This is the fourth in a series of fanposts celebrating the SS&R persona of Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw: one of the most significant contributors, both on and off the court, to the team's' success for more than a decade.

Welcome to the Shawfather saga!

Behind the scenes:

Shawfather Credits and Open Call

Previous episodes:

Part I - Farewell to the Maker | Part II - Fire and Water for Christmas
Part III - Holiday Greetings

Recommended reading:

"A Guide to Silver Screen and Roll Memes" | "Brian Shaw's Vengeance Throughout History"
"The Official Brian Shaw Championship Thread/Thread of Champions"

Part IV begins at a time that some optimism has been restored within the Lakers family. Three straight wins against inferior competition prompt Phil Jackson and a trio of team veterans to enjoy a little cruise through Downtown L.A. prior to their first showdown of the season with the family from New York. The Knicks, now led by Amare Stoudemire, a capo famed for burying foes in the desert in years past, wear a confidence that had been lost for an entire decade. Meanwhile, the Lakers ride through town ever optimistic as the sun begins to set. . . .

"Purple Yellow" begins to thump through the speakers. . . .

Jackson continues to ponder the fragility of his team's success as Gasol steers back toward Staples Center.

Across town, BlueXFalcon receives a call from Bernel, thoroughly spent from hunting down quarry that had eluded him since Part I. As it turns out, the Filipino Mafia has bagged two prizes for the price of one -- but in doing so, obtained definitive proof that the fears about the Lakers' vulnerability that have been plaguing Jackson are more systemic and profound than he or the Shawfather previously believed.

Production notes:

• Thanks to EmmaWK for pointing out that the "WE WIN" GIF was created from looped Zoolander footage. 

So what happens next?!

• What does BlueXFalcon do between now and his meeting with the Filipino Mafia?
• What could possibly be so troubling to Bernel in light of his successful efforts to track down a foe (the answer to this will be revealed later in the comments, but your answers could provide additional insights that also apply)?

Have fun answering these questions in the comments below!