Despite some initial fears that they might not make it, the Los Angeles Lakers will be in this year's postseason. Thanks to a convincing 11-point victory over the hapless Seattle Sonics and another 50-point performance from two-time scoring champ Kobe Bryant, League marketers and TV networks can breathe a sigh of relief: Kobe vs. Nash II will probably happen.Phil Jackson finally came to his senses and started Jordan Farmar over the flaccid Smush Parker. Farmar responded with 9 points, 3 assists, and most importantly, ran the Triangle the way it's supposed to be run. I fully expect Jordan Farmar to be in the starting lineup when the playoffs begin.
As usual, the key to victory was the play of Kobe Bean Bryant. The game's greatest player hit the half-century mark for the 21st time in his career (he's third on the all-time list behind Wilt and Michael) and took over down the stretch. He capped off the 18-25 shooting performance with a ridiculous 360 reverse dunk on the right baseline after eluding a late-arriving double team.
Should Phoenix and L.A. meet in the first round, it'll be interesting to see if the Lakers adopt the same equal opportunity offense they used to gain a 3-1 series lead before crumbling last year. It's probably their best option against the Suns, but it won't be enough. Still, it'll be a very entertaining series.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
"League marketers and TV networks can breathe a sigh of relief: Kobe vs. Nash II will probably happen."
That is a totally pathetic comment. Congradulations business wonks! Sadly, there may be some Kobe.. er, Lakers fans who may actually think this will be a great series. The Lakers were quite something in their "convincing" defeat the way sub .500 Sonics- congradulations. Yea, Kobe was quite the player with his 50 points, again. Maybe 3 other Lakers-tops- made over 10 points. A number of them didn't score at all. This kind of brilliant team effort will make for a really exciting 1st round series (Pffffff, ha ha ha!)
Umm, yes, considering the way things went when they met last year it will be an exciting series.
Kobe's right arm is HUGE.
Hey Sam, in case you haven't noticed neither team is like last year. This year, the Suns are going into the playoffs with momentum and they're healthy. The Lakers haven't been healthy, have no momentum and are lucky to have even made it to the playoffs hoevering around .500. This first round will probably not be as exciting as so many of you think, unless you're a Suns fan!
I got excited when you said 360 reverse dunk but in all reality it was just a normal reverse jam. Still impressive, but you had my hopes set high.
The NBA.com highlights of the game have some awesome footage of the french dancer Ronny Turiaf shakin' what his momma gave him.