May 15, 2008

The Most Impressive Stat of the Year

Last night, Kobe Bryant put up the most impressive stat of the year, maybe even of his whole career (except for his 81 point game).  In the decisive 4th quarter against the Jazz, in the pivotal game 5, with the season hanging in the balance, Kobe shot 0 for 0 from the floor.  That's right, in the most important quarter of the most important game of the season, Kobe didn't take a field goal.  And the Lakers won! 

The Lakers won because Kobe put the ultimate faith in his teammates, trusting them to make the big shots, and they rewarded him with a victory.  He even kept passing to Sasha who was a miserable 1 for 11 from the field.  Sasha kept shooting because he knew Kobe (and Phil Jackson) trusted him. Sasha will bounce back from his off night whereas in the past, he would have wilted into the background for the rest of the season.  Trust breathes life into people.  Last night, Kobe was the team's lungs. 

The only player who can stop Kobe, is Kobe (sorry Ruben Patterson).  When your body is so physically gifted, and you can do more than anyone else, it's so tempting to do more than even you can do.  Think of the Lakers disappointing overtime loss in Game 4.  When Kobe plays within himself, when he doesn't stop himself, he's an unstoppable force - even if that means taking no shots and simply creating the space for his teammates to shine.  Kobe was as much the MVP in the 4th quarter last night has he ever was throughout the season.  As a Laker fan, all I can say is, I hope this lasts! 

May 08, 2008

Youth is wasted on the young

Kobe Bryant won the MVP award last night.  Congratulations, Kobe.  You truly, truly deserve it.  This morning, I'm proud to be a Laker fan and a Kobe Bryant fan. 

People talk ad nauseum about what the award means.  Do you give it to the league's best player?  Or perhaps the best player on the best team?  People talk about what would happen to a team if you removed the MVP candidate e.g. imagine how horrible the Cavs would be without LeBron.  And please, may I never hear the expression "he makes his teammates better" ever again.  It's become the most over used cliche in basketball. 

Kobe Bryant won the award for one reason and one reason only.  He finally grew up this year.  He finally completed the tortured, agonizing, embarrassingly public journey from adolescent phenom to grown man.  In a league full of super-rich, super-talented, post-adolescent knuckleheads (Zach Randolph anyone?), Kobe Bryant now stands apart.  He's added maturity to his arsenal of weapons... and that's what makes him MVP.  He's always been all about winning.  Now he knows how.  He's been the league's most talented player for years.  Now he's putting that talent to good use. 

Kobe is 29 years and 10 months old.  He's been in the league for 12 years.  For 11+ years he's been growing up.  I'm going to write David Stern a letter and propose that the NBA raise the minimum age limit to 28.  Let's force the knuckleheads to grow up before we have to watch them - before we have to invest in them emotionally.  You want to clean up the league?  Get rid of the DUI's, illegal weapon possessions, and illegitimate children?  Look at what a little maturity has done for Kobe!  Let 'em play in the D-league untilt they're 28!  How true it is that youth is wasted on the young...

April 30, 2008

How it should have ended

Staples Center.  Game 7.  Western Conference Finals.  Shaquille O’Neal, super-sized in every way, lumbers to center court to jump center against Pau Gasol.  He and Kobe fist bump.  It’s the beginning of the end of the Shaq / Kobe rivalry – the story line of the decade here in Los Angeles. 

Fast forward to the end of the first overtime period.  The Suns are up by 2 points and Shaq is at the free throw line.  If he makes both free throws, the Suns are Western Conference champions.  More importantly, he’ll have the last laugh on Kobe.  If he makes at least one, the Lakers will have to hit a 3 point shot to force a second overtime.  The first shot goes through - nothing but net.  The entire arena is shocked, no one more than Shaq himself.  The second shot goes up.  It hits the back of the rim.  The crowd is so silent, you can hear a pin drop. The ball bounces off the front of the rim high in the air.  It looks like it might go in, but glances off the side of the rim and into Lamar Odom’s waiting grasp.  The Lakers call timeout. 

Everyone in the arena, actually everyone in the solar system, knows that Kobe Bryant is going to take the last shot.  They need a 3 pointer to force a second overtime.  It’s desperation time for the Lakers.  Luke Walton throws the in-bound pass unexpectedly to Pau Gasol. He fakes a shot and then manages to kick it out to Kobe behind the 3 point line.  Since this is my fantasy, Shaq runs out and fouls Kobe as he shoots.  The shot goes in (of course) and Kobe makes the free throw to win – game, set, match. 

Now that would have been a bang.  Instead, we get the whimper. 

The Suns go down in the first series to the Spurs 3 to 1.  The rumor is that Mike D’Antoni will lose his job.  Shaq has two years left on his deal, but will miss more games than he’ll play as he winds down his career in Phoenix.  The run and gun Suns will spend the next several years searching for a new identity, all in the quiet shadow of the ascendant Lakers dynasty. 

But wait.  This is the type of story that never dies.  Fast forward 20 years.  Kobe Bryant is driving a little too fast up the 405 in his drop top Impala.  He pulls over when he hears the siren.  The policeman who saunters up to his car is 7’ 1” and grinning ear to ear…

April 27, 2008

Redemption

Flash back to July 18, 2003.  Kobe Bryant, at the nadir of a controversial public life, sits at a press conference at Staples Center, with his wife Vanessa at his side, and admits that he committed adultery while she was at home taking care of their baby daughter.  He denies the sexual assault charges, but the damage is done.  The public confession of adultery is bad enough.  Bryant, who has always been poised, articulate and hyper-confident, stammers through the press conference, appearing confused, uncertain and afraid.  Certainly not the Kobe we have all come to know. 

During this unbelievably difficult era in Bryant’s public life, he endured constant ridicule at the hands of Denver Nugget fans each time he came to the Pepsi Center (the alleged sexual assault occurred in Eagle, Colorado about 120 miles from Denver).   

Last night, that all changed.  When Bryant left the floor in the final two minutes of the Lakers’ convincing victory over the hapless Nuggets, the Denver fans gave him a shockingly loud ovation. He’s been hearing “M-V-P” chants all across the country this year, but this was special.  This was Denver, Colorado. 

