Lakers redemption win brings forth Celtics' questions and answers

No victory cigars.

It’s just redemption.

Had the Lakers lost to the Celtics, the likelihood of beating the Celtics would have transpired feedbacks and answers about their chances of winning. Had they lost, the Celtics would have extended their winning streak to 20 straight, and it could have defined the Lakers chances of a championship come June.

With the win, the Lakers made a statement. In the final minutes of the game, the Los Angeles crowd stood and cheered. For the Celtics, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, all seemed a bit forlorn, seeing a 19 game winning streak fade away.

The victory wasn’t an overstatement. The victory was a preview of potentially the finals next summer and it was potentially a chance of hope that the Lakers can beat the Celtics, proving they are contenders, and coveted winning a championship. Still, the Lakers entered with a numb feeling, upset after last season, seeking redemption and revenge over their hated rivals.

Last season, the Celtics embarrassed and demolished the Lakers in the finals to win the championship. Of course, nobody anticipated the Lakers to make it to the finals, but having a surprising season, lead to greater casuals. A victory over the league’s hottest team, attentively beating the Celtics, everyone had to contribute, having to play with consistency and physicality.

For some time, the Lakers have had problems defensively and physically, having insufficiency struggled, disappointing everyone, and losing games they probably could have won if they would have played physically and defensively. After the victory over Boston, the Lakers can kindly put their embarrassing loss behind them, and build confidence moving throughout the season.

When the Lakers get contributions and aggressiveness out of all their players, they look like a team nobody in the league can beat. It seemed the Lakers wanted it more than the Celtics, after outhustling and outplaying their hated rivals. After losing last season, the Lakers were still bitter about their crushing defeat, waiting six-months to restore their probability, ending a joyful run for their long-time rivals.

The Lakers-Celtics rivalry can change our perceptions. If you pick the Celtics to repeat as champions, then you might want to change your picks. After the Lakers dominated the Celtics mentally and physically, they are the team to pick possibly to win the championship this year. It was the first time the Lakers had their entire team at full health, losing Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza had a negative impact on their performance last season during the finals.

With the hustle play of Ariza, and the size of Bynum, the Celtics seem to have some trouble matching against the Lakers. In the game, Ariza hustling and defensive strength made an impact on the Lakers meaningful victory. A couple times, Ariza made incredible highlight plays, running down loose balls, and keeping possession by saving the ball inbounds.

With Bynum, it was difficult for Pierce, who destroyed the Lakers last season driving the line, but unable to get his way inside with Bynum standing around. He scored nine points and had two blocks. For the first time, Bynum got a feel playing against the Celtics since returning from knee surgery, an injury that kept him out of action for the second half of last season and the playoffs. The Lakers are taller with his presence, and they are tougher with Ariza, who rundown a lose ball saving it inbounds to give Sasha Vujacic an easy layup in the third.

The problems with the Lakers were their insufficient defensive softness. I think they got the message after beating the Celtics, now grasping a sense of awareness on what it takes to beat the 17 time NBA championships. The Lakers fought hard to a 92-83 victory over the Celtics, a victory they have long-awaited.

The league’s reigning Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, but we’re accustom to his strong performance and capabilities to score when ever necessary.

But, the performance of Pau Gasol was impressive. He has been criticize for his softness, but rebounding, hustling and getting a hand in the face of opponents, draws reliance and promise. After scoring seven of his 20 points in the final three minutes, he deserves praise. For once, Gasol performance was physical at a time when it mattered.

Most importantly the Lakers won at a moment, giving everyone respectable answers.

They aren’t as deficient as you think, and now probably adoring the moment after the biggest victory this season. It’s a huge statement, answering everyone, giving a perception on the rest of the season and the Lakers are the answer to everyone’s questions at the moment. Not the Celtics, unless they beat them when it really counts, in the finals.

But, the Lakers beating Boston draws a new suggestion, meanwhile, the Lakers have the advantage over the Celtics.

For Lakers, decisive victory could indicate good things

This is a good way to prepare for Boston, win big to end a dreadful road trip. For the Lakers, there four game road trip turned out shoddy. First losing, at Miami, following Orlando, then barely escaping Memphis with a late run to snap a two game losing streak.

But, the biggest win and the best win came against the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night. The Lakers didn’t need a buzzard beater attempt by Kobe Bryant, nor a comeback, in a comfortable 101-87 victory.

It’s a win the Lakers needed traveling back home for the Christmas showdown. It’s a road victory that should have the Lakers feeling good, beating a top-tier team in the West. With, the win they improve to 16-1 against West opponents. But, beating East opponents still remains a problem. A record of 6-4 against East opponents have shot the Lakers down, and if they’re having trouble beating inferior East opponents, then it’s difficult to figure they’re ready to beat their biggest test this season, the Boston Celtics.

On a positive note, rhythmic and momentum influenced the Lakers dominance over the Hornets. With rhythm and momentum making notoriety in the final game of a four-game road trip, it might have indicated signs of good things to come throughout the season. It’s a performance the Lakers need if they strongly anticipate beating the Celtics.

The Lakers could send a statement with a win over the Celtics, and at the same time, they’re seeking redemption, after last year’s demolition in the finals. This game couldn’t have come at a better time. The Celtics are riding a 19th game winning streak, while the Lakers appeared to have broken out of a potential slump.

This game was definitely one of their greatest performances this season. Their defensive futility no longer lingered and their high-intensity offense still remained intact, after there was no sunshine for the Lakers in the sunshine state, getting swept by both Florida teams, and barely cruised their way out of Memphis with a victory.

It wasn’t a vacation. Instead it was hard labor. The league’s reigning Most Valuable Player became the league’s Most Thriving Player, scoring a season-high 41 points at Orlando, missing a game-tying shot both times in Florida as time expired.

Most impressively, the Lakers held the Hornets to 37 first-half points, a team that won their last 11 of its 13 games entering the contest on Tuesday night, crushing the Hornets just as bad as the Celtics last year in the sixth game of the finals. The Lakers held them to just 37.5 percent shooting in the first half. The Lakers dominating the Hornets was overwhelming and uplifting, seeing them perform up to their capabilities.

It’s the kind of performance expected each night by the Lakers, if they expect to win Boston or the championship this year. This confidence booster is a way the Lakers can build upon beating Boston on Christmas. It’s a way to gain conception on what it takes to beat the defending champs, and propels earnestness for their biggest game marked on their calendar one day from now.

For a difference, Bryant was able to play with ease late in the game when the Lakers had the game locked in the suitcase, and ready to depart to the airport. Bryant scored 26 points, six rebounds, along with four assist. Last night, homecoming wasn’t too friendly to Pau Gasol, returning to Memphis for the first time since the trade. Usually home welcomes back beloved individuals, but in this case, staying far distance from home works for Gasol. He scored a highly effective 20 points on eight-for-10 shooting.

