So it looks like LAKERS are finally getting a taste of crude reality.. it takes more than a relatively good season, a Western Conference Title, and an MVP to become NBA Champs. It takes a team to walk onto the court with humility and passion. It takes a team who believe in the ability of each other-not just that of one star player. A team who plays every last second of every last quarter. It takes the Boston Celtics!

Now I can, and will admit that against, my endeared , and now grieved Spurrs, Lakers played with confidence, grace, and unmatched determination. For example, in game 1 of the WC, down by 20 points in the third quarter, the Lakers clawed their way back for an 89-85 win in a game that will no doubt go down as one of the best playoff comebacks in team history.  And, as they inched closer to a Championship, 4 years in the making - purple and gold spirits flooded every crevasse of LA!  

While Game 1 and 2 ended in devastation, it wasn't until infamous Game 4 that LA fan's begin to ask, "Where is that championship team that blew through San Antonio?"  It looked like a once pronounced and defending team had met there match. The Boston Celtics, coming from a 24-58,  2007 year played with vengeance to end with a 66-16 record, and add a 17th NBA Championship title- leaving gold lined purple jerseys far behind. Calling Game 6, a game at all is almost a joking contradiction. The Boston celebration could have easily begun mid first quarter- when Celtics took a dominating lead and Lakers raised their white flag. And even Boston fans couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy after turnover 15, and cringe at Bryant's unfruitful attempts. As Red Auerbach was drenched in Gatorade (which, by the way, was a bit weird for the NBA), and the clock tripled zero- watching the Lakers walk off the floor with their heads bowed was almost like basketball player euthanasia- Lakers were finally put out of their misery.  

And now, as the all the green confetti has cleared, and with all that anticipated success behind them, the Lakers peel themselves off the Celtics' home court, pressed to face a city they let down. And while LA fans far and wide mourn their embarrassing loss, it is the Lakers who walk away from this series with the more lasting injuries, to their pride, ego and confidence.

It looks like the NBA "There can only be ONE" campaign came short of the truth. The Big Three: Garnett, Allen, and Pierce (Finals MVP)- proved that it takes more than ONE. It takes a TEAM- and well, that seems to be Lakers most lacking game plan.

Farewell Lakers!

xoxo