Kobe Bryant is back, rebuilt, better than before.  This new Kobe is more mature, more real, more human, and more appealing than ever before.  Eagle, Colorado is now just a footnote in the long saga of an American hero. 

April 24, 2008

Dynasty in the Making

All Grown Up

Lamar Odom - since Pau arrived, Lamar looks like a man who's comfortable in his own skin. Stand on the earth and proclaim who you are, Lamar - the best damn third option in the world!


Worth His Weight In Gold

Derek Fisher - When his playing days are done, keep him on as an assistant coach. Kobe becomes the One True Kobe in his presence.


EuroStar

Pau. Wow! Gasol. I'm not shaving or cutting my hair anymore. It's the closest I'll ever be to looking like a Laker!


The Kids Are Alright

Jordan, Sasha, Rony, Trevor, Luke. I woke up one morning this season and all of a sudden, the Lakers were the deepest team in the NBA. How'd that happen?


The Mike Penberthy Feel Good Story of the Year Award

Cobey Karl survives cancer, becomes an NBA player, and faces his Dad in the playoffs. Made for TV movie anyone?


The Space Cadet Comes Back to Earth

When I see Vlade Radmanovic rain down those long, long 3's, I'm glad Laker management didn't void his contract.


The Sky's The Limit

For 14 beautiful games this season, we saw the future and it was AWESOME - tall, strong, athletic, dominant. How good is Drew Bynum going to be when he's 25?


The Brain Trust

Dr. Buss. Mitch Kupchack. Phil Jackson. Jim Buss. Ronnie Lester. The Laker brain trust showed why this is an extraordinarily effective franchise. Kobe Bryant better not play strip poker with Dr. Buss. He'll end up strolling naked down Chick Hearn Walk.


Better Than Jordan

That's right. Kobe has a realistic chance of going down in NBA history as the best player of all time - better than Michael Jordan. He's only 3 championships behind and he's playing on a team with the potential to win 5 or 6 more before his career is over. He has (amazingly, shockingly, wonderfully) become a leader, a team player, a joy to watch and (apparently) to play with. He is the One True Kobe and we are all blessed to watch him.

April 13, 2008

The Most Valuable ex-Laker

There has been so much attention focused on the MVP battle between Kobe and Chris Paul that one of the truly amazing stories of the year is being lost in the chatter.  Ex-Showtime Laker Byron Scott should be the coach of the year for leading the stunning turnaround of the Hornets from last year – with basically the same team!  They will finish at least 16 games better than last year and probably as many as 18 games.  They will be one of the top 3 seeds in the Western conference.  I doubt anyone wants to play them in the playoffs.  Look at their frightening comeback from 30 behind the Lakers the other night.  No, they didn’t win.  But I’m sure glad the Lakers don’t have to face them in the first round!

Chris Paul deserves a tremendous amount of credit for New Orleans’ success.  No one knew he would be this good this soon.  David West and Tyson Chandler are nice complementary pieces.  Stojakovic can still fill it up from distance.  But overall, a team with Jannero Pargo as your sixth best player is not among the most deep or talented teams in the league. 

Scott’s coaching is the difference maker.  He’s got the Hornets playing as hard and together as a team can play.  He deserves to be recognized for his success.  In his previous stint with New Jersey, despite leading the team to two straight NBA Finals’ appearances, he was much maligned.  His assistant Eddie Jordan (now the Wizards’ coach) was given the credit, as was Jason Kidd.  Well, look how things turned out in New Jersey for Kidd without Byron Scott…

No matter what happens in the playoffs, former Laker star Byron Scott is my vote for most valuable ex-Laker and NBA coach of the year!

March 10, 2008

The Big Prickly

Shaq’s in Phoenix, pairing with Steve Nash, to give Laker fans one more dose of Shaqilicious melodrama.  Right now, the deal looks like a disaster, but don’t fool yourself.  Shaq has 20 dominant games left in his diesel-sized body.  Phoenix is going to be dangerous in the playoffs (assuming they don’t totally self-destruct first and miss the playoffs).  Wouldn’t it be ironic if Shaq, playing the role of spoiler in this chapter of the eternal Shaq/Kobe soap opera, led Phoenix past the Lakers in the playoffs and derailed Kobe’s MVP season?  Shaq has immense pride.  He’s going to be super-motivated to a) prove Pat Riley wrong; and b) prove Jerry Buss wrong; and c) prove everybody else in the world wrong.  Shaq said it himself.  Don’t get him angry.  When he gets angry, he’s been known to win championships.  I wouldn’t be totally surprised if he gelled with his new teammates in time to make a deep run for the trophy this spring. 

Of course, even in the best-case scenario (the Suns win the championship this spring), this version of the Suns is about to go supernova.  After Shaq’s one last run, his age is going to catch up with him.  He’ll limp out the rest of his contract, consuming a huge chunk of Phoenix’s cap, sowing discontent, forcing Robert Sarver to pay an enormous luxury tax, and wasting Steve Nash’s last years.  He’ll leave a Phoenix franchise in his wake that looks more like a train wreck than an NBA team.  Don’t believe me?  Just take a look at the Miami Heat (and the Lakers circa 2004 and the Orlando Magic in 1996)!

When the Big Prickly hangs up his superhuman sized sneakers and calls it a career (and the moment is coming soon), I personally will shed a tear of frustration.  I’ll be forever grateful to Shaq for that fantastic three-peat at the start of the millennium.  It was good to live in LA when Shaq was in his prime. Shaq was amazing, awesome, entertaining and so much larger than life that you couldn’t imagine a light shining any brighter.  “Can you dig it?”  Sure, Shaq.  If you say so, I can dig it.

But how good could Shaq have been?  Imagine a Shaq who hit 75% of his free throws or who showed up for training camp in shape.  Imagine a Shaq with a sweet jump shot from 10 to 15 feet or who could defend the pick and roll.  Look, I know I’m just a fan, not a basketball expert.  And I know I may be wrong about this.  But if Shaq had worked harder during his career, couldn’t he have become a better free throw shooter?  Couldn’t he have improved his pick and roll defense?  Certainly, he could have been more devoted to staying in shape.

