggest issue before was the lack of athleticism and defense from the point guard tandem of Fisher and Blake.

Overall Kupchak pulled through when we needed it.

Odoms to Dallas

After the hectic week of Big Brother denying the CP3 trade to go through, the Lakers traded away their prized asset in Lamar Odom. Odom, who was the sixth man of the year last season was due 8.9 million this season. He was also a key part of the CP3 trade which would have sent him to the hornets.

Rumors have been spreading that the Lakers are making more cap room for a bigger trade -- perhaps Dwight?

But from my perspective this trade is straight up dumb. More dumb than Lloyd Christmas. More dumb than Vlade Divac swatting the ball away to Robert Horry -- by the way thanks for that.

There isn't a single player in the league that can play every single position except for Lamar Odom. His versatility is the best in the game. He can shoot, board, dribble, and defend. What more could you expect out of him?

I understand the fact that Mitch Kupchak is trying to get younger players. But at the cost for what? For a losing season?

Did you not see the game against the Clippers? Ron Artes... excuse me, Metta World Peace saw two baskets while trying to shoot a basketball while on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide.

The bench lacked a lot of scoring -- something Odom was a huge part of.

What do we get in return for Odom?

A first round draft pick. Wow. That's amazing.

Did Kupchak realize that the Mavericks swept the Lakers last season, and that the Mavericks will not be a lottery pick?

At least one positive comes from this. The Kardashians will no longer infect the stands at the Staple Center.

NBA Rank, Kobe #7

North Koreans are going to wage a war against the U.S. for having such a ridiculous ranking for a player with the best achievements in the league right now.

Here are the other six players ranked ahead of Kobe.
1. Lebron James
2. Dwight Howard
3. Dwayne Wade
4. Chris Paul
5. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Kevin Durant

Now these rankings are clearly subjected to one's personal opinions. But I can't help but call the ninety something basketball "experts" a bunch of idiots.

Let's do a Kobe comparison with every single player ranked ahead of him. And see if the rankings are justified.

Kobe vs LeBron - Career wise? Kobe Bryant hands down. Currently? LeBron James, by a slight margin. Kobe Bryant possesses an offensive skill set that can't be matched by anyone in the league. Even at the age of 33, where you're out of your prime and you're suppose to fall off the face of the Earth into the land of "has beens" Kobe Bryant's skill enables him to compete at an elite level. However, due to an aging body, some of his stats in categories other than scoring have been dropping. LeBron's athletic ability allows him to blow by any defender in the league. LeBron is a better passer, and a better rebounder than Kobe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osGwRoSbjrQ&feature=related

Kobe vs Dwight - A shooting guard to center comparison is not easy to analyze. Like LeBron, Dwight's freakish athleticism at the center position has dominated all big men in basketball for a few years now. But a #2 rank? Dwight has nothing but three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeLRym4Q-pg

Kobe vs DWade - This topic has arisen recently over the year as to whom was the best shooting guard in the league. Dwayne Wade is the more explosive player, but Kobe Bryant is the better all around player. Wade is on a star studded team which opponents have a hard time guarding due to the amount of stars the Miami Heat possess. Kobe Bryant goes into every game as the main focus of every single team. Yet, his numbers are near equivalent if not greater than Dwayne's. Kobe is also the better defender, which is proven by his selection over Wade for the NBA 1st All Defensive Team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o13ifd9PoB8

Kobe vs CP3 - Another hard comparison to make between a shooting guard and a point guard. Point guards are more valuable assets to a team, but CP3's #4 rank is unjustified. He is only an elite player if he is healthy, yet the experts said "A healthy CP3, is the best point guard in the league." Well I say "A healthy Kobe, is the best player in the league."

Kobe vs Dirk - I was shocked when I saw Dirk come ahead of Kobe. We all know unanimously Kobe is the better player. But realizing what Dirk did in the playoffs last season, his ranking is justified.

Kobe vs Durant - This is a no brainer. Kobe Bryant, any day. Durant was given a higher rating due to potential rather than production. Durant is not even close to a good defender as Kobe is. And Kobe has the edge with the offensive skill set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kgG4Q7kuuw

Here are what the rankings should be.

