I took it off. I’ll shorten the front page look and re-post in 2-3 hours.

About 5 minutes aftet the Lakers collected their rings, I was bored. When you invest emotionally for a two-month (or so) playoff stretch, it’s tough to get up for these games. I sometimes wonder how the players do it. Well, I guess because they are pros, and because they sort of have to.

I remember Magic’s first game and how he practially molested Kareem after his game-winning sky hook, and Kareem said later that he told young Earvin that there was no way he could maintain that emotional level or they wouldn’t make it to Thanksgiving.

Maybe winning it all softens the blow of a loss like last night. Maybe I am older (well, duh). Maybe there are just too many other tihngs in my life that keep my heart pumping.

One thing we know. The Lakers are going to be there at the end. And you would think that an early-season blowout on their home court would do more good than bad, in terms of, hey, “last year is last year”.

Now if it was the Celtics last night and not the Mavs…well, that’s another story.

He insisted on going at Dirk, and failing. He took it personal and played selfishly.

All great teams are gonna lose games they shouldn’t, lose games to teams they shouldn’t lose to, and players are gonna have some off nights. The reason we’re gonna hear the: The Celtics are playing at a much higher level than the Lakers’s, andthe Ron Artest isn’t helping the Lakers’, and the Kobe’s getting too old for this’s is because it’s the begging of the season.Last time I checked, last year the C’s got off to perhaps the best start in NBA history, and then did they win the championship? NO.

Clark is right. Kobe was taking to many ill-advised shots. When the Lakers win a good game, Kobe is usually facilitating the triangle. He was taking it upon himself to win the game from start to finish.

They need to get everyone involved first before Kobe can turn into the Mamba.

Also, I’m very glad to read that Clark didn’t use the “we didn’t have Pau” card. We should have beaten this team with or without him. Great points my man. But we’ll be fine. I think the Lakers needed a loss like this. I am just going to hate hearing “the Celtics can play at a high level, why can’t the Lakers?”

I’m sure the Lakers had the mentality on Tuesday that championship teams lose on ring night but that they weren’t going to let that happen because they were going to play hard. It looks like the Lakers just got lucky that they played the Clippers.

IMO the Lakers thought the season was going to be “easy” after an easy game one. Think again. The Clippers are the Clippers for a reason. Obviously the Mavs are better and they showed it.

What I am happy about though is that this loss wakes them up a little earlier than expected. I remember everyone saying we were going to go 21-1 to stat the season. Well we still might. Hopefully this loss triggers something in all the players that every night will be a struggle to defend the crown.

The bright spot of the game. In the post game interview, Bynum said he was going to go look at the tape and that the Lakers needed to have a strong practice tomorrow. That’s what I like to hear out of our 22 year old center. On the other hand, Shannon Brown referred to himself as a “warrior” because of his dunk. C’mon Shannon, you can throw down, don’t let it get to your head. No one is a “warrior” unless your name is Ron Artest or you win.

…or at the very least until the next morning. At least for me that is how long it usually lasts. Every regular season game means something to the players and to the fans. But I can bet that once the next game starts, win or loose the players move on and forget all about it. Oh well, can’t wait till Sunday.

This game reminded me of that great poll someone (ok me) posted here in September:) It was titled: Greatest obstacle to Lakers repeating as champions?

I’ll list the results here to save everyone a click.

0% – Magic
0% – Mavericks
1% – Nuggets
5% – Blazers
5% – Lakers incorporating new players
7% – Spurs
8% – Something else (see comments)
8% – Cavaliers
22% – Celtics

And the number one answer:

40% – Lakers’ own boredom or lack of focus

I saw ZERO focus on either end of the floor by the gold team. The ring ceremony is over. Time to get back to basics guys.

When Ariza was first signed and he got to play his athleticism was the first thing to stand out. As the season went on he showed flashes of having good defense. Then he seemed to be the guy that changes the energy of the game when he comes in. But his shooting was not as good. Then this past year happened and Walton goes to the bench and Ariza takes his place. I originally thought that Brown was going to take Farmar’s minutes. I think it is Sasha that will loose minutes this time around. I like the quickness of Farmar at the 1 and Brown at the 2 spot.

The biggest surprise that I am noticing about Brown and it is something I never noticed before until this season. He has probably the quickest first step on the Lakers team and can take anyone off the dribble. He can easily get to the paint. The only issue is his inability to finish. He simply looks confused when he gets in the paint. I hope he works on that. He has a lot of potential to be a really good player.

Dallas loses to Washington in Dallas, then beats LA in LA, Cleveland loses to Toronto, then Toronto goes out and loses to the Grizzlies, and on and on … which I am amused at guys like who are constantly saying that the other team “has a chance to win” or that they’re dangerous, so don’t overlook them … Well, yeah, every team is dangerous, and every team is potentially tougher than you think … the real question is, to what degree? Are you willing to put some money on it? (You don’t have to, I just want to see if you really mean what you say). Anyone can say “there’s a chance the Lakers might lose this one” and look like a genius when it happens.

I don’t think the Lakers are going to stomp every team they play and dominate them, even the so-called rollovers of the league.

I just expect them to play better than any other team as the number of games goes to infinity, nothing more.

I did not get to watch the game, I was busy conducting some youth activities, but I am sure that this loss will result as a wake-up call to the Lakers. Yes, they have their minds set, as we have probably read, but your mind and reality are often different. A rude awakening is exactly what they needed, and even though they aren’t on pace to break any regular season records, and Gasol is day-to-not-day, I think the Lakers can pull through this. Powell will gain valuable minutes at the 4, Mbenga at the 5. Shannon Brown and Farmar will get more minutes. Heck, rest Gasol until he’s 110%! When he comes back, let the world beware because the team will be as pumped as ever.

A good loss, a wake up loss, something that the Lakers will use as motivation to crush their next 7 opponents, then they’ll probably relax again, lose, then go on another 7-9 game winning streak…

Go LA!

can I suggest one more thing to direct anger at? Phil. I mean, it’s hard to argue with a man’s ways when he has 10 rings and we all know his pention for making his guys " play through it". but when IS a good time to call a time out by these methods? when your team is down by 8— 10? 14— 20? …or do we have to wait till were down by 24?