Shaq should have been the Most Dominating Ever by a wide, huge, colossal margin.  There shouldn’t have been any debate.  And yet, Shaq, arguably, isn’t even the most dominating big man of his generation.  Many would say that honor goes to Tim Duncan.  Off the court, Shaq is unsurpassed in this generation and probably in any generation.  On the court, for all his mighty achievement, I’ll always wonder about what might have been…

February 17, 2008

Manifest Destiny

Well, well, well… that was a spectacular stretch in Laker history.  Let’s see.  The Lakers return from their road trip 35 and 17.  They went 7 and 2 and are now 3rd in the Western Conference.  They’re 2nd in the Hollinger Power Rankings, 2nd in Hollinger’s Offensive Efficiency category and 8th in Defensive Efficiency.  They set a record for success on the longest continuous road trip in NBA history and could have (should have even) won all 9 games.  You can’t argue with the numbers.  That was an amazing 2 weeks. 

And now for the good stuff…  It turns out that the Laker brain trust actually knew what it was doing all along.  Mitch Kupchack, in his greatest Houdini moment, waved his magic wand and turned Kwame Brown into Pau Gasol.  Wow!  Aren’t you glad we didn’t trade Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd, or Bynum and Odom for Jermaine O’Neill, or even Bynum and Odom for Kevin Garnett.  The Lakers are a better team today than they would have been had Kevin McHale pulled the trigger on the proposed draft day deal for KG. 

It was a remarkable feat acquiring an All Star to complement Kobe Bryant without having to give up either Odom or Bynum.  And that’s the difference between the Lakers and the Celtics.  The Celtics had to give up Al Jefferson to get Garnett,.  Mitch Kupchack worked his magic without giving up Andrew Bynum.  You might arguably take the C’s big three over the Lakers’ Kobe, Gasol, and Odom.  But you certainly wouldn’t take Kendrick Perkins over Bynum.  Plus the Lakers’ core is much younger than the Celtics and the bench is deeper. 

Of course, the real story is the sheer joy in having this discussion at all.  Whether by fate, skill, or conspiracy, the manifest destiny of the Lakers / Celtics rivalry is restored and I, for one, couldn’t be happier.  Well done Mitch!!!

January 30, 2008

The Road Trip From Hell

Before the road trip from hell:

The Lakers are 28 and 15 with the 4th best record in the western conference, seeded 5th if the playoffs were to start today.  They’re on pace for a 53 win season.  They’re ranked 7th in Hollinger’s Power Rankings.  They’re 5th in Hollinger's Offensive Efficiency category and 7th in his Defensive Efficiency category. 

We’ll check back after the next 9 games and see where things stand. 

The next 9 games:

* Thursday: at Detroit (32-13)
* Friday: at Toronto (24-20)
* Sunday: at Washington (24-19)
* Tuesday: at New Jersey (19-26)
* Feb. 6: at Atlanta (18-23)
* Feb. 8: at Orlando (28-18)
* Feb. 10: at Miami (9-34)
* Feb. 11: at Charlotte (18-27)
* Feb. 13: at Minnesota (8-36)

January 28, 2008

Andrew On The Rise

The roof is leaking in Laker land, but here’s an interesting statistical tidbit that suggests a sunny future indeed. 

Check out RealGM’s player rankings. They use a measure called Floor Impact Counter, modified a bit by RealGM staffer Christopher Reina.  It’s an attempt to quantify the value of a player’s overall game.  Dwight Howard is ranked number 1, followed by LeBron James, Steve Nash, and Chris Paul.  Kobe is ranked #9.  There are a couple of surprises in the top 10.  Marcus Camby is ranked #5.  Shawn Marion is ranked #8 ahead of Kobe. 

The only other Laker in the top 50 is Andrew Bynum at #43.  Now here’s where it gets encouraging.  RealGM also calculates a value called FIC40.  That’s a measure of a player’s floor impact adjusted for minutes played.  When you re-rank the players based on FIC40, guess who moves up to #6?  That’s right.  Andrew Bynum. 

As Andrew matures and is able to stay on the floor longer (presumably as a result of better conditioning, staying out of foul trouble, and more comprehensive understanding of his offensive and defensive assignments), the Lakers will have two top 10 players influencing the outcome of games.  We all remember the success the team had the last time we could say that. 

So as they get bludgeoned on this upcoming 9 game road trip and we all think the roof is caving in, or at least leaking, remember what the future has in store for us.  This is Southern California.  Sunshine and championships are our birthright. 

January 20, 2008

The Last Laugh?

Stories about the Kobe / Shaq rivalry are tired and old.  Ever since they publicly reconciled on Christmas Day a couple of years ago, I’ve been happy to let the past be the past. 

However, I can’t help but gloat over one small “I Told You So” moment that the Laker organization is entitled to have.  Check out these excerpts from the latest NBA.COM power rankings:

Theworst

Miami, even with Shaq at his current definition of “full strength” is the worst team in the NBA. 

Guess who’s ranked #1?  Yep.  The Lakers, featuring Kobe Bryant and the next dominant Laker center – Andrew Bynum. 

Thebest

Sure, Shaq got a championship without Kobe.  But right now, it seems likely that Kobe and the Lakers will get the last laugh. 

January 11, 2008

The Third Wheel

When Lamar Odom came to the Lakers, he was the centerpiece of the Shaquille O’Neill trade - a potential all-star with a multi-skill game.  The Lakers would succeed without Shaq the way the Bulls succeeded with Michael Jordan.  Lamar Odom would be the Scotty Pippen to Kobe’s MJ. 

Didn’t happen.  Not even close.  Lamar is an elite player.  He was one of the better players on the disappointing 2004 Olympic Team.  He has all-star caliber skills, but he lacks the assertiveness to be a championship team’s second option. 

When the Lakers won three championships with Shaq and Kobe, Kobe was the second option.  No question about his assertiveness!  The Spurs feature a second option tandem of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.  No questions there.  The Suns have Amare Stoudemire.  The Celtics have Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.  Until this year, the Lakers had Lamar.  Given Lamar’s deferential personality, is it surprising the Lakers sputtered? 

This year, Lamar is the Third Wheel on the team.  Andrew Bynum has emerged as a legitimate second option behind Kobe.  He gives the team a low post presence both offensively and defensively.  There is now the slightest, vague, shimmering resemblance between Drew and Shaq, and as a result, the team is prospering. 