1. LeBron James - As much as it hurts to put LeBron here, it's the truth. Kobe's aging body can't compete with an athletic freak of a nature. But until LeBron can prove he's a winner, he won't be anywhere near the Jordan-Bryant discussions.

2. Dirk Nowitzki - His playoff performance deserves a standing ovation for his heroic performance.

3. Kobe Bryant - The most clutch player in the league, with the best skills in the league. His accomplishments speak the truth. If it weren't for his deteriorating knees, and his aging body, he'd be number one.

4. Dwayne Wade - The "Wade" 2 step is becoming a phenomenon across the nation as players are adopting the move. But please give credit to Manu Ginobili.

5. Dwight Howard - Seven foot Super Man.

Now with the lock out enduring, Kobe Bryant will benefit the most as he is given extra time to rest and heal his fingers, knee, and ankle. We all know what happens when people doubt and criticize the Mamba. He comes back with even more of a killer instinct.

Follow me @HieuDazzleLe

Mamma Mia

With the inevitable NBA lockout, and NBA players traveling overseas to play in foreign countries, Kobe Bryant was offered a contract to play on the Italian team Virtus Bologna

His home town.

His father's home town.

6.7 Million for one year, that's more than Delonte West will make over at the Home Depot.

Not only that, the offers are flexible, and are pretax. Meaning Kobe will return to the Lakers once the lockout ends.

There are options for one month, two months, and one year deals. Each game Kobe Bryant will earn $739,640 dollars.

Kobe grew up in Italy, eating spaghetti, pasta, and his idols are Mario and Luigi. So the chances of him going to Italy are pretty good, considering the country already appeals to his fantastic childhood memories.

Bryant's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played in Italy with Rieti, Reggio Calabria, Pistoia and Reggiana from 1984 to 1991. The elder Bryant now coaches the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

The Turkish club Besiktas -- which signed Deron Williams, and had Allen Iverson play for them in the past -- has expressed intent of giving Kobe an offer.

At least one Chinese team has interest in Kobe.

Bologna failed to qualify for this season's Euroleague, but the team has big ambitions to become a competitor.

Virtus Bologna general manager Massimo Faraoni says that he has been on conference calls with Kobe's agent.

"I think we already have a competitive squad for Serie A, but Kobe is obviously a great champion and he would make a great addition to the team," Faraoni said. "I would put us just behind Milano and Siena."

Italy is most likely going to have one of the best basketball players in their country.

Russell Crowe has some serious competition. Can Maximus Decimus Meridius even compete with the Mamba?

You might as well just call Kobe the Emperor of Rome.

Lakers Needs: Outside Shooting

Let's face it, you need the three balls to rain if you want to be a serious contender. Look at what the Mavericks did to the Lakers in Game 4.

During the season the Lakers were tied at 17th in the league from behind the arc with a 35.2 percentage.

Kobe Bryant is more of a streaky and record setting shooter, he's not very consistent.

Derek Fisher... is Derek Fisher.

Steve Blake was brought into L.A. to help improve their 3 point shooting, but his percentage dipped from 39 to 37. He had to adjust to a new system, and he did not take a lot of shots to find his comfort zone.

Lamar Odom had a career high 38.2 percentage from downtown, his career average is 32.1. Don't expect him to increase his percentage from last season, if anything it'll drop significantly.

Ron Artest's percentage was 35.6, I believe that could increase, but not higher than his career high set in 2009 with 39.9.

The Lakers need to bring in a couple of pure shooters that can park and let it fly. With Mike Brown as the new head coach and a new offense, a lot of players can easily adjust to it, rather than the complex triangle offense.

You need some snipers in this league, a championship team has good inside-out play.

Lakers Needs: Point Guard

In the era of star point guards, they've made the most significant impact on teams. If you were to rank the most stars from each position, the point guard category would have the most.

It's not a surprise, these players are lightning quick, they have no fear, and they are very unselfish -- except Russel Westbrook.