It looks as if the Lakers are in good position, entering a big showdown against Boston. Uh! The Lakers-Celtics rivalry is next, and the Lakers seem as if they are ready for the test after a night of consistency.

Lakers good team, but not as great as projected

If anything a four-game road test should be a preparation test for the Lakers, starting off dicey doesn’t prepare them for their upcoming test on Christmas Day, when they meet the Boston Celtics in a rematch after last season’s failures. What we’re experiencing is another potential letdown and potentially an unpredictable season of concerns.

Though, the Lakers weren’t expected to make a run to the NBA finals last season, where they were crushed and humiliated by the Celtics, they were much more exciting to watch unlike this season, entering with lots of expectations.

The Lakers didn’t have expectations last season, shocking the world to make a final's appearance, after everyone assumed that they were still young and rebuilding into a contender.

Well, the Lakers are expected to contend for the West and potentially for the championship in June. But, watching the Lakers deficiencies in their performance, rewrites the script. The Lakers are good, but not as great as we projected.

The Lakers won four straight games, but that streak was snapped at Miami. The NBA’s Most Valuable Players nominee Dwyane Wade outplayed the Lakers, posting 35 points in a shootout against Kobe Bryant, who scored 28 points, missing a shot that could have tied the game and extended a dramatic contest to overtime in an 89-87 loss on Friday.

As the final seconds dwindled down, Bryant attempted a 12-foot jumper that rattled out, giving the Lakers their third road loss in five road games. It’s bad enough they couldn’t beat Sacramento before running into another obstacle course at Miami.

The Lakers lost to a team that has a lower winning percentage than them and if they expect to contend against powerhouse teams such as the Celtics, they will have to improve a lot of blemishes in their discontent play of late. It’s hard to believe the Lakers own the best record in the West at 21-4 and it’s hard to credit them for such a winning record, after barely winning against inferior opponents or escaping with a decisive rally.

The absurdity and lackadaisicalness continues to ravage the Lakers performance, after committing 21 turnovers and missing nine-of-19 free throws. When the Lakers play Boston for a Holiday showdown, they can’t make errant turnovers or miss at the charity strike. What ever the Celtics give, the Lakers will have to take advantage of their freebies, that’s if any are giving out.

However, the Lakers aren’t physically or mentally prepared to play Boston, watching Kevin Garnett the other night against Atlanta was a prime example of how devoted the Celtics are as a unit to win a back-to-back. And watching the Lakers lose to Miami was a prime example that the Lakers can’t match the intensity level of Boston’s Big Three.

Garnett scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter against the Hawks on Wednesday night, leading the Celtics to their 16th straight victory, a streak that extended to 17 after the Celtics dismantled Chicago at home on Friday.

If the Lakers have trouble stopping everyone else driving the lines, it will not be an easy assignment stopping KG and Paul Pierce driving into the line. The Lakers are unbalance defensively and no player has played consistent or physical. The Lakers ranked first in the league offensively but on the opposite end of the floor their percentage is overwhelming ranking 15th defensively.

Sure, the Lakers aren’t the team everybody projected. Everyone figured they were going to enter the season as the toughest defensively, after having a season of experience. Everyone figured they would have what it takes to win a championship. And everyone figured that Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchack have put together the best version of the Lakers this season.

After losing to opponents they should have pulverized with no problem, their opponents have pulverized them. Losing to the Kings was the biggest upset of the season, but losing to the Heat was even larger.

Wade leads the NBA in averaging 30-point games, averaging his 11th 30-point game of the season. His performance was desperately needed if the Heat wanted any shot at beating the Lakers. And Wade came through helping the Heat snap their three-game losing streak.

The Lakers didn’t want to start off their most pivotal road trip losing. Instead it would have been nice winning over the Heat to build confidence and momentum for the rest of the road trip before taking on the Celtics. The road trip is a good way for the Lakers to prepare for the biggest game.

Certainly, the Lakers needs lots of improvement before winning the championship. But dust far, Boston is the team to stop in the NBA as the Lakers are still stopable, despite one of their best runs in many yeaars.

Lakers could set record for best-worst team ever

Correct me if wrong.

Are the Lakers 3-19 or 19-3? No you skeptics are correct the Lakers are 19-3 this season.

It’s very difficult to notice the Lakers 19-3 record. For a month now, the Lakers haven’t been able to find consistency, but still have found ways to salvage a victory, barely. Not winning by a large margin, but winning just enough to elude more criticism.

Currently, the Lakers are being criticized for their inconsistency. It’s been quite sometime now since the Lakers played with a sense of urgency, or even intensity, which have caused a few collapses and uninspiring losses that should have been automatic victories.

But, this time the Lakers were able to avoid another royal agonizing defeat at home against the Sacramento Kings. To refresh your mind, the Kings nicked the Lakers in a 113-101 loss at Sacramento on Tuesday night, embarrassing them.

Lately, the Lakers consistency has being dissatisfying, and painful to watch. Sure, fans might sit at home or come out to watch them in action, but it’s being a nail-bitter of late to watch the Lakers grind out a victory. And there has probably being a multitude of fans closing their eyes in the fourth quarter.

However, the Lakers were able to prevent royal damage. But the Lakers will not always find it easy to get away without raising their consistency level, particularly on Christmas Day. That’s when the Lakers will host their final rivals the Boston Celtics.

Meanwhile, the Lakers scratched out another win, after the Kings surrendered in the second half on Friday night, giving the Lakers a 112-103 win. Still, the Lakers have a lot of things to stabilize, needing to find a way to defend the pick and roll and slow down the transition game.

It’s simple, just play with intensity.

With the Lakers, notching their second straight victory, and still having sole possession of first-place in the West, it’s difficult to rip them. No it’s not, having yet faced the Celtics or Cleveland.

Both, the Celtics and the Cavs marked history on Friday night, with a victory over their opponents. Boston came away with a victory against New Orleans, to extend their active winning streak to 14 straight victories. It’s the first time in franchise history that the Celtics have won 14 consecutive games. And Cleveland won their 11th straight over Philadelphia, matching a franchise record.

On the other hand, the Lakers could probably set a record for winning 19 games without a consistent performance. Clearly, the Lakers are the best worst franchise in the league. With them playing inconsistent, they are very fortunate to have amassed 19 wins.

The Kings’ guard John Salmons has received egregious treatment in Los Angeles, after humiliating Lakers at Sacramento. He received boos after finishing a layup, tying the game at 44-44 with 3:02 left in the second quarter.

