On an emotionally-charged night remembering the great Lakers owner Jerry Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers took care of business by defeating their most historic rivals, the Boston Celtics in an excellent performance. There's just something about the Boston green and Lakers gold, such that when they match-up on the court, it's such a great sight and brings memories flooding back and goosebumps to my skin.
The Lakers had been having a tumultuous season thus far, with a stellar starting line-up that has struggled to gel and cohesise into the unit they could be. Even with this win, their record is now only 26-29, and they're still fighting like hell to get that 8th and final playoff spot in the West. Who would have thought that before the season started? But this was probably their best performance of the season. They played well, fought hard and played like a TEAM. For once.
The most notable change for me was Dwight Howard. The center played with energy and intensity, setting great screens, pick-and-rolling well and scoring from all angles and moves around the basket. In short, this is THE Dwight Howard we know from his time at the Orlando Magic; the best center in the NBA.
Now if Pau Gasol can get back beforfe the end of the regular season, and if the Lakers can make the playoffs, you just never know.... I don't think any team will be looking forward to meet them in a best-of-7 playoff series. Maybe the Lakers can defy all expectations and win the NBA championship. Any team with Kobe Bryant has a legit chance of winning it all; he's that good. And they've got a bevy of other star players as well. So let's see what happens.
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