You have a list of players like Steve Nash, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Russel Westbrook, Tyreke Evans, Jason Kidd, Aaron Brooks, Stephen Curry, Chauncey Billups, and John Wall. These guys bring a lot to the table every single game.

But the Lakers have been stuck with an aging Derek Fisher for a long time. Apart from his great leadership skills, terrific 3 point shooting, and the only player that dares to criticize Kobe; he's basically an old worthless player.

According to hoopsstats.com the Derek Fisher and Steve Blake tandem averaged the fewest points per game (10.9) and fewest assists per game (4.9), in the whole entire league.

This is unacceptable, what they do on the defensive end, does not compensate enough for their lack of productivity on the offensive end. Fisher's situation is different from Blake's. Fisher is not a traditional point guard type, and his retirement home is quickly calling.

Both can hit 3 pointers, and that's why Steve Blake was brought in. But he does not take a lot of shots, to get into a consistent rhythm to hit those 3's. He averaged nearly 3 shots per game.

As the NBA develops more traditional type point guards, the Lakers are stuck with Fisher. They need to get rid of him, trade, or find a cheap replacement in free agency.

Expect the Lakers to draft a point guard in the second round, who knows, they might even draft more than one, with the four picks they have.

What Can Brown Do For You?

Not UPS

I'm talking about Mike Brown, you know, that one coach that got fired from the Cavaliers, and got swept in the finals of 2007.

There's a lot to know about him though, he's a solid coach, a great person, has charisma, and he's one of the well known names in the NBA.

He has the most wins in Cavaliers history, but he can highly thank the self-proclaimed "King" for his winning stints in Cleveland.

For five years the Cavs were legitimate contenders. He had a record of 272-138. This record doesn't mean anything, we're talking about the Lakers. We're talking about replacing Phil Jackson, not some no named coach.

His coaching tactics don't mesh well with the Lakers. As a defensive minded coach -- with very little offensive strategies -- the Lakers are just too old to adjust to his philosophies, if they choose to listen that is. Teaching these old players "defense wins championships" is trying to convert an Atheist to Christianity.

Brown doesn't know the triangle system, and if Brian Shaw leaves, he will be left clueless. Forcing the Lakers an inevitable change to their offensive system.

He's been criticized before for his blatant playbook.

"Okay guys here's the game plan, I want LeBron touching the ball every possession down the court."

Kobe's voice was not a factor.... wait he never had an input. This could turn out ugly, a player with an ego pairing up with a coach that can't tame. Brown is going to be thrown into the lion cages, if the Lakers don't buy into his system.

Mike Brown needs to have a team meeting, assign roles, and point out his goals for the season.

Some positives come out of this hiring though, we can safely assume that the Lakers defensive rotation won't be horrific. No more giving up 20 three pointers. His defensive pedigree is impressive, which will significantly help the Lakers. After they were sliced and diced in the playoffs by Dirk Nowitzki and co.

It will be interesting to see how Brown will use the lengthy Bynum, Gasol, and Odom.

Many changes are imminent, the bench needs to be obliterated, Fisher's old age, and there's Odom's reality show.

Will they be contenders? Most definitely, there will be a huge increase in defensive effort when the season starts.

This is the same team, they will win 50+, can they win the championship is the most important question.

Let's hope UPS delivered to the right address.

The Best? Or the Luckiest?

Many critics and enemies of the Bulls and Lakers over the years have claimed that Phil Jackson was Lucky for all those championships.

To have the greatest player of all time -- Michael Jordan -- the most dominant post player of all time -- Shaq -- and the second greatest player of all time -- Kobe Bryant -- on his team.

Was he really lucky that these players carried his teams, and made him look good?

Absolutely not.

Jordan had an ego believe it or not, it's not a surprise when you're the best in the league during your time. No one had the guts to criticize him other than Scottie Pippen, even then Pippen didn't voice out loudly. It was Phil that kept Jordan in check.

One or two players can NOT carry a team on his back without a good coach. If it weren't for Phil, the Bulls wouldn't have won six titles.