In Salmons last game against the Lakers, he took advantage of their indolence and inconsistency. The Lakers allowed enough time for Salmons to organize his shot, giving him a good look at a two-point jumper. Then the Lakers failed to keep Salmons out of the line, penetrating for a sure layup.

The Lakers have difficulty stopping penetration. And their backcourt defense has struggled. Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmer has trouble stopping opponents from blowing pass them.

However, Kobe Bryant ensured that his Lakers didn’t suffer another knock out against the Kings. With 5:02 left in the third quarter, Bryant hit a three-pointer to give the Lakers a 72-59 lead. It was a must needed shot, but Bryant was needed for the entire game.

Bryant finished with 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting, finally breaking out of a shooting struggle. Thank goodness that Kobe broke out of his slump. If he didn’t, the Lakers could have witness the improbable once again, a Kings beatdown. The Kings, winning without their star guard, Kevin Martin, who’s sidelined with an injury, is anything but cohesive.

I can just image what it would have been like with Martin in the lineup.

But, the Kings continued to scare the Lakers. The Kings wasn’t intimidated playing against the Lakers. Instead they were very optimistic about beating the Lakers. The Kings aren’t playing for anything, so upsetting the Lakers is a big fulfillment.

On the Lakers home floor, the Kings was hindered. The Lakers ensured that another demoralizing defeat wouldn’t occur, at least on their home floor. With just three minutes remaining in the game, the Lakers’ escalation marked an explanation point.

The Lakers started sizzling at the right time. Crunch time is the most vital time in the game. Fisher started their spurt, after making a 14-foot jumpshot. Then Kobe, perhaps the greatest finisher in this era, banked a nine-foot jumper and then elevated for a two-handed dunk.

Surely, the Lakers’ victories are great, but the inconsistency will hurt them at one point or another. But, the Lakers are good enough to win the West, though, they play inconsistent.

After all, the Lakers are the best-worst team ever.


This can also be read @ www-sportsnation.blogspot.com

Without defensive effort, Lakers aren't virtually a threat

Lately, things haven’t being very pleasant for the Lakers, and losing to Sacramento didn’t fit too well with the Lakers. But, they managed to secure a lead, after losing it a 11-point third quarter lead. Lately, the Lakers are struggling on holding on to leads, but still are managing to win games.

Still, we can't beat up on the Lakers much. After all, they're 18-3, leading the West with the most wins this season, but barely.

Mainly, the Lakers can’t control big cushions, because of their inconsistency defensively. For a few games now, the Lakers haven’t looked firm on defense, and with their rematch against the Boston Celtics looming ever larger on Christmas Day, the Lakers need to make adjustments promptly.

Fine, I get the perception that the Lakers secured a 115-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns, but barely. I get the perception, the Lakers offensively dominate their opponents, but defense is a significant fragment to winning a title.

If the Lakers are going to have any sensation in early June, then they’ll have to elevate their intensity defensively. The Lakers offensively are flawless, and their performance offensively against the Suns, aided their advantage to eluded short-handed Phoenix.

In a five-player deal, the Suns traded guard Raja Bell and forward Boris Diaw to Charlotte for Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley. And was even without their center Shaquille O’Neal, who reportedly attended funeral service for his grandmother, in this contest there was less hype regarding Shaq versus Kobe, for a Lakers/Suns rivalry that’s continuing to become thinner and thinner.

No longer does a Lakers/Suns rivalry exist, for one the cocky guy who clotheslined

Kobe Bryant during the first round of a playoff series a few years ago. Yes, I’m talking about Raja Bell. And Coach Mike D’Antoni abandoned the desert for Broadway, so now Phil Jackson doesn’t have a coach on the opposite side who he can jaw back and forth with during timeouts. And lastly, the Suns aren’t nearly as good as they once were.

Since the arrival of Shaq, the entire complexion changed for the Suns. With D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, Shaq’s inability to run at full strength up and down the floor hurt the Suns transition game and fastbreak points. The Lakers barely won without Shaq, who has yet to face his old team at Staples Center this season.

Perhaps, issues among Shaq, Kobe and Jackson are resolved. That’s not a rivalry. Instead it’s just the Lakers playing against a West opponent, in which they should easily beat.

Though, the Lakers beat the Suns for the second time this season, it wasn’t in a pretty fashion. Seemingly, the Lakers were unsteady and off balance midway in the third, losing rhythm and allowing Steve Nash to find his rhythm.

With Phoenix, controlling the tempo for most of the game, a three-pointer nailed by Nash gave the Suns their first lead of the night, 75-74. He just scored seven points and had two assist on two-for-12 shooting in the entire game.

This game consisted of high-scoring, and no defensive effort, in which the Lakers were very fortunate to leave with a victory. If the Lakers offensively wouldn’t have had produced, particularly late in the fourth, they could’ve possibly lost their second straight game for the first time this season.

Skeptics normally perceive Pau Gasol as a soft individual who doesn’t play as effective as he’s capable of playing. Well, offensively Gasol didn’t have a soft outing, with a team-leading 28 points scored on 11-for-14 shooting and five rebounds.

For the Lakers, they used their advantages inside the paint. Andrew Bynum posted 17 on seven-for-11 shooting, and scored 12 in the first-half. He rebounded strongly after Tuesday night’s performance against the Kings, entering halftime four points above his total average on Tuesday.

Once again, Kobe Bryant started off sluggish with just four points in the first-half on a ragged two-for-seven shooting, but finished with 18 points on six-for-16 shooting.

Suddenly, Sasha Vujacic’s resurgence favored the Lakers. In the first quarter, Vujacic buried a three-point shot, for his first made shot in three games.

Undoubtedly, the Lakers are consistent offensively, but defensively they need cultivation and if the Lakers plan to hoist that trophy in June, then their eagerness and assertiveness will have to come into playing a role.

Obviously, their offense played a role. Bryant lobbed a pass inside to Bynum for a two-handed slam with 3:58 left, giving the Lakers a 100-92 advantage. Kobe yelled, “Yah”! Then pumped his fist and gave Bynum praise for his effort.

But, the Lakers defensively didn’t have too much to praise about. Phoenix's Matt Barnes knocked down some big shots in the second-half, to finish with 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting, and nailed five three-pointers, threaten the Lakers. Grant Hill scored 23 on nine-for-11 shooting, and had a huge second-half as well.

Still, the Lakers are strong enough to repeat as West champs this year, but still uncertain about their strength against East teams, such as the Celtics and Cleveland, teams that both play defense exceptionally well. The Lakers will have to match their intensity.

