I can imagine how many Los Angeles Lakers fans switched their televisions off throughout this season. Or how many of them did leave the actual game. Lakers have been the exhibition of tragedy this year and their story has grown into a never-ending soap opera. But still, here they are, currently the eight seed in the Western Conference and making their way into play-offs.

When Lakers were down by 24 in New Orleans against the Hornets last week, it was a mystery how did they even get there, considering the Hornets were 21-40 entering into the game. It was a must-win for the Lakers. But they still have Kobe Bryant, driven by his desire for his sixth ring, and that's why they won. If Black Mamba is feeling it, those games are hard to win if you stand on the other side (ask Jalen Rose).

Now the Lakers are two games over .500 for the first time this season and they are actually playing some intelligent basketball these days. Bryant had nineteen points and nine assists last night against the Bulls and he produced in times much needed. Lakers knew that Boozer is not a good pick'n'roll defender and they were killing the Bulls by simple screens set by World Peace for Bryant, who shared the ball well.

We all know that with his energy and focus Bryant could easily carry two teams on his shoulders, but even that Lakers have won three in a row, I'm still not sure about the rest of the purple and yellow army. To it starts clicking again, Howard needs to get his confidence back and so does Nash. But who seems like the biggest flaw of the Lakers is Metta World Peace. He can still defend but with his unpredictable decision making (those tough corner jumpers or silly offensive fouls) and poor numbers, he may be the worst player in the league that averages over 30 minutes per game.

The question about these Lakers is if Kobe still has something left in his tank. These games he has had last month are probably showing that yes, he still has plenty left. Heck that guy wakes up at 4am every morning! He wants to be better by four hours than anybody else. At least that's what he says. Or who knows, maybe he just could not sleep lately.