His coaching style is quite unique, he is calm and collective. He rarely gets out of his seat unless the game is on the line.

Brad Stevens' the coach at Butler is the same way, it's gotten him to the NCAA finals two years straight, and eliminating the most prestigious schools along the way.

Not to mention that Phil's timeout management is the best ever. Like I said before, he lets his players play. He calls timeouts when they actually need it.

Watch the NBA today and you'll see all these coaches calling timeouts when their team plays perfectly good defense, but the opponents go on a little run and they call a timeout to try and stop it. After the huddle the other team drains a three and they're back to where they started before.

As well as these red fiery headed screaming smurfs who jump up and down looking like rabid dogs in their suit and tie due to a certain call, or players messing up.

Jackson doesn't need to scream at his players, or call badly timed timeouts. If he wants a player to know that he messed up or that they need to switch things up, the loudest thing he'll do is whistle from his bench.

But sometimes he can't be that coach, a good example was against Dallas when Pau Gasol was in a trance playing like crap.

After his years with the Bulls, he inherited Shaq, and then a High School player named Kobe Bryant.

Shaq was Shaq, I will gladly admit that any coach could have been successful with Shaq back in those days.

Not 3 Rings successful though.

He branded that team into a fierce unit that year after year competed for the title.

He developed Kobe Bryant into what he is today. Mentoring him, improving his game.

He knew who to give the ball too in situations and ran the perfect plays. If it wasn't Shaq, it was Kobe, if it wasn't Kobe, it was Robert Horry.

Things took a downfall, we all know what happened between Kobe and Shaq, as well as Kobe and Phil.

Read Phil's book The Last Season.

But he came back, put Kobe's ego in his place. Built a championship team from scratch. It started with Bynum, Odom, and Gasol. He wanted his old point guard back, Fisher. His rotations were perfect, especially the years he had Sasha, and Jordan.

I highly doubt this coach with 11 titles was "Lucky".

Candle in the Wind

Coaches come and go, stars rise and crumble.

The Lakers were humiliated and embarrassed by the Mavericks. Kobe Bryant couldn't close. Pau Gasol turned from Rome to being conquered by the Dallas front line. Lamar Odom was busy filming with Khloe. Phil Jackson was dreaming of his house in Montana.

Lakers fan were furious and upset with losing.

The players didn't have the hunger and desire to continue on.

Fatigue and age caught up to this dynasty.

Pau Gasol underwent a fairytale transformation from Beast to Beauty. His stats dropped significantly in the playoffs, and that hindered the Lakers tremendously, as no one else stepped up to bolster the Mamba.

But you have to give props to the Mavericks. Especially game four, they reminded me of the 1989-1990 Loyola Marymount University, draining 3's from every spot behind the arc -- if you don't know that far back, I suggest you do a little research and you will be astonished of that team.

My gosh, Dirk Nowitzki was the evil villain we couldn't stop from committing more and more demented acts. The German prodigy averaged 25 and 10, and carried the light loaded Mavericks into the next round.

Jason Terry, the true 6th Man of the Year. He came off the bench and demolished the stagnant defense of the Lakers. It was painful to see him draining 3's, left and right. He was at a shooting clinic, and couldn't missed -- why wasn't he in the 3 point shooting contest?

J.J. Barea, this guy impressed me the most, he took beatings from Artest, Odom, and especially Bynum. But he remained poised and classy and contributed points off the bench.

What happened to the glorious purple and gold?

These heartless players lost the will to survive and fight. Their mindset was on a 3 peat, when they should have focused on the present.

The defensive effort was horrific, it was like watching a team of Carmelo's play defense. The rotations were awful, no help defense when the Mavericks would drive. And the thing that killed them the most was not closing out on the shooters -- something you learn at the age of 5 in YMCA basketball. Thus the Mavericks shot a better 3 point percentage than Shaq does on the free throw line.

They could have loss with class, most of us would have still respected the players. But frustrated bullies like Odom, Artest, and Bynum, had to let out the demons inside and punish Dirk, and Barea.