If the Lakers become more assertive defensively, then they’ll automatically be the most alarming NBA team that will strike fear in each opponent they encounter. But currently, no opponent is intimated.

Asked Sacramento or Indiana, it’s obvious they weren’t intimated. With greater teams looming, the biggest one on Christmas, the Lakers could start preparing to rise defensively. There’s no better time than now, before the playoffs arrive.

However, the Lakers are the NBA champions of the West, with defense or no defense. But, the legitimate champions requires potent defense. And now, that’s missing.

But in a matter of moments, the Lakers won’t be missing on defense. Now they understand what it takes to win a championship, if they find themselves defensively, after the Celtics embarrassingly beat the Lakers to win the championship.

For that championship victory, the Celtics understood things defensively.

Now, it’s the Lakers turn to understand things defensively, and when they understand they’ll be crown champs. And that's not an overstatement.

Lakers problems overconfidence

In Sacramento, stand the Capital of California and the Sacramento Kings stands close by as well. And now, there’s a greater perception on why the Capital is located in Sacramento, and not Los Angeles. The Kings capitalized beyond all cylinders and the Los Angeles Lakers loss on Wednesday night at Arco Arena.

For the third time this season, the Lakers faltered in a loss, either from their lack of intensity on defense or overconfidence. But playing against the Kings, it was both the lack of intensity and overconfidence. Entering the contest, the Lakers took the Northern California rivals for granted and didn’t attack the Kings with a sense of urgency.

The Lakers coaching staff, for most of this season, have emphasized defense. But in all three of the games they have loss, came from playing inconsistent defense, and blowing late-quarter leads. In the game against the Kings, the Lakers couldn’t prevent anyone from penetrating the lane, and their gigantic big man in-the-middle, Andrew Bynum posted just eight points and four rebounds in 21 minutes of playing time.

For most of the night, Bynum couldn’t avoid foul trouble. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points on a shaky nine-for-25 shooting. And Pau Gasol contributed, scoring 25 points on nine-for-15 shooting, but a bulk of his points came from the charity strike, where he made seven-of-nine shots.

The Lakers by far, played their worst game this season. The Kings outhustled and outplayed the Lakers, fighting to a 113-101 victory. If you thought a one-point loss to Indiana was the Lakers worst game this season, then you might want to reconsider.

Now, it’s a perfect time for Phil Jackson to insist that no win is promising. Surely, the Lakers thought to highly of themselves, and thought they could roll over the Kings. But, they had the Lakers fooled. Instead, the Kings rolled over the Lakers and came away with a victory, which improved their lowly record to 6-16 on the season.

The Lakers problem is overconfidence, and lack of intensity. Losing to the Kings wasn’t a fluke, but it was a demoralizing oddity. The Lakers enabled the Kings to avoid further damage, with the victory they snapped their eight-game and franchise-tying losing skid against the Lakers at home.

At one point the Lakers were superior leaders of the state, but losing ended that powerful authority. Five starters scored in double-digits for the Kings, while the Lakers just had three starters scoring in double-digits, on a night the Kings shot 49.4 percent.

Another essential part to the Lakers success is the bench mob. The Lakers bench was outscored, off the bench Bobby Jackson led the way for the Kings. In 18 minutes of play, Jackson recorded 15 points on four-for-seven shooting. He shot well from beyond the arch, knocking down three huge three-pointers.

For the Lakers, Lamar Odom had a bench-leading 11 points. And Trevor Ariza, who had a poor night, finished with four points on an awful two-for-10 shooting.

It was the best game the Kings encountered this season. They saved their best performance for the Lakers, and the Kings took advantage of their indolent frame of mind and their uninspiring intensity defensively.

For the Kings, their player of the night was clearly John Salmons, who scored 21 points on eight-for-13 shooting. He was able to penetrate to the lane for two easy points, and teammate Freddy Garcia brought his high intensity against the Lakers, scoring 21 on nine-for-18 shooting.

But clearly, the Lakers overconfidence and unawareness turned into a disadvantage. For the rest of the season, any team they face they’ll have to enter less confident and aware of their opponents capabilities, and most importantly play with lots of intensity.

Lakers lacks toughness on the Eastside

Troy Murphy plundered the Lakers. Danny Granger outplayed the Lakers. The Indiana Pacers stunned the Lakers.

This time, the Lakers didn’t have to rally their way to a victory, but this time they blow it. Usually, the Lakers have to play a game of catch up, finding themselves trailing, before increasing the intensity, to win at ease.

But at Indianapolis, it was a different panorama to a great Lakers’ championship tale. Before mentioning anything about a championship for the Lakers, there's one thing they improve, winning a game against an East opponent.

In the latest tale of the East Coast Strugglers, the story talks about the Lakers’ 118-117 loss to the Pacers on Tuesday night. It’s degrading for the Lakers to lose to a lower class opponent and it’s demoting when they lose another game against an East opponent.

By far this season, the Lakers have dominated the West without any barriers interfering, coming away with substantial victories, which have merely enhanced them to a record of 14 wins this season, only losing two games. Both losses came against East conference opponent.

When it seemed as if the Lakers would secure another victory, the Pacers refused to go away. Danny Granger, who’s having a sensational season, scored 32 points and led the Pacers to a 15-point comeback, the Lakers blow a huge lead, in a huge upset and in a huge way.

The Lakers were looking to extend their seventh game winning streak. And the league’s reigning MVP, Kobe Bryant, had a terrific night, scoring 28 points to go along with seven rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to run away from the irksome Pacers.

In the final seconds, Murphy tipped in a missed shot as time expired to powder a loss against the league’s hottest team, unloading the water cooler, to drench the Lakers, snapping the hot spurt.

But the Lakers had their fair share of chances, the biggest chance came when Bryant buried his 21-footer to give the Lakers a 117-116 lead with 58.4 seconds remaining, but his errant jumper on the final possession, opened the windows for Indiana’s final chance. On their final chance they prevailed, defeating the Lakers to become the second East conference opponent to defeat them.

The Lakers downcast funk against East opponents has foreboded them once again, searching for answers on their struggles against the East, now curious about their next two road games against East opponents.

Earlier this season, the Lakers disappointed a faithful crowd at Staples Center, lossing to Detroit, 106-95. Newly acquired guard, Allen Iverson, lighted up the scoreboards and pulverized the Lakers from every angle, handing them their first loss of the season.

Currently, the Lakers are 11-0 against West opponents, while they’re just 2-2 against East opponents, winning both New Jersey and Toronto. But the most dignifying scene from the Lakers this season is their resourceful fulfillment against the West.

On opening night they routed Portland, following the Clippers and they pulverized Denver, Houston and New Orleans, playoff bound teams that were expected to be a tough task for the Lakers, but they weren’t that tough to handle.