This team is being built on the blueprint of past Lakers championship teams – pair a dominant center with an elite perimeter player and surround them with talented, team-oriented role players.  Kobe & Shaq.  Magic and Kareem.  Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. 

Oh, we’re not there yet.  But you can now see the path ahead. Perhaps Mitch Kupchack pulls off a deal before the trade deadline for Jason Kidd (Kwame Brown and anyone else on the roster except for Bynum, Kobe, Fisher, and Lamar) and you’ve got a nucleus that can win now. If not, we keep cheering as Bynum continues to develop.  Kobe rescinds his trade demand and professes his undying loyalty to Jerry Buss and the team.  Phil signs on for another contract extension.  Steve Nash gets a step slower.  Tim Duncan, a year or two older, and soon, the Lakers are defeating the Spurs in the Western Conference finals as Bynum dominates Duncan.  They face the defending champion Celtics in the Finals and a new era of the Lakers / Celtic rivalry is inaugurated. Kobe takes credit for motivating Andrew Bynum’s improvement with his infamous parking lot diatribe.

And quietly, as this new dynasty emerges, Lamar Odom plays the important role of Third Wheel, behind Kobe and Bynum.  He rebounds.  He passes.  He scores.  Occasionally, he dominates.  Mostly, he acts as the glue that holds the pieces together.  Kobe and Bynum get the glory, but without premier role players like Odom, they don’t get their championships.

December 16, 2007

Off To See The Wizard - Full Story

I dreamt the other night that I was Mitch Kupchack and I was on vacation.  Instead of going somewhere tropical and sipping iced drinks with little paper umbrellas, I traveled to Kansas.  I have no idea why…  I was standing in a corn field – the stalks gently swaying in the wind - muttering under my breath.  I couldn’t make out what I was saying.  A stream of 4 letter words perhaps?  I’m almost certain one of them was “KOBE”.  All of a sudden, the wind picked up and started to swirl.  I looked skyward in fear as objects started to fly overhead.  A cow.  Paula Abdul.  Kevin Garnett…  I ran, but the tornado caught up to me and sucked me into its vortex.  The last thing I remember seeing before passing out was David Stern’s head on Michael Jordan’s body…

When I woke up, I was in a parking lot with a large yellow school bus.  All of the Lakers were there, milling around with their gym bags, iPods, and cell phones.  When he saw me, Jerry Buss headed over, a Doublemint twin draped on each arm.  “Mitch, my boy.  I’ve figured out how to make us champions again.  We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz”.  As my jaw gaped open, Dr. Buss cackled and wandered away while the Doublemint twins sang “because, because, because, because… because of the wonderful things he does!”

I looked in front of the bus and there was a yellow brick road.  This was going to be a strange journey…

Derek Fisher - holding a clipboard and bullhorn and looking for all the world like a male, African American version of Julie, the tour guide from the Love Boat – was herding the other players toward the bus.  I thought I overhead Luke Walton whine something about waiting for Britney Spears.  Vic the Brick, dressed in a clown costume, handed the players animal balloons and greeted each one with his signature “Feelin’ you!”

“Mitch”, Fish said.  “Get in line.  Right there after Kobe”.  I was glad I signed D.Fish in time for this dream.  Without him, the Lakers would still be milling around that damn parking lot.  I was in line between Kobe and Kwame.  As Kobe got on, I heard the driver say: “All work and no play makes Kobe a dull boy…”  When it was my turn, I saw that the bus driver was none other than Jack Nicholson, hiding his face behind enormous Raybans.  “Kupchak – you can’t handle the truth!”  I hurried on by…

As I walked down the aisle, Nicholson’s sardonic voice greeted Kwame with “get me a grilled cheese, hold the cheese… and DON’T DROP IT!” I took a seat next to Jim Buss, whose head was buried in a “Basketball for Dummies” book.  The door closed.  The bus engines roared and the parking lot was empty, except for Smush Parker wearing a Heat jersey and holding up a sign that said “I (heart) Dwyane Wade”.

When was I going to wake up?

“Ommmmmm”.  Phil was in back of the bus trying to get the players to meditate.  Only Jordan Farmar was joining in.  He switched to the Buddhist chant “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” but it came out sounding like “Oh Money Pad Me Wallet”.  That caught the players attention.  Soon, the whole lot of them were shouting “Oh Money Pad Me Wallet, Oh Money Pad Me Wallet”.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen our team so unified.  Phil Jackson really is a genius.

A loud crash interrupted the din.  “Ah shit” shouted Kobe, “Nicholson fell asleep at the wheel.  We just ran over a big dude in a lion costume - looks like a cross between Shaq and The Lion King”.

Fisher took charge immediately.  “Drew, come with me.  Let’s see if the guy’s ok.”  I opened my window so I could hear what was happening.

D.Fish: “Hey, buddy, are you ok?”

The Lion: “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.  Just a little stunned.”

D. Fish: “We’re really sorry about hitting you.  What are you doing out here anyway?”

The Lion: “I’m off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz!  He’s going to give me courage.”

D. Fish: “Courage?  But you’re a lion.  Don’t you already have courage?”

The Lion: “I’m big.  I’m strong.  Getting hit by a bus didn’t hurt me.  But I’m timid.  Heck, I’m not even mad that you guys hit me with your bus.  The wizard’s going to teach me to be aggressive, to live with fire in my belly!”

D. Fish: “You know, that sounds like my young friend here - Andrew Bynum.  Do you think the wizard could help him too?”

The Lion: “I suppose so.”

D. Fish: “Why don’t you join us?  We’ll all go see the wizard together!”

Dr. Buss was up front playing strip poker with the Doublemint Twins. He’s such a good poker player, he still had on all his clothes. The Doublemint Twins, on the other hand – well, never mind…

Lamar Odom walked up the aisle to talk to Dr. Buss. “Dr. Buss”, he said. “Me and some of the guys are hungry. Can we stop somewhere and get some food?”

“Ah, Lamar”, he replied. “Can’t you see I’m busy? Just go ask Vitti for a Power Bar.” Lamar slunk off to the back of the bus.

A few minutes later, Kobe Bryant came to talk to Dr. Buss. “Jerry”, he said. “I’m hungry.” Dr. Buss leapt into action. “NICHOLSON”, he shouted. “STOP THE BUS IMMEDIATELY. KOBE’S HUNGRY”. The wheel’s screeched to a halt.