The clothesline on Barea by Artest was uncalled for, and it cost us game 3 with him suspended. Game 4, there was no point in even trying to play, but Odom gave Dirk a cheap shot, which he learned from Manny Pacquiao the night before. Followed by Bynum's elbow to Barea while he was in midair, Which caused Barea to tumble like the buildings in Japan during the earthquake.

Phil Jackson deserved better than this, his final year and his players come out playing like trash. And the Mavericks took the trash out.

Lamar Odom needs to quit basketball and become a reality T.V. star with the Kardashians.

The Lakers need to trade Pau Gasol, he played like he had to throw the games for gambling debts involved with the mafia. His contract is at 19 million a year, and he's not even a top 10 player in the league.

I also think we should get rid of Bynum, he is a sketchy 23 year old, and with his knee he is bound to topple soon.

Then we can get a superstar, one that can replace Kobe when he's done.

Dwight Howard.

It seems to me he coached his career like a candle in the wind, never fading with the sunset, when the rain set it.

His footsteps will always fall here, along Lakers precious courts. His candles burned out long before, his legend ever will.

Farewell Phil Jackson.

The Last Stand

It's an anomaly for the defending champions to be down 2-0 against this decades biggest playoff chokers.

The Lakers squandered a 16 point lead in game one. Which is inexcusable, for a team of that caliber. Kobe Bryant scored at will, but who else stepped up? The fourth quarter was filled with bad play and coaching.

The last time the Lakers playbook consisted of only Kobe Bryant isolations was when he had players named Smush Parker, and Luke Walton was a starter.

For a team that has won two championships in a row, they're playing like garbage, literally, trash.

They're stagnant and slow as molasses on defense. No one can stay in front of their opponent. They can't even stop the bald headed aging Jason Kidd from shooting treys.

Lamar Odom needs a vacation away from the media hogging Kardashians.

Ron Artest should delete his twitter account.

Phil Jackson needs to prepare this team for games.

And Pau Gasol should stop playing like a cuddly teddy bear.

Maybe just maybe, if these things happen we could win a game.

It's desperation time, but remember the last time the Mavericks had a 2-0 lead? The NBA Finals, and we all know how that went down.

Winning this series looks bleak and somber, but when the Lakers are in survival mode, things can turn ugly for the Mavericks.

Lakers are in an unfamiliar situation, but they can claw themselves out, to seek the glimpse of light.

Let's pray that the chokers, will choke again, because it's our last stand.

Blood Thirsty Vengeance

The first time in over twenty years, two western conference powerhouse meet in the playoffs.

We all know what happened in their last meeting during the regular season. (Five ejections, and of course the Lakers winning)

The Mavericks can bring their all, this fierce competition amongst players turned into a heated exchange between organizations.

Dirk Nowitzki will need to play hero, to even have a chance of winning this series.

Jason Kidd will need to be that young fiery rampant machine he was many years ago, to even have a chance of winning this series.

Jason Terry will need to explode with hunger, determination, and power of will, to even have a chance of winning this series.

Tyson Chandler will need to play his best days of basketball, by out dueling the young monstrous Andrew Bynum, to even have a chance of winning this series.

Whoever is guarding Kobe Bryant, will need to attempt to stop the Black Mamba, to even have a chance of winning this series.

Mark Cuban will need to insult Phil Jackson even more harshly, to even have a chance of winning this series.

Dumb and Dumber quote, "So you're saying there's a chance?" Not for the Mavericks.

Kobe Bryant showed the world, that a left ankle won't bother him. Go ask Okafor and the Hornets.

Pau Gasol won't let his little brother take the spotlight from him.

Lamar Odom will justify his 6th Man of the Year Award, by outplaying the runner up -- Jason Terry.

Ron Artest will have a mismatch this whole series, as well as the psychological advantage by dissing the Mavericks via Twitter.

Andrew Bynum the robotic knee warrior will storm crush the paint like Hurricane Katrina.

Lakers in 6, on the Mavericks home court.

Time to Euthanize these ponies.