But, the Lakers still have a burden to clear, beating a legitimate opponent in the East, on Christmas Day they’ll meet their legitimate opponent, the Boston Celtics, a rematch from last seasons’ devastating loss, coming from the East.

Unfortunately, the Lakers can’t beat the East, but if they beat the Celtics, they might learn the formula to beating an East opponent, playing against defending champs is the best way to learn the concepts on beating the East.

Lakers' victories great, but sluggish starts not a key ingredient

It’s a season where a multitude of Lakers’ fans believe they can win at least 70 games or more, the Los Angeles Lakers are on pace to win those many games, with three more wins they’ll tie their 16-1 start of the 2001-02 season, but they can use a minor adjustments at the start of each contest.

It has been a remarkable season, well at least for the first month of the regular-season, they have a brand new trademark on defense, the bench mob provides intensity, while Kobe Bryant enhances the game, with his ability to lead a late-rally and pick up a save, meaning closing the game, similar to the latest one last night against the Dallas Mavericks.

Of course, a win is a win, but the Lakers can’t continue to get comfortable early and relaying on second-half rallies, the Lakers are great, obviously they’re the best team in the West, but if they look to keep their swagger, then they’ll need to play a full 48 minutes, not a full 24.

The Lakers latest hallmark has been, fall behind, increase intensity and win with ease, but on Christmas Day, when they host Boston, the Lakers can’t enter the game with that same attitude, they’ll have to form a new game plan, defense early, intensity for an entire 48 and win with ease.

As the late legendary Chick Hearn would say, “the game’s in the refrigerator. The doors closed, the light’s out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard, and the jell-O’s jiggling,” wasn’t their mystique when they needed a second-half rally to ease to a 114-107 victory, after grinding their way back into the game.

Aside from the first-half woes, the Lakers are 13-1 on the season, that’s great, but getting more consistency early as soon as they tip off, will bring out the new Lakers, they’ll really be difficult to beat as their intensity level will step into gear early, by taking their opponents out of their game, then they won’t have to worry about digging themselves a hole and grinding their way back into a game which could possibly turn into a loss.

Soon, if the Lakers continue to start off sluggish, they’ll possibly start to lose more games than they should, while playing against a mediocre team who the Lakers might take lightly on a night when they least expect their opponent to come away with a victory.

Beyond any doubt, they needed Kobe Bryant to boost his intensity level, in which he posted a season-high 35 points, after a poor first-half. The Lakers hustle-minded and defensive-minded forward, Trevor Ariza, finished with a season-high 15 points.

Bryant scored 23 points in the second-half. He finished 14-for-26 shooting after struggling to find his range. At least Bryant made it happen when it mattered. He found his touch at a good time, when their second loss of the season was on the line against the Mavs, a team which isn’t experts on defense or even on offense.

The Mavs led by 12 points midway through the third quarter and by 11 with less than four minutes left, but the Lakers turned on an impelling switch and elevated their game to a pinnacle.

Kobe nailed a 20-foot jumpshot. Then his sidekick Ariza made a deep jumper from above the key, following a three point jumper from the corner, just to give you a glimpse of their dramatic turn of events.

Game over. Lakers win. Good, now they’re a step closer to gaining a championship trademark stamp.

But, not always the result, if they continue their late surges.

Lakers executes threat within West, rivalry between Suns, a zilch

For now, the Los Angeles Lakers are the most dominated team in the West. A reunion was held in the desert on Thursday night, which turned into uproar for the Phoenix Suns.

In the West, no team is a threat to the Lakers, except themselves. Utah is bothered by injuries, Portland is still searching for their coherence, New Orleans hasn’t being efficient, San Antonio, well they’re old, Houston isn’t playing as well as we thought they were after adding defensive specialist Ron Artest, Dallas and Denver, well they don’t play any defense.

Nonetheless, the Lakers are favors to repeat in the West, where they might have a chance to redeem themselves after they were crushed by Boston in the finals last season.

For the first time this season, the Lakers and Suns clashed before the Lakers smashed and sailed to a 105-92 victory, improving their record to 8-0 against West teams with a win at Dallas and at New Orleans.

Perhaps there’s only one team or even two teams that can beat the Lakers, both of them being East teams, failing to find a rational answer for Allen Iverson and Detroit last week. Yes, the Pistons can beat the Lakers.

But, we’re still uncertain on if the Lakers can beat Boston, tune in on Christmas Day to find out.

For now, we know the Suns aren’t a threat to the Lakers, certainly they probably didn’t really notice that Shaq was in the middle.

It was a reunion to where Shaq and Phil Jackson forgave, giving each other sweat bear hugs two hours before game time. Still, the rivalry isn’t the same when ever you see Shaq hug Jackson or Kobe giving hand slaps to Shaq.

Lakers-Suns rivalry is a zilch, without Mike D’Antoni’s fast-pace system and Jackson shouting from the sidelines at D’Antoni, there’s no rivalry.

The Suns are a step slower on offense as their fast-running offense took a hitchhike to New York, but the Lakers made the Suns look disintegrated, holding them below nine points of their season average, a team known to reach the 100 point plateau.

On greater imports, for the Lakers, Vladimir Radmanovic had a surprise party, scoring 15 points after burying all five three-point attempts. Sometimes, it takes one game to break out of a slump maybe having a big game, might have ended his early season letdowns.

Entering the game averaging 6.1 points and shooting 34 percent, an absurd performance that led to questions, such as possibly trading the forward elsewhere or accompanying Lamar Odom in his place, but Radmanovic don’t want to surrender his starting job, his performance from behind the arch made a difference.

But their star, Kobe Bryant never found his touch, missing 15-of-23 shots, still managing to score 24 points, winning the match over Shaq, who scored 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting, in what wasn’t a rivalry, just West Coast domination.

Usually, a tight game down the strength, turned into a compelling blowout against the Suns, a team that isn’t nearly the same without a fast-pace game plan, the Lakers pulled away from a 50-44 halftime advantage for an 80-67 advantage and never gazed back.

Without a fast-running game, Steve Nash isn’t the same, had trouble finding rhythm with the Lakers holding him scoreless until a layup midway in the third quarter. He finished with just eight points and like always 10 assist.

With aging Shaq in their lineup, hurts their ability to install a fast-running game and Coach Terry Porter doesn’t emphasize a full-court offense, seemingly more comfortable running a half-court offense.

There has been speculations that Shaq would like to return to the Lakers when he becomes a free-agent in 2010, but the Lakers look as if they’re moving on with their young talent, such as Andrew Bynum, the Lakers believe in him after giving him a four-year, $58 million contract extension.