The bus stopped in front of a restaurant called “The Scarecrow Diner”. The players filed in and took seats. A funny looking Scarecrow with a straw hat came up to take their order - “New York style pizza” for Lamar, “steak and eggs” for Derek Fisher, “grits” for Javaris Crittendon, “ Pinkberry yogurt” for Jordan Farmar, “birthday cake” for Kwame Brown, “Crepe Susette” for Rony Turiaf, and “pancakes” for Kobe.

When Kobe ordered pancakes, the Scarecrow cringed. “Oh no”, said the Scarecrow, “The Big Short Order Cook likes to toss the pancakes onto plates from 15 feet away – and he never comes close!” Derek Fisher leaned toward Kobe and said: “you don’t think that’s…”, but he was interrupted by pancakes flying through the air and landing on Phil Jackson’s head. “Yep”, said Kobe, “that’s Shaq!”

The Scarecrow returned with the food, but got everything mixed up. He apologized and said: “I don’t have a brain. I’m always forgetting my assignments”. Phil laughed as he wiped pancake from his face and said “that’s just like these guys – I teach them the Triangle but when they get out on the court, it looks like a square!”

“And I’m always standing around watching, forgetting what I’m supposed to do!”, cried the Scarecrow.

Phil laughed again. “That’s just like these guys. They’re always standing around watching Kobe improvise!”

“Oh, I wish I could go see the Wizard. I hear he’s got a Blue Light special this month on brains!”

“Hey”, shouted the players in unison, “we’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz. Come with us. Maybe he’ll give us all brains!”

“Humphh”, Kobe said under his breath. “I already have brains. I scored 1080 on the SATs. Heck, I even speak Italian…”

At the end of the yellow brick road, the bus stopped in front of a giant purple and gold castle.  We all filed off the bus and wandered over a drawbridge and moat and into a brightly lit hall.  There were three doors leading out of the hall.  The Lion stood in front of the first door; the Scarecrow stood in front of the second; and a Tin Man in front of the final door.  There was an old hat perched on a stool at the front of the hall.  It started to talk.  By this point in my dream, nothing surprised me any more.

The hat called for Andrew Bynum to step forward and put the hat on his head. Almost immediately, it shouted, “Go with the lion – you need the courage to play aggressively every night!”  Andrew looked a little like a deer caught in headlights, but he did what he was told.

Vladimir Radmanovic was next.  When he placed the hat on his head, the hat burst out laughing.  “You need a brain, dude.  Follow the Scarecrow.  And don’t trip on any ice on your way!”

The hat continued to sort the players.  Farmar and Crittendon went with the Scarecrow.  Sasha, the Lion.   Brian Cook and Mo Evans, who had morphed into one lanky 6’ 8” dude, went with the Lion. Mihm, the Scarecrow to help him stay out of foul trouble.  Kwame, the Scarecrow to develop an offensive game.  Soon, all of the players were gone except Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant.  Interestingly, the hat hadn’t sent anyone off with the Tin Man.

The hat addressed Lamar first: “Lamar – you are one of the finest basketball players in the world.  You have it all.  Heart, brains, courage, skill.  You are a great teammate.  You hold yourself accountable.  You play through pain.  You share the ball.  The Wizard has one simple message for you.  It is an oft-quoted poem by Marianne Williamson. It is as if she wrote it for you”:

    Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

    Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

    It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

    We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
    talented and fabulous?

    Actually, who are you not to be?

    You are a child of God.

    Your playing small does not serve the world.

    There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
    people won't feel insecure around you.

    We were born to make manifest the glory of
    God that is within us.

    It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

    And as we let our own light shine,
    we unconsciously give other people
    permission to do the same.

    As we are liberated from our own fear,
    Our presence automatically liberates others.

    -Marianne Williamson

“Lamar”, the hat said, “this season, it is time for you to show the world that you are an All-World player.  Go and let your light shine!”

“And now Mr. Bryant, the Wizard would like a personal word with you.  Please follow the Tin Man.  He’ll escort you to the Wizard who will teach you about playing basketball with your heart…”

Kobe looked stunned as the Tin Man led him away down a hallway.  I followed a few steps behind so I could hear what was happening.  “I have more heart than anyone on this team…  I have more heart than anyone in the league…  Hell, I have more heart than anyone in the world!” Kobe was having a bit of a problem with the concept that he needed a heart.

Who was this Wizard of Oz, I wondered?  And what was he going to say to Kobe?

At the end of the hall, the Tin Man knocked on a wooden door.  “Come in”, said a very old, very wise looking man, sitting behind a large wooden desk.

Wooden

“Kobe”, he said.  “I want you to listen to me for just 5 minutes.  In that time, I can reveal the simple secret that will elevate you to the historic status you desire – the best player ever to play the game.”

Kobe started to protest but the Tin Man clasped an aluminum palm over his open mouth…

Kobe – you are the most talented basketball player on the planet.  Everyone knows that.  But so what?  How often do scoring champions win NBA championships? You scored an amazing 81 points in a game.  That may be the most unbelievable individual accomplishment of a basketball player ever, but so what?  How many championships have you won without Shaq?

Basketball is a team sport and you will be judged by future generations on the success of your team.  Remember the 2004 Pistons?  Did they have more talent than your Lakers with Shaq, Gary Payton, and Karl Malone?  Of course not.  But they beat you handily.  They were by far the better team.

For you to become the best player of all time, you need to become the best leader you can be.  Share the ball. Show your teammates that you trust them.  Pass up a shot if a teammate has a better one.  Encourage the young players. Go out to lunch with them.  Share your heart and soul with them.

You cannot accomplish your goals without them. You don’t need a new team or better teammates.  You just need to be a a better teammate, a better leader.

In closing, I want you to remember this quote from an unknown source:

True leaders are not those who strive to be first but those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team.  True leaders are first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action. By the strength of the leader’s commitment, the power of the team is unleashed. 

Now go out and claim your place in basketball history…

I woke up at that point and checked the calendar.  Mid-December.  The Lakers were 5 games over 500, on pace to win 50 games, in the thick of the playoff hunt in the Western Conference with a series of impressive victories over good teams.  Perhaps the Wizard’s message had sunk in?

