There will be a changing of the guard in the NBA this year. Two nights ago, the Dallas Mavericks gave a crushing defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers in an unsettling sweep. Thank goodness because to me there isn’t enough variety in the NBA. All the same teams going on methodical, dynamic dynasty runs. The Lakers got swept up. Let me say that again, they go swept. Why do I need to repeat that? Because it rarely happens! This is the only time under the Phil Jackson era in which the Lakeshow have gotten broomed!
Los Angeles looked scared in the first three games and as a result, they would founder in the waning minutes of all three. Dirk Nowitzki was able to shut down the dynamic Pau Gasol and there just didn’t seem to be enough Kobe to make it all better for the Lakers. The Mavs helped their cause with some absolute ridiculous 3-point shooting from Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic. Sadly, I feel that most of the publicity will be made about the Lakers losing than the Mavs winning. In the final seconds of the deflating game four, the Lakers pride looked to be bleeding out after every Terry/Stojakovic three. The hope of a comeback was fleeting and the drive to send Jackson out on a good note was demolished.
Phil Jackson will probably retire and finish out his Hall of Fame life known as one of the NBA’s Lords of the rings (He currently owns 13 total!). This sweep doesn’t tarnish any part of his legacy; it only sours the ending of a storied coaching career. He should truly feel blessed for being able to work with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in both of their primes. The two would bring Jackson a combined 11 rings! I don’t think you will ever be able to find a luckier coach. Phil Jackson may be known to some as the best coach in history, but it will always be tough to argue for him with Red Auerbach and John Wooden in the conversation.
Los Angeles will be left with a gaping hole in their coaching staff. The Zen Master will certainly be missed, but that won’t be the only problem they will have. This off season will be filled with what the Lakers need to do to get back to the Promised Land. I am sure that the rumors of Dwight Howard and Chris Paul will surface. If you keep it between us, they would be a great fit. The Lakers need post presence and Dwight is the best in the league. Chris Paul could be the young guard they need to energize their franchise. It would defiantly make the Lakers the best team in the West and could possibly lead to a Lakers, Heat Finals (Oh God Please!). Whatever the outcome, I expect the Lakers to be rejuvenated and ready to redeem themselves for this terrible loss. Does Kobe ever get his 6th ring and tie Jordan? Well, we’ll have to see about that one.
As for the rest of the NBA Playoffs, they are looking better than this series. Memphis looks like they could possibly upset the young Thunder and go to their first Conference Finals ever. Miami looks poised to finally take out the defending Eastern Champions. The one seeded Bulls still look ho-hum and are depending on the MVP Rose way too much.
More NBA Playoff action this month, so watch it! Thanks for reading!
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