I'd like to give a nod to Luke Walton. The kid played quality minutes in this series. Nothing flashy, nothing over the top, but solid ball on both ends when he was on the court.
Well what a year it has been. From the depths in Boston to the mountaintop in Orlando and every NBA city in between. We have had discussions about Phil as a coach, just about every player on the team, Mitch and the entire Buss family this season.
We talked about this team playing like they would be 82-0 in the beginning, how in the world they could blow a couple of easy games in the middle, how they could blow huge leads near then end of the season and lived and died with them through the playoffs.
In the end though the best team in the Eastern Conference came along and EVERYTHING clicked. It took the best shooting displays in finals history to take the one game but otherwise this was a Laker team that displayed heart, a killer instinct on defense, offensive execution when it was absolutely critical and above all the talent to be named the:
2008-09 NBA WORLD CHAMPION LOS ANGELES LAKERS
All I can say is......
Well stated. I have often times been critical of this team's play down the stretch. Although they waited until midway through the Denver series to get it together, they got it right in the end and won it all in convincing style.
They left no doubt that they are the best team in the league.
I started to watch the game last night when Orlando went up early and I just couldn't take watching it and had to go for a bike ride. Not that I didn't think they could come back, I just was too antsy to sit through it. I got back with less than a minute to play and got to watch the rest of the night unfold.
Kobe was definitely the MVP, but this was a team victory in every sense of the word. Pau, Derek, Lamar and Trevor came up especially huge when the team needed them and PJ has proven that he is the master even though we questioned his tactics at times.
Lots of questions about next season, but now is not the time. This is a time for celebration of a job well done.
I seriously thought that the winner between Denver and L.A was destined to have the rings. Orlando was a worthy opponent and had their chances. Lakers were more resilient and made the runs when runs were needed.
This experience will go a long way for the teammates known as Lakers.
Next year the west will be a gunfight season, Many good teams, and many playing well. Cant ask for better practice than to play the west next year on the road to the finals.
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers, it was exciting!
PS,, think Phil would coach the Raiders ? hehe j/k
Been on vacation in Vegas the past week so I didnt get a chance to celebrate with you guys, but I missed every one of you and I know the forum was going bonkers when we won! I was at a brazilian steakhouse watching the lakers win game 5 while munching on filet mignon and drinking white russians, it was SO glorious! I didnt even wanna go out that night, I just wanted to go back to my room and watch sportscenter all night.
Congrats to the lakers and to every one of you guys who were sticking with the team during the season and never taking your eyes off the prize. MAN did D-Fish redeem himself, didn't he?
Not resigning Trevor and Lamar is not an option. Lamar played OUT OF HIS MIND in games 2 and 5 and Trevor just did a little of everything. Shannon would be nice to bring back as well.
Major congrats to Luke and Lamar who have paid the most laker dues outside of Kobe and Fish. Those two have been with us for the long haul and i'm glad they finally were rewarded for it.
Re: Lakers are 2009 NBA CHAMPS!!
master even though we questioned his tactics at times.