December 14, 2007

Off To See The Wizard - Conclusion

Kobe looked stunned as the Tin Man led him away down a hallway.  I followed a few steps behind so I could hear what was happening.  “I have more heart than anyone on this team…  I have more heart than anyone in the league…  Hell, I have more heart than anyone in the world!” Kobe was having a bit of a problem with the concept that he needed a heart. 

Who was this Wizard of Oz, I wondered?  And what was he going to say to Kobe? 

At the end of the hall, the Tin Man knocked on a wooden door.  “Come in”, said a very old, very wise looking man, sitting behind a large wooden desk. 

Wooden

“Kobe”, he said.  “I want you to listen to me for just 5 minutes.  In that time, I can reveal the simple secret that will elevate you to the historic status you desire – the best player ever to play the game.”

Kobe started to protest but the Tin Man clasped an aluminum palm over his open mouth… 

Kobe – you are the most talented basketball player on the planet.  Everyone knows that.  But so what?  How often do scoring champions win NBA championships? You scored an amazing 81 points in a game.  That may be the most unbelievable individual accomplishment of a basketball player ever, but so what?  How many championships have you won without Shaq?

Basketball is a team sport and you will be judged by future generations on the success of your team.  Remember the 2004 Pistons?  Did they have more talent than your Lakers with Shaq, Gary Payton, and Karl Malone?  Of course not.  But they beat you handily.  They were by far the better team. 

For you to become the best player of all time, you need to become the best leader you can be.  Share the ball. Show your teammates that you trust them.  Pass up a shot if a teammate has a better one.  Encourage the young players. Go out to lunch with them.  Share your heart and soul with them.

You cannot accomplish your goals without them. You don’t need a new team or better teammates.  You just need to be a a better teammate, a better leader.

In closing, I want you to remember this quote from an unknown source:

True leaders are not those who strive to be first but those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team.  True leaders are first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action. By the strength of the leader’s commitment, the power of the team is unleashed. 

Now go out and claim your place in basketball history…

I woke up at that point and checked the calendar.  Mid-December.  The Lakers were 5 games over 500, on pace to win 50 games, in the thick of the playoff hunt in the Western Conference with a series of impressive victories over good teams.  Perhaps the Wizard’s message had sunk in? 

November 25, 2007

Off To See The Wizard - Part V

At the end of the yellow brick road, the bus stopped in front of a giant purple and gold castle.  We all filed off the bus and wandered over a drawbridge and moat and into a brightly lit hall.  There were three doors leading out of the hall.  The Lion stood in front of the first door; the Scarecrow stood in front of the second; and a Tin Man in front of the final door.  There was an old hat perched on a stool at the front of the hall.  It started to talk.  By this point in my dream, nothing surprised me any more. 

The hat called for Andrew Bynum to step forward and put the hat on his head. Almost immediately, it shouted, “Go with the lion – you need the courage to play aggressively every night!”  Andrew looked a little like a deer caught in headlights, but he did what he was told. 

Vladimir Radmanovic was next.  When he placed the hat on his head, the hat burst out laughing.  “You need a brain, dude.  Follow the Scarecrow.  And don’t trip on any ice on your way!”

The hat continued to sort the players.  Farmar and Crittendon went with the Scarecrow.  Sasha, the Lion.   Brian Cook and Mo Evans, who had morphed into one lanky 6’ 8” dude, went with the Lion. Mihm, the Scarecrow to help him stay out of foul trouble.  Kwame, the Scarecrow to develop an offensive game.  Soon, all of the players were gone except Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant.  Interestingly, the hat hadn’t sent anyone off with the Tin Man. 

The hat addressed Lamar first: “Lamar – you are one of the finest basketball players in the world.  You have it all.  Heart, brains, courage, skill.  You are a great teammate.  You hold yourself accountable.  You play through pain.  You share the ball.  The Wizard has one simple message for you.  It is an oft-quoted poem by Marianne Williamson. It is as if she wrote it for you”:

    Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

    Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

    It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

    We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
    talented and fabulous?

    Actually, who are you not to be?

    You are a child of God.

    Your playing small does not serve the world.

    There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
    people won't feel insecure around you.

    We were born to make manifest the glory of
    God that is within us.

    It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

    And as we let our own light shine,
    we unconsciously give other people
    permission to do the same.

    As we are liberated from our own fear,
    Our presence automatically liberates others.

    -Marianne Williamson

“Lamar”, the hat said, “this season, it is time for you to show the world that you are an All-World player.  Go and let your light shine!”

“And now Mr. Bryant, the Wizard would like a personal word with you.  Please follow the Tin Man.  He’ll escort you to the Wizard who will teach you about playing basketball with your heart…”

October 28, 2007

Off To See The Wizard – Part IV

Dr. Buss was up front playing strip poker with the Doublemint Twins. He’s such a good poker player, he still had on all his clothes. The Doublemint Twins, on the other hand – well, never mind…

Lamar Odom walked up the aisle to talk to Dr. Buss. “Dr. Buss”, he said. “Me and some of the guys are hungry. Can we stop somewhere and get some food?”

“Ah, Lamar”, he replied. “Can’t you see I’m busy? Just go ask Vitti for a Power Bar.” Lamar slunk off to the back of the bus.

A few minutes later, Kobe Bryant came to talk to Dr. Buss. “Jerry”, he said. “I’m hungry.” Dr. Buss leapt into action. “NICHOLSON”, he shouted. “STOP THE BUS IMMEDIATELY. KOBE’S HUNGRY”. The wheel’s screeched to a halt.

The bus stopped in front of a restaurant called “The Scarecrow Diner”. The players filed in and took seats. A funny looking Scarecrow with a straw hat came up to take their order - “New York style pizza” for Lamar, “steak and eggs” for Derek Fisher, “grits” for Javaris Crittendon, “ Pinkberry yogurt” for Jordan Farmar, “birthday cake” for Kwame Brown, “Crepe Susette” for Rony Turiaf, and “pancakes” for Kobe.

When Kobe ordered pancakes, the Scarecrow cringed. “Oh no”, said the Scarecrow, “The Big Short Order Cook likes to toss the pancakes onto plates from 15 feet away – and he never comes close!” Derek Fisher leaned toward Kobe and said: “you don’t think that’s…”, but he was interrupted by pancakes flying through the air and landing on Phil Jackson’s head. “Yep”, said Kobe, “that’s Shaq!”