Bynum certainly is the new big-man, many believe Shaq is washed up, from watching the Suns play the Lakers provided a hint, his days with the Lakers are bygone.

The Lakers proved they’re the best of the West, but they still have to prove they can overpower the East.

However, Shaq, Jackson and Kobe all seem to have absolved their issues, and the Suns aren’t a threat to the Lakers, which means there’s no rivalry in the West, but there’s a dominate Lakers team, seeking to win a championship.

Still, the Suns have a lot of work to complete, while the Lakers have a little work to complete. That’s winning a championship with their legitimate squad.

Now, the sun no longer shines in the desert. But now, the stars gleams in Los Angeles.

O'Neal's Laker days' bygone, aging body, infamous demeanor diminishes return

Everyone knows the Los Angeles Lakers are championship caliber, and so does Shaquille O’Neal.

With the ability to retrospect, he has realized that he’s astray, now realizing that he might not ever play on another team that’s contending for a championship, unless he returns to the Lakers.

Making a return to the Lakers might be Shaq’s best alternative, only if they’re willing to take him back, but from my understanding the Lakers have omitted Shaq. For obvious reasons everyone is discussing Shaq’s possible return for two reasons. One, the Lakers faces the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Two, Shaq told the Sacramento Bee that he’s reconsiders on possibly playing for the Lakers once again when he becomes a free-agent in 2010.

Apparently, Shaq hasn’t rejected the Lakers, but they’ve rejected him. Even, the general public in Los Angeles has rejected the Big Diesel on a possible return. The Lakers and Suns clash in the desert tonight, which should be interesting.

Usually, when Shaq and Kobe Bryant encounters one another, its Shaq versus Kobe. Now there’s a different ring to the Lakers, whenever Shaq steps on the same court with them. That ring is a new big man amid. It’s now Shaq versus Andrew Bynum.

Reportedly, Shaq is interested in remarrying the Lakers, after his ugly divorce with them in 2004. He arrived to the desert back in February, where he seemed optimistic on bringing a championship to Phoenix.

Simply, Shaq can’t win without Kobe. During the summer, he ripped Kobe in his rap session at a nightclub in New York when he should have being rapping on how he couldn’t do with Kobe. Now Shaq has added more havoc to the Lakers-Suns rivalry, which dates back before his arrival.

O’Neal acknowledged that he never had issues with Bryant, but blames Phil Jackson for all the conflict surrounding the dynastic Lakers earlier in the decade.

No, the problem clearly was Shaq, who had attitudes and cockiness personalities, which destroyed a dynasty. He wanted to be the top star, asking for the ball more often, but didn’t receive it much, causing him to go berserk. His demeanor led to more problems when he started ripping Kobe and blaming problems on him as well as the rest of the organization.

The Lakers organization went on a warpath and bitterness between Kobe and Shaq started to escalate into further problems. Lakers owner Jerry Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak decided to trade the 7-foot giant to Miami, where he won his fourth championship, for those whose keeping count of championships won.

Nonetheless, Kobe only has three, but could possibly win his fourth this season with a much improved supporting cast.

Evidently, the Lakers decided to move forward into the future with second year star Andrew Bynum, who seems fully healthy. He’s their next big elite center and has emerged quickly into a legitimate competitor.

On the other hand, Shaq has lost creditably to most of the public in Los Angeles, after publicly ripping teammates. And they’re rebuilding with young talent, the Lakers have a bright futures with Bynum at center and Pau Gasol on the inside, can mature into a more dynamic force.

If the Lakers were to re-sign Shaq, it would've turned out to be the biggest mistake in history for them, and then Kupchak would really catch heat from critics. His presence will change the entire complexion on offense because of his inability to get up and down the court in a timely fashion, without becoming fatigue.

Certainly, Shaq is aging, while Bynum still have at least another 20 years left. But, Shaq has zero. He’s washed up, while Bynum is just getting incepted. He’s despised, while Bynum is beloved. And he recently signed a four-year, $58 million contract extension, while Shaq looks as if he’ll be swearing in at a station to become the next undercover policeman.

Shaq, big man, there’s no room as the Lakers seem to be just fine.

In other words, the Big Diesel has ran out of diesel fuel.

Ariza conveys kind of physical stamina, the Lakers require

Late in the third quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers showed up on defense after Trevor Ariza subbed for Kobe Bryant.

Ariza changed the complexion of the game, and transformed the Lakers into a tough fierce team, that was undiscovered until he entered. With his presence, they’re dissimilar, usually becoming very physical, which is what happened against the Dallas Mavericks.

Ariza’s physical style of play resulted in a come from behind victory for a final of 106-99. They salvaged a victory over the Mavs, a game they probably would’ve surrendered if Ariza didn’t have the type of performance he showed.

While on the floor, Ariza provides that in your face type action by delivering turnovers and creating a fastbreak highlight reel in transition. His ability to rebound, score on tip shots, dunk on his own rebound, agility to drive to the bucket and leaping ability hurt the Mavs late in the third until the final buzzard sounded.

With Ariza back at full strength, the Lakers have a great combination of height in the interior, which scares opposing players from driving inside. He’s the fortitude off the Lakers bench, entering the game and inspiring teammates.

The Lakers intensity level rose to the occasion, and their self-assurance even boosted up to the next level. His capacity to energize them late in the second half empowered them to outplay, outscore and outhustle.

At one point in the game, Ariza dived to the floor, grabbing possession of the ball and then singled for a time out after none of his teammates appeared to be available for an open pass. He made a tip shot midway through the second quarter. Then within the final three minutes, he gained possession on Kobe Bryant’s jumpball contest with Jerry Stackhouse.

They went ahead on Ariza’s dunk early in the fourth, after collecting an offensive rebound. And his emphatic block put the icing on the cake in the final minutes.

Meanwhile, Ariza appeared everywhere and practically defended nearly every player on the Mavs. It should’ve taught the Mavs a lesson that playing defense is the key to obtaining a victory.

Now, the Lakers are 6-0, for the first time since the 2001-02 seasons, courtesy of Ariza’s assistance, turning their sluggish first-half into an upgrade. When the Lakers last time went unbeaten this long, they won the championship.

However, Ariza is playing as if he’s championship hungry and has proving that the Lakers are championship bound. A year ago, they were criticized about the lack of intensity on defense, but Ariza has emerged into their superstar on defense.

If he remains healthy, the Lakers are going to be very difficult to defeat this season. He provides a spark off the bench and has solidifies his teammates, getting them involve by coming away with rebounds, turning boards into a fast pace game and turns block shots and steals into easy fastbreak points.

