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“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Now that the Lakers have been eliminated from the playoffs, the haters have come out in droves. You know, the ones who had the Bulls jersey when Michael was running the show or when Houston won back-to-back. That same guy couldn’t give you three other starter’s names after Akeem and Kenny Smith.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Other than that it has been about the Lakers, and it’s just hard for some to admit it. I was disappointed in the outcome of this year’s playoffs and how some did not show a little more class in defeat. It was not pretty. People were mad and upset, as this is something that Laker Nation is not used to, being home for Mother’s Day. It’s un-Lakerlike, and the detractors have feasted on it.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> There has been no team in team sports that has had a better run under one owner in than the Lakers under Jerry Buss over the last 32 years. In that time the Lakers have made the playoffs all but two seasons. When they are in the playoffs, they play for keeps as they have been to the Finals 16 of the 32 years winning 10 times. Think about they have been in the finals half the time and have a record of 10-6. Only the bulls in their six-year run had a better winning percentage.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> But the shelf life of being a finalist is not as long nor has it spanned more than one team. With the Lakers they have won with Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Shaq, Kobe and Fischer; then you had Kobe, Fischer, Gasol and Odom. A 32-year span is something the other teams in the NBA just dream about.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Throw in the fact that the other winners in that time total six: Detroit, Houston, San Antonio, Chicago, Miami and Boston. Yes, it can be lonely at the top. “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Â
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Laker haters “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Â
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> I get the whole Laker bashing. Tired of seeing one team win, always on TV and the swagger that comes with it. Some will never forgive Kobe and that they ran off Shaq. They know how to win, and they find players who can do it via the draft (Magic), free agency (Shaq) or trades (Kareem, Thompson, Kobe, Gasol, Odom). Funny, all those teams have found themselves on the outside looking in after doing business with the Lakers. “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Â
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Laker to-do list “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Â
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Now that the season for the Lakers is over, there are questions to be asked.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Who will be the next coach? Brian Shaw appears to be the favorite, as he has studied under Phil Jackson for the last six years. Most think he is ready as he has been on a winning team as a player and as an assistant coach. The players know him and it has been orchestrated. There will be some names out there that would raise an eyebrow, but Shaw should be the man.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> As for personnel, now is time to think about the future of the organization. The Lakers have always been smart to build for the future while the greats are still effective. Kareem enter Magic, Shaq enter Kobe come to mind. Surely, a big man will be gone, as well as the pressing need for a point guard. “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Â
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> No Lakers, big problem “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>Â
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> As for the remainder of the playoff, I wish the NBA good luck as they will need it. No Lakers can be a problem.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> Miami “font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> can possibly save the day with Lebron and company, but facing the likes of Dallas, Oklahoma City or Memphis will be a tall order for attracting the casual NBA fan. There may be some that were not even aware that the NBA is in Memphis or Oklahoma City. Funny thing is they may be the most exciting teams short of Miami that are still around.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:”> The NBA got off to a great start TV ratings-wise with the first round. It will be interesting to see how valuable a recognizable team like Los Angeles will be without their presence.Â