The Scarecrow returned with the food, but got everything mixed up. He apologized and said: “I don’t have a brain. I’m always forgetting my assignments”. Phil laughed as he wiped pancake from his face and said “that’s just like these guys – I teach them the Triangle but when they get out on the court, it looks like a square!”

“And I’m always standing around watching, forgetting what I’m supposed to do!”, cried the Scarecrow.

Phil laughed again. “That’s just like these guys. They’re always standing around watching Kobe improvise!”

“Oh, I wish I could go see the Wizard. I hear he’s got a Blue Light special this month on brains!”

“Hey”, shouted the players in unison, “we’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz. Come with us. Maybe he’ll give us all brains!”

“Humphh”, Kobe said under his breath. “I already have brains. I scored 1080 on the SATs. Heck, I even speak Italian…”

September 16, 2007

Off To See The Wizard - Part III

“Ommmmmm”.  Phil was in back of the bus trying to get the players to meditate.  Only Jordan Farmar was joining in.  He switched to the Buddhist chant “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” but it came out sounding like “Oh Money Pad Me Wallet”.  That caught the players attention.  Soon, the whole lot of them were shouting “Oh Money Pad Me Wallet, Oh Money Pad Me Wallet”.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen our team so unified.  Phil Jackson really is a genius.

A loud crash interrupted the din.  “Ah shit” shouted Kobe, “Nicholson fell asleep at the wheel.  We just ran over a big dude in a lion costume - looks like a cross between Shaq and The Lion King”. 

Fisher took charge immediately.  “Drew, come with me.  Let’s see if the guy’s ok.”  I opened my window so I could hear what was happening. 

D.Fish: “Hey, buddy, are you ok?”

The Lion: “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.  Just a little stunned.” 

D. Fish: “We’re really sorry about hitting you.  What are you doing out here anyway?” 

The Lion: “I’m off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz!  He’s going to give me courage.” 

D. Fish: “Courage?  But you’re a lion.  Don’t you already have courage?” 

The Lion: “I’m big.  I’m strong.  Getting hit by a bus didn’t hurt me.  But I’m timid.  Heck, I’m not even mad that you guys hit me with your bus.  The wizard’s going to teach me to be aggressive, to live with fire in my belly!” 

D. Fish: “You know, that sounds like my young friend here - Andrew Bynum.  Do you think the wizard could help him too?” 

The Lion: “I suppose so.” 

D. Fish: “Why don’t you join us?  We’ll all go see the wizard together!” 

August 26, 2007

Off To See The Wizard - Part II

Derek Fisher - holding a clipboard and bullhorn and looking for all the world like a male, African American version of Julie, the tour guide from the Love Boat – was herding the other players toward the bus.  I thought I overhead Luke Walton whine something about waiting for Britney Spears.  Vic the Brick, dressed in a clown costume, handed the players animal balloons and greeted each one with his signature “Feelin’ you!”

“Mitch”, Fish said.  “Get in line.  Right there after Kobe”.  I was glad I signed D.Fish in time for this dream.  Without him, the Lakers would still be milling around that damn parking lot.  I was in line between Kobe and Kwame.  As Kobe got on, I heard the driver say: “All work and no play makes Kobe a dull boy…”  When it was my turn, I saw that the bus driver was none other than Jack Nicholson, hiding his face behind enormous Raybans.  “Kupchak – you can’t handle the truth!”  I hurried on by…

As I walked down the aisle, Nicholson’s sardonic voice greeted Kwame with “get me a grilled cheese, hold the cheese… and DON’T DROP IT!” I took a seat next to Jim Buss, whose head was buried in a “Basketball for Dummies” book.  The door closed.  The bus engines roared and the parking lot was empty, except for Smush Parker wearing a Heat jersey and holding up a sign that said “I (heart) Dwyane Wade”. 

When was I going to wake up?

August 20, 2007

Off To See The Wizard - Part I

I dreamt the other night that I was Mitch Kupchack and I was on vacation.  Instead of going somewhere tropical and sipping iced drinks with little paper umbrellas, I traveled to Kansas.  I have no idea why…  I was standing in a corn field – the stalks gently swaying in the wind - muttering under my breath.  I couldn’t make out what I was saying.  A stream of 4 letter words perhaps?  I’m almost certain one of them was “KOBE”.  All of a sudden, the wind picked up and started to swirl.  I looked skyward in fear as objects started to fly overhead.  A cow.  Paula Abdul.  Kevin Garnett…  I ran, but the tornado caught up to me and sucked me into its vortex.  The last thing I remember seeing before passing out was David Stern’s head on Michael Jordan’s body… 

When I woke up, I was in a parking lot with a large yellow school bus.  All of the Lakers were there, milling around with their gym bags, iPods, and cell phones.  When he saw me, Jerry Buss headed over, a Doublemint twin draped on each arm.  “Mitch, my boy.  I’ve figured out how to make us champions again.  We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz”.  As my jaw gaped open, Dr. Buss cackled and wandered away while the Doublemint twins sang “because, because, because, because… because of the wonderful things he does!”

I looked in front of the bus and there was a yellow brick road.  This was going to be a strange journey…

August 03, 2007

After the Apocalypse

Kevin Garnett is a Celtic?  So what?  Boo hoo.  Suck it up, Laker Nation.  It’s time to move on. 

We Laker fans tend to think it’s all about us all of the time.  If a superstar is available, it’s our god given right to get him.  That’s the way it’s always been.  Someone flips a coin and we get Magic Johnson.  Need a new dynasty?  Ask Jerry West to wave his magic wand and here come Shaq and Kobe.  Need a new big man?  Show Wilt and Kareem how nice LA is during the winter.  Hell, even Karl Malone and Gary Payton were willing to work for chump change just to spend one season in the golden armor.