In the first-half, the Mavs scored a season-high 35 points, but the Lakers defense responded, holding them to 39 points scored in the second-half. Although, the Lakers went into the fourth quarter trailing for the first time this season, they went on a 30-9 scoring spurt that finalized the game for good.

Game over, the Lakers improved their record and still remains unbeaten.

Ariza’s stamina and savviest have turned the Lakers into a physical force. Now, we can say the Lakers can play defense as they ought.

Bynum close to an extension, still unproven

In the first two previous games, the Lakers have demolished both opponents. The latest blowout defeat came against the Clippers in 117-79 win Wednesday night, seven Lakers scored in double digits including soon-to-be highly paid Andrew Bynum.

Bynum’s 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks were fine a dandy after coming off of a knee injury, but still he hasn’t proving anything by playing in just two games. While it seems like the Lakers and Bynum has agreed in principle on a four-year contract extension worth about $58 million, the extension talks are coming to a deadline

Players under rookie contracts have until Friday to reach a deal on contract extensions. Otherwise, Bynum will become a restricted free-agent next summer. The Lakers certainly don’t want to toss away their future by freeing up a future elite big man.

Bynum, who will make $2.8 million this season, will earn close to $42 million over the first three years of his contract extension. But the fourth year he will become a team option.

For the Lakers, the desire to lock up their big man in a powerhouse western conference isn’t a bad decision, but a four-year extension worth about $58 million is just too much for a player who hasn’t shown much last year.

Although, he showing a lot of poise and strength before sustained in knee injury, Bynum has to still show the same type of intensity late in the season and during the playoffs.

A week ago, David Lee, Bynum’s agent, tried negotiating with the Lakers about a possible extension, but the Lakers weren’t reaching agreements. However, Lee will return to Los Angeles today to formalize the deal.

Lee asking price earlier this week was close to an estimate of five-years $17 million a year, but the Lakers were willing to formalize an $11 million a year over five years.

Before Bynum underwent knee surgery during the off-season, he averaged 17.3 points and 12.3 rebounds in six games. Certainly, the numbers were impressive, but the contract extension isn’t nearly as impressive.

The Lakers are unsure about Bynum’s future, yes he’s an elite big man, but will he still perform like a big man. When players sign to enormous deals, sometimes they have the tendency to slump and underachieve.

Also, Lakerland is unsure about his natural ability under a full season. Bynum has to show the Lakers he can handle playing 80 more games without faltering and has to continue to dominate the boards and dominate the post.

If Bynum proves he can play the big-man role this season, then he’s worth the big-money.

Lakers, Clippers halftime reactions

Baron Davis, striped, stole and created plays in transition for an easy two points, but the Lakers put a halt to the easy two points. They defended the perimeter and the paint and the Clippers without Davis on the floor seemed incompetent.

Meanwhile, when Davis is on the floor, the Clippers seem as if they’re the better team. He’s a prolific point-guard who’s an outstanding playmaker. He created easy shots for Al Thronton, who has 10 points on four-for-six shooting and Davis has nine points on three-for-eight shooting.

Kobe Bryant has four turnovers with seven points on three-for-six shooting, but the bench mob as being the story for the Lakers outscoring the Clippers bench. And the Lakers have outshot the Clippers in three-point shooting, which describes why the Lakers are in front at the half.

49 Lakers 37 Clippers second quarter reactions

Let’s talk bench mob, the Lakers bench has outscored the Clippers 30-4. Trevor Ariza leads the bench with eight points and Jordan Farmer has nailed a pair of threes. Now, Lakers own a 12 point lead.

41 Lakers 33 Clippers second quarter reactions

The Lakers are reliving the “Showtime” era. Sasha Vujacic fires a three-point shot, following Jordan Farmer’s bounce pass to a driving Trevor Ariza for a two-hand slam. Lakers blow the game open to a 41-33 lead.

32 Lakers 33 Clippers second quarter reactions

Kobe Bryant has four turnovers as the Lakers have a total of eight turnovers in the game. With Baron Davis’ quick hands, gives him the ability to force turnovers and create a play in transition.

Tim Thomas has a 11 points and just made a dunk on Ricky Davis assists.

Lakers 30, Clippers 27 First quarter reactions

Baron Davis seems solid in a Los Angeles uniform. He might not be wearing a Lakers uniform, but he’ll last in a Clippers uniform and has lasted dust far in the first quarter. He’s a great playmaker and it has shown, making Al Thronton better and everyone else better.

Davis has collected three-steals and has harmed the Los Angeles Lakers defense. Also Kobe Bryant has been stripped by the Clippers three times. That’s rare for an MVP.

Bryant has seven points in 11 minutes and Davis has five points, while Thronton has looked impressive with nine points.

The Lakers have a slight edge with a 30-27 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Lakers stepping up defense epitmomizes big things to come

A year has made a difference for the Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, Kobe Bryant was booed, they lost their season-opener to Houston and in their first 17 games they finished one game above average.

In grander schemes, the Lakers are an epitome of the latest invention. Coach Phil Jackson has emphasized defense and they’ve played defense. No questions, the Lakers should be favorites to contend and win the championship, heck they came close to winning last year without stepping up their intensity level on defense.

The Lakers were interested in acquiring Houston’s Ron Artest during the offseason, but after shoving and bumping their way to 96-76 victory in their season-opener against young-rising Portland, illustrated they’ve had enough weapons to defend.

Meanwhile, Portland didn’t blossom, and there wasn’t a showdown between Andrew Bynum and Greg Oden. The game surrounded the Lakers’ defense and by playing defense they proved they’re championship bound.

Last year, everyone criticized the Lakers softness and their lackadaisical intensity on defense. This year, they indicated they can get in your face, shove, bump and bulldoze their way pass Portland, a team known for giving them a tense battle.

Although, Portland is a young team, the Lakers jumped on them from the gate and never gave them an opportunity to take control of the lead. The Lakers are big, fast, and efficient from outside.

Seemingly everything was purple and gold, the showdown everyone anticipated wasn’t the headline. Oden and Bynum didn’t receive any hype, once Oden left after the second quarter with a sprained right foot.

Playing against a physical Lakers’ defense, Oden finished with no points, four missed shots, two missed free throws, five rebounds in 13 min, fizzling is way back to the bench and causing concerns for the Blazers.

Bynum wasn’t a apologue of the game, collecting just eight points, three rebounds in 13 minutes. The showdown was won by Bynum, a climax which wasn’t worth watching. Instead, the Lakers defense was worth watching, and they are definitely worth watching after improving in a weak spot.

