The L.A. Lakers Have a Chance at Redemption

It is a rare opportunity for any athlete to compete for a professional sports championship. The L.A. Lakers earned that opportunity for a second year in a row with a Game Six victory over the Denver Nuggets. Game Six in June of 2008 was Celtics 131 - Lakers 92. That was the end of the 2008 season for the Lakers - and a championship for the Celtics. The elimination of the Denver Nuggets gives the Lakers another chance at the NBA championship… and a chance at redemption.

The series win over the Denver Nuggets helped to answer some questions about toughness and focus. For example, the Nuggets are a physical team that won some battles with rebounding at both ends of the court. The Lakers also have the reputation of not responding with their best effort unless placed in dire circumstances, like a Game Seven. This was only a ‘game six’ and the Lakers had the security of a final game on their home court, if they lost in Denver. In winning Game Six convincingly (119 - 92), the Lakers showed that they could gain a lead and defend it. And, they were able to do so “on the road” in Denver.

While the close of the series with the Denver Nuggets earned the Lakers some rest before the championship series, it also raised come interesting questions:

• Is Trevor Ariza the outside threat that the Lakers have been needing? - Prior to this season, Trevor Ariza had made nine (9) three point attempts in his professional career. That is dating back to the 2004-2005 season. There were some years that Trevor Ariza made no three point attempts. He made none in his three years with Orlando. In Game Six, Trevor Ariza scored nine of his seventeen points from three-point territory. He made three of his four attempts and forced the Nuggets to honor his offensive threat.
• Would Kobe Bryant trust his team mates? - By drawing two defenders, Kobe Bryant created opportunities for his team mates. It resulted in ten assists. However, when there was a need to score and create some distance from the Nuggets, Kobe Bryant did so emphatically. At the close of the second quarter, he scored eleven points in three minutes and nine seconds. It was a statement going into the half time break. Will Kobe Bryant continue to trust his team mates?
• Have the Lakers reached a peak prior to the championship series? - The Lakers won every quarter. They were able to protect their lead. And from the foul line, they were perfect. There were twenty foul free throws and none were missed.
• Is Andrew Bynum the inside presence needed for a championship? - This remains an unanswered question. Andrew Bynum’s playing time is increasing. He played almost twenty two minutes of Game Six but he scored only one basket in six attempts. Andrew Bynum had more personal fouls (3) than points (2). Nevertheless, his mere presence on the defensive end changes the other team’s offense. It is obvious that Andrew Bynum has not recovered fully from his knee injury. His footwork is lacking and his jumping ability is not as quick. It impacts on his timing. He is learning to cope with his limitations until he can rehabilitate over the summer months. Will Andrew Bynum be happy playing within these limitations?
• Can Lamar Odom continue with his significant contribution? - It is no secret that Lamar Odom is playing with a bad back. The Lakers will not give details as to the severity of the injury. Lamar Odom may the one player who benefits the most from the rest before the championship series. Even with his back injury, Lamar Odom scored twenty points and had eight rebounds in Game Six. The back injury may be forcing Lamar Odom to focus on his game. Lamar Odom’s consistency was criticized severely in last season’s championship series. His play will be watched closely as the Lakers search for four more wins to complete a championship.
• Will Sasha Vajucic find his shot? - It has been a difficult year and a difficult playoff for Sasha Vujacic. He has been criticized for picking up quick, inopportune fouls. His shots are missing far more than last season. Game Six may be seen as an improvement for Sasha Vujacic: one shot made out of two attempts, no fouls and no turnovers. There are some people (myself included) who believe that last year’s championship series had a serious negative impact on Sasha Vujacic. He is a player who plays on emotion and, frankly, he was embarrassed by Ray Allen in the 2008 championship games. Playing well in this championship series may be as important to Sasha Vujacic as for any of these Lakers.

This Lakers team wants to complete its championship journey from last season. One of the most competitive people on the team may be Coach Phil Jackson. His generally calm demeanour belies a fierce competitiveness. He has lost not just on the last trip to the championship series. He has lost on his last two championship opportunities: 2008 against the Boston Celtics and 2004 against the Detroit Pistons. A third consecutive loss in a championship series would not sit well with Phil Jackson.

Catherine Forsythe