I know it was never rational, but part of me always thought we’d get Garnett eventually.  I never once gave credence to the Boston rumors.  I thought that they were just plain silly. KG wasn’t going to pick Boston over LA, Pierce over Kobe, Doc Rivers over Phil Jackson. I got nervous when I heard Phoenix got in the game.  If they were really willing to trade Amare Stoudemire, then game over.  The Lakers couldn’t compete with that.  But Boston?  No way.  How wrong I was…

Now what?  Do we go into the season with the current roster?  “Meet the new team.  Same as the old team.”  Or will Mitch Kupchak make a deal for Jermaine O’Neil?  Perhaps Larry Bird will take Javaris Crittendon along with Lamar Odom instead of Andrew Bynum.  It seems like a lateral move but maybe it will be enough to keep Kobe in the fold for a while longer without having to give up the big hope for the future. 

Here’s what worries me.  Is Jim Buss so intent on proving that he’s inherited the Laker magic that he’s going to hold onto Bynum (whom he has championed) no matter what and pray that Drew turns into the next dominant big?  Think how different things would be this summer if management had pulled the trigger on the Bynum + Brown deal for Jason Kidd last winter…

So many questions.  So few answers. 

July 29, 2007

The All Ex-Laker Team

Here’s a sobering thought: suppose you put together a team of ex-Lakers who are still active in the NBA and had them play the current team.  What if the ex-Lakers won?  What would that say about management’s decisions over the years? 

Well, for the fun of it, and considering it’s summer and nothing’s happening, I did some research. Here’s a list of 14 ex-Lakers who are either under contract with other teams or are free agents who are reasonably likely to find roster spots somewhere in the NBA next year. I left off players like Gary Payton, Slava Medvedenko and Elden Campbell – guys who have likely played their last minutes in the NBA already. 

Name

 

Name

Position

Team

Smush Parker

PG

Miami

Tyronn Lue

PG

Atlanta

Lindsay Hunter

PG

Detroit

Chucky Atkins

PG

Denver

Ime Udoka

SG

Portland

Eddie Jones

SG

Miami

Von Wafer

SG

Denver

Kareem Rush

SG

Indiana

Caron Butler

SF

Washington

Devean George

SF

Dallas

Mark Madsen

PF

Minnesota

Robert Horry

PF

Houston

Shaquille O’Neal

C

Miami

Tony Battie

C

Orlando

 

On paper, this is a pretty decent team.  It’s built around two all-stars: a still effective-when-he-wants-to-be Shaq and athletic, high scoring Caron Butler.  It has a plethora of experienced, playoff tested veterans off the bench (Robert Horry, Devean George, Eddie Jones, Lindsay Hunter, Tyronn Lue).  It’s got at least one young player with upside in Udoka and as many as three depending on how you feel about Parker and Von Wafer.  It’s got hustle players (Udoka and Madsen), shooters (Atkins, Kareem Rush, and Devean George on a good day), character guys (Eddie Jones, Madsen, Butler), and a strong leader in Shaq.  For a coaching staff, it’s got Mike Dunleavy as the head coach and Del Harris as his top assistant.

It’s got some weaknesses, though.  The coaching staff would have an “eeny, meeny, miny, mo” choice at point guard.  Hunter and Atkins are career backups.  Tyronn Lue couldn’t hold down the starting PG spot on Atlanta, one of the worst teams in the league.  You almost have to go with Parker and we’ve all seen the end to that particular story. 

The team is thin up front, as well.  If you put Battie on the bench to backup Shaq, you’ve got to start either Madsen or Horry.  Horry is too late in his career to be a full-time starter and Madsen is much better as an energy guy off the bench. 

Ultimately, this team would be all about Shaq and Butler.  If Shaq were healthy and motivated and Butler were aggressive, this would be a successful team – especially in the eastern conference. 

Would it beat the current Lakers?  I’m not sure.  Let me know what you think…

July 25, 2007

HoopsHype Blogger's Corner: Lakers

Thanks to the folks at HoopsHype for including me in their Bloggers Corner feature on the Lakers.  You can see the whole piece here: Bloggers Corner: Lakers.

For archival purposes, here are my answers:

1. There was plenty of rumors about Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal and other big names before the draft. How did you feel when draft night went by and nothing big happened for the Lakers?

Like a bride left at the altar!  I finally broke down and bought a 50” plasma TV.  I had to rush to get it installed by the draft, but come on, I just had to see David Stern announce the KG deal in larger-than-life HD.  I was sooooo ready for the Lakers to make a move.  The pre-draft roar was deafening.  If the Lakers could land KG, all would be right with the world again.  And why shouldn’t they?  Everyone knows the natural order of the universe is for the Lakers to win championships. 

I came home from work early.  Set out the chips and salsa.  Flipped on the plasma.  Eased onto the couch with a look of smug anticipation on my face and awaited destiny…

And then nothing.  Zilch.  Deafening silence.  “With the 19th pick in the NBA draft, the Lakers select Javaris Crittendon from Georgia Tech.”  Well that’s nice.  He’s a better than expected prospect at 19.  BUT WHERE’S KG???  Do you know how mind numbingly long the NBA draft is when you’re waiting for your team to do something and they don’t?  It’s worse than watching a mid-season baseball game…

2. How will the Kobe issue end up? What's your prediction?

I have two answers: one from the heart and one from the brain.  My heart tells me that a kinder, gentler Kobe Bryant, under the calming influence of Derek Fisher, will open up to the New Age tutelage of Phil Jackson and practice selflessness on the court and in the locker room for the entire year.  Lamar will flourish and have his best season as a pro.  Bynum will develop into a consistent low post threat and a force on defense.  Even Kwame will relax enough to catch the ball (occasionally) in the paint.  As a result, the Lakers will shock everybody by advancing to the Western conference finals.  Oh, they’ll be decimated by the Spurs.  Even my heart isn’t that dumb.  But they’ll do well enough to keep Kobe in the fold while they wait for Andrew Bynum to develop. 

Now my brain, on the other hand, well… that’s not a pretty picture. 

The Lakers will play well some of the time.  Lamar and Bynum will tease us with flashes of brilliance.  Fisher will hit a few big shots at the end of games.  The Lakers will beat the good teams and disappoint against the bad teams.  Kobe will have stretches of playing team ball, but more often, we’ll all groan as he jacks up 3 pointer after 3 pointer as the shot clock expires while open teammates stand around watching.  They’ll make the playoffs and have a chance to win the opening series, but Kobe will fail to pass to a wide open Luke Walton when the game is on the line.  Instead, he’ll throw up a prayer with three defenders draped on him.  The ball will clang off the rim and that will just be the begi