Dramatic Ending

Things were looking sketchy the first half of the season. Then magically overnight they started playing like the defending champs they were.

That was a memorable stretch, plagued with an embarassing 5 game skid.

Things were scarier when Andrew Bynum injured his knee...again, and Kobe Bryant decided to throw slurs at the referee.

They still came out on top, you can take away $100,000 from Kobe -- something that is pocket change for a player of his caliber -- it won't affect the Lakers.

Last night the Lakers showed no mercy. The Kings admidst drama of relocating, played their potential last game at Power Balance Pavillion. A good story book ending, would to have beaten the Southern rival at home, and the last game of the season.

But a storybook ending doesn't occur a lot, I apologize to Kings fans.

They've Been Euphanized

"This is a family here," Barnes said. "So if someone comes and hits your brother, pushes your brother, then you definitely have their back. And that's the case here."

With a heated battle last night, including five ejections, the Lakers aren't slowing down.

Early in the 4th potential 6th man of the year -- Jason Terry -- pushed Steve Blake as he was driving to the hoop. This caused an angry exchange of words, and restraints from players and coaches.

Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Jason Terry, Brendan Haywood, and Shannon Brown, were all ejected.

This did not slow down the Lakers one tad bit.

The Black Mamba was furious, he did his infamous finger wave, which means you don't mess with purple and gold.

Kobe Bryant finished with 28 points, Lamar Odom outsed Jason Terry with a double-double. Andrew Bynum finished with 18 points and 13 boards.

The Lakers are tied for the second best record with the Chicago Bulls.

Los Angeles is inching closer and closer on the Spurs. The Spurs lost to the Celtics last night, which puts the Lakers two and half games back out of first.

The Mavericks have learned a valuable lesson, for their potential second round matchup against the Lakers. Don't mess with the Lakers.

You'll get euphanized.

Inching Closer and Closer

This is no joke.

This is hardly an exaggeration.

But the way the Lakers have been playing, there is no doubt they can clinch the number one seed. Especially since San Antonio is in slump of misery.

However, Phil Jackson thinks otherwise, "It's still a real long shot. They only have to win a couple games here and we have to go perfect. So it's real difficult to see that [occurring]."

The Lakers play the Mavericks tonight, and it will be a showcase between Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki. And a vigorous battle between Lamar Odom and Jason Terry -- to prove who the 6th man of the year is.

Odom has played 39 of the games off the bench. He has averaged 14.3 points per game, 8.7 boards, and 3 assists. He has been the facilitator for the bench squad, and he has made a significant impact on the game.

Derek Fisher was charged with a Flagrant 2 foul in the previous game, he sat out during practice.

Kobe Bryant breaks another record. He surpasses Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor record of games played, 1,093. For all of you who don't know who that is, it's the great Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

I may be crazy for believing the Lakers can clinch the number one seed, but I'm not stupid.

Dominate Both Ends: This is L.A. Basketball.

Posting a prolific 15-1 record since the break, they have been arguably the most feared team in the league. Nine games left in the season, four games behind San Antonio, and a half a game behind the Chicago Bulls -- for the second best record in the NBA.

During this 15-1 stretch, they have scored 109.3 points per 100 possessions. While giving up 99 points per 100 possessions. Let me put this down in words for you.

They're the best in the NBA.

During this break they did not play patty cake teams. They played one of the toughest schedules, and came out on top -- exception for Miami.

Not to mention that they are on pace to set an NBA record defensively for allowed free throws per game. Since the break they have given up 18.4 free throws, an overlooked but dramatically game changing statistic. The record for one season is 19.3 free throws allowed per game.

Nothing seems to slow the purple and gold down.

Lamar Odom is still enjoying being on the Kardashians. Ron Artest no longer has his shooting slump.

Andrew Bynum's suspension was more remembered for his brutal foul rather than missing two games.

Pau Gasol is no longer a softy teddy bear.

Kobe Bryant's ankle can attempt to hinder his performance, but nothing can stop the black mamba.

This is the NBA March Madness.