The Kobe show appeared in the second half. He made shots as the crowd in purple and gold responded with cheers. He scored 23 points, 17 in the second half, earning his popularity back after winning the MVP trophy, Olympic gold medal and a Finals appearance.

Pau Gasol, didn’t seem soft, scoring 15 points all in the first-half on seven-for-10 shooting, an ostentatious offense that wasn’t perceived last season.

Now, their offense is discerned after the Lakers held Portland to 35 percent shooting and outrebounded them 49-44.

The Lakers aren’t soft, they’re rigid and there’s a great season ahead for them if they continue their strong efforts, which is defending.

Beast of the west happens to represent purple, gold

Andrew Bynum, the beast of the West. He’s the Los Angeles Lakers seven-foot center and the leagues ferocious beast. Now, the Lakers are dangerous, every team has to be aware of the gigantic seven-foot rising star.

Certainly, Bynum gives the Lakers a legitimate chance at a repeat to represent the Western Conference as he represents the purple and gold, attracting more fans’ and taking pressure away from Kobe Bryant, who scored six points under eight minutes, playing for the first time since sustaining a hyper extended right knee.

Obviously, Bryant’s presence doesn’t matter when there’s a beast playing on the same team.

There’s a healthy big-man in the middle, in fact they have another giant who’s a threat, Pau Gasol, which makes it difficult for any team in the league to defeat the Lakers.

I know it’s only preseason, but preseason is when a team gets an understanding on their upcoming season and the Lakers got their preview on Friday, in a 105-94 exhibition victory against Oklahoma City. Mostly, big plays came from Bynum, who’s emerging before our very eyes.

Seemingly, he’s the next dominate center in the league while Shaq seems washed up with Phoenix. In the season-opener, the Lakers play against Portland. They have a monster in the middle as well, Greg Oden, who is returning from knee surgery, but might not make an impact immediately, he will develop into a star, to where we might see an era of legitimate centers.

With the Lakers and Blazers meeting four times in the regular-season, it should be interesting match ups between Bynum and Oden, though it might take Oden some time to adjust and fully recover.

They’re two potent centers and will terrify their opponents, while waiting for them to drive to the paint. There won’t be much driving to the paint with Bynum nearby as opponents will force jump shots, whether than attempting a sure dunk or lay-up.

That’s how powerful and frighten it is facing a fierce competitor like Bynum, with him the Lakers are contenders to win a championship. And they have a chance to win a least 60 games in the regular-season.

For a preseason game, Bynum produced monster numbers, after scoring 23 points, on 10-of-15 shooting with eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Yes, his dominance puts the Lakers in a good position, in a tough Western Conference.

Bynum had 15 points by halftime, giving the Lakers a 63-53 lead at halftime. He’s so physical in the post, where he pulverized damn near every opponent inside, taking lob after lob and finishing each time with a dunk.

Making baby hook shots, while backing down players into the low post, makes you want to believe this is their year to win it all.

Now, since the Lakers have a beast, which is armed with many weapons, it will make Bryant’s game a whole lot easier.

Bynum has matured and developed into one of the league’s most dominant centers, and gives the Lakers a chance to dominant every team they encounter in the regular-season and playoffs.

It should be interesting to watch Bynum continue to leap, catch and dunk and it should be interesting to watch if the Lakers sign him before Oct. 31 to a five-year contract extension.

But, watching him perform in the playoffs will be the biggest stage of his career and an interesting time for him to prove he’s a true legitimate star.

Still, Bynum is the biggest star entering the season.

Kobe's history amid injuries Lakers don't have reasons to be concern

Anytime a player goes down with any type of serious injury, usually causes a level of concern, unless you’re the amazing Kobe Bryant.

Usually, Bryant falls down paining for a couple of seconds, raises gingerly, then hobbles off the court into the locker room, while Lakers’ fans hold their selective breath concerned about his status.

But a few minutes later, Bryant jets through the tunnel back to the bench, moments later walking to the scores table as if he just came off the bench from a brief rest, not needing assistance or even a wheelchair like his nemesis in last season’s finals.

Boston’s guard Paul Pierce sprinting his way back to the court, after taking a shot to his leg before using a wheelchair. It seems as if Pierce was trying to play mind games with the Lakers and his theory worked, returning to the game to demolish the Lakers with his shocking three-point spurt.

Bryant sat on the bench in street clothes during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats after sustaining a knee injury, confirming the initial diagnosis a hyper extended right knee injury, listed day-to-day.

Still, there’s nothing to be concerned about anytime Bryant suffers an injury, particularly during preseason when games are meaningless. The Lakers aren’t hurting without him and he isn’t hurting.

They’ll need him in next Tuesday’s season-opener against Portland, but if he’s still isn’t back at full strength then they shouldn’t rush his comeback. Missing one game of the regular-season won’t harm the Lakers’ season and they have enough alternatives when he’s limited.

They have there big man Andrew Bynum back, after missing 42 games last season and underwent knee surgery and they have Pau Gasol, two giants who will have to face another giant on opening-night when they play against Greg Oden of the Portland Trialbrazers.

After banging knees with teammate Josh Powell, while going for a rebound off Sun Yue’s missed shot, Bryant injured the right knee.

Coach Phil Jackson isn’t too concern, very confident he’ll return for the season-opener. Of course, Bryant will play in the season-opener. He’s committed to playing basketball whether he’s banged up or just having an off-night.

Rarely, Bryant has an off-night and he rarely misses games while battling an injury. Everyone within the Lakers organization are accustom to seeing their star play through pain.

However, Bryant did not participate in practice, wearing an ice bag on his knee, ready for the season-opener. He’s a contender and he’s definitely going to play next week, seeking redemption after last season’s embarrassing loss to Boston in the finals.

And he’s confident after bringing home a gold medal in the Beijing Games. But, Bryant is just a competitor who has a passion for the game and desires winning. He’s a tough competitor who will play through any injury.

Bryant was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinkie finger last season, decided to forgo surgery that could have possibly sidelined him for six weeks. Still, he hasn’t undergone surgery to replace the tear in his finger.

Amazingly, he’s gripping the ball with four fingers, still knocking down shots and dunking in transition or on a fastbreak.

During the Western Conference semifinals last season, Bryant injured back in the opening minutes of Game 3, forcing him to get treatment for his back. He wore an electronic stimulation device hooked up to his sore back and had to days’ rest before playing through the pain in Game 4 of the best-of-seven series.

Eventually, Bryant will need to undergo surgery on his finger before causing further damage. But he’s defied when it comes to playing in a game, challenging his body to play through adversity and has done well.

So, why should we have concern about Kobe, who unlike many players, forgo surgery and play through serve and threaten injuries.

The Lakers don’t have any reason to worry.