For Real? Oh Yeah Baby!

Wereeeeee Back.

The cries and hollers from Staples have been an all time high this season. Reason? The Lakers are playing like the defending champions they are.

We're back on top, according to ESPN'S power ranking, the Lakers are the kings of this week, with the Bulls trailing shortly behind.

Since the All Star Break they have won 13 out of 14 games. The only loss was to Miami. They dismantled the Spurs, and came out on top against NBA caliber teams from Dallas, and Orlando.

Not to mention Andrew Bynum has been playing superb basketball. He had 7 straight games with more than 10 rebounds. However that was shortly lived after his flagrant foul which resulted in a two game suspension. Bynum is looking prominent after several years of a dreadfully plagued knee injury. Let's hope this momentum carries into the playoffs.

Kobe's injury hardly even hampers the Lakers, he's been playing with a bad finger for years, there's no exception with his ankle. He will get things done; The only thing that scares the Lakers is a knife wielding fan at center court.

Lamar can easily make a case for 6th Man of the Year. He has proven to be very valuable to the Lakers. And his contribution shall be recognized when voting season comes around.

The pieces are fitting together very nicely, solid offense, and solid defense. Things aren't looking bleak anymore, expect a big run come playoff time.

Obstacles to Overcome

The long arduous task of reaching the finals for the Lakers is hard to succeed again. Many obstacles stand in the way, and they need to relinquish those for any chance whatsoever of a three-peat.

1. Play Some Defense Will Ya? The Lakers are becoming old and stagnant, and they will not win any games if they are not aggressive defensively. They need to find a last minute spurt for these upcoming months defensively. Bynum needs to step up in a huge way for the Lakers, and Artest needs to be what he use to be -- which probably won't happen, but oh well every man's got a wish.

2. Stop Relying on Kobe. Kobe Bryant will always contribute points to the team on any given night. It's up to players like Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Fischer, and heck even Artest, to make the difference. If Kobe has an off night, these players need to have an on night. Or else things shall be disastrous as it has happened a few times already.

3. Bench Players. The Lakers have been long regarded as having the best bench and most depth in the NBA -- up until this season that is. With key players missing like Farmar, Vujacic, the new key players such as Shannon Brown, and Matt Barnes need to step in and contribute immediately.

4. Run the Triangle. As Phil Jackson said, when Kobe does not play, they actually run their offense. Which means players are moving around, setting screens, passing the ball, and cutting to the basket. Kobe needs to still change his mentality, he is still jacking up shots -- less than previous years though -- and it is hampering the Lakers in a hard way.

5. Fifth and foremost, the biggest obstacle for L.A. to overcome is themselves. No single individual is to blame, ahem -- Artest. However they need to realize that they need to improve their teamwork, and rework their chemistry to what it was last year, and the year before that.

The Legend of the Mamba

There is no one this decade that has had the same success as Bryant did.

There is no one this decade that can rival his individual leadership and raw talent.

One title short of a second three peat.

One thousand points shy of his former teammate, and long time arch-nemesis.

Roughly eleven thousand shy of the all time scoring record, held by Lakers second greatest of all time -- Bryant is greatest Laker.

One MVP award, and preforming at that caliber for many many years.

81 points in a single game.

Two NBA finals MVP.

Two time scoring champion

Five time NBA champion

13 time NBA All Star

Olympic Gold Medalist

Is this really all he has?

Or do people overlook important aspects?

Kobe is considered the greatest clutch player. General Managers and owners voted 70% in favor of Kobe Bryant, for what? For being the most clutch player.

He is at the epitome of his career. And yet he is playing at the same levels of the next big things in the NBA -- Lebron, Durant, Rose, Paul.

His former rivals have long fell out of the debate as to whom was the better player -- Iverson, McGrady, Carter, Duncan, Nowitzki, Arenas.

His desire to win, is like my cravings for food when I'm hungry.

Rose is the MVP front-runner this season.

But did you know Bryant's player efficiency rating and adjusted plus-minus ranking -- which is a measure of points per 100 possessions -- were better than Rose?

So the front-runner of the MVP race is actually behind Kobe?

Kobe is not even top 3 in the MVP discussion.

The heart and soul of L.A. is not credited enough for his work ethics, his talent, his leadership, his composure, and his desire to win.

Why is this so? Because people are obsessed with the next big thing. The NBA has turned into a popularity contest -- one Kobe will not win. I guess people are crazed over fresh blood, bieber fever, and Blake Griffin's dunk at the dunk contest which was the best ever -- not.

Maybe this year the voters will grace Kobe Bryant for his hard work and consistency through the years.

Time will tell, as for today the Lakers play big boys that cry.

There's a Storm in Texas: Beware of L.A.

It was a game to remember, a game in which the Lakers proved that they can still compete--something they have hardly shown this season.

They started off strong, and never looked back. They led by as many as 30 at one point. And coasted to an easy lopsided victory.

Kobe Bryant acknowledges it was their best win of the season. He scored 27.

Phil Jackson concurs that the Spurs will take the number one seed. The Lakers are 6 and half games back, with only 18 games left to play.

San Antonio's franchise record was ended, a 22 game home winning streak.

It was the one of the worst games this season for the Spurs, they scored a season low 37 points in the first half. Soon they realized they would just clear the bench.

Paul Gasol scored 21 points, and Andrew Bynum crashed the boards for 17 rebounds.

Kobe is 13 points short of surpassing Moses Malone for 6th all time in scoring.

Manu Ginobili was held to six, Tony Parker scored 14, and Gary Neal scored 15.

Up next: Nowitzki and co.

The Curse of Charlotte

Coming into Friday night, the Lakers were 2-8 against Charlotte in previous matches played. A horrific record against a mediocre team. The only other team that have more wins against the Lakers are the Boston Celtics.

The game started off rough for the Lakers. The Bobcats started off with an double digit lead in the first quarter, thanks to D.J. Augustin who finished the game with 22 points.

It didn't get much better, both teams shooting horribly, however the Lakers were somehow able to cut into the lead; and lead the Bobcats by as many as 17 late in the third. Thanks to Gasol and Bynum for playing really aggressive in the paint, and crashing the boards.

Stephen Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in the third, he had to leave the game. Fischer also suffered an elbow injury, which looked horrific on the replay. But nonetheless he was fine...so it seemed.

The Bobcats cut into the double digit lead in the fourth, but failed to make a remarkable run.

Kobe finished with 27, Gasol with a 20-10 double double, and Andrew Bynum scored 9 points, but a monstrous 17 rebounds.

As for the Lakers 6 game win streak, they sure have looked impressive--Matt Barnes is expected to return this week. No glimpses of the twenty point loss in the last meaning against the Bobcats were on display. L.A. will definitely be tested now, when they travel to Texas to play the Spurs, the Mavericks, and to Miami to play King James and co.

We don't need Melo.

Have the Tides Turned?

Personally this season was full of dissapointment from me, the Lakers, they don't look like they Lakers. Defensively they look like stagnant old men coming from their weekly bingo match. Offensively Kobe and Gasol have been carrying this Laker team this whole season, with good games from Odom every now and then. Rest of the team seems lost.

Whose to blame? Phil Jackson? The organization for not making roster adjustments? Or the players? And no, you cannot blame Ron Artest for the Laker's inconsistency, his numbers may be at a career low, but one player does not bring down a championship team.

Before the break, the Lakers looked fresh again, going on four game road trip wih three quality wins. Boston, New York, and New Orleans. However a dissappointing loss against Orlando. A humiliating defeat against Charlotte, and I don't want to even talk about what happened against Cleveland. It seemed like the Lakers were going downhill again. Rumors floating from person to person--one name, Melo.

But then came the All Star Break. L.A. brings home another trophy, maybe the last of Bryant's career. They seemed to pick up their slack, the support players are bolstering Kobe and Gasol, and they're on their winning streak, yet again. But how long will this last? Is this another stretch of exitement only to be put down by humuliating losses?

Who knows, but the tides have definitely turned.