SCOTT JACOBS

Maybe it was the look that Kobe Bryant had in his eyes during game one when the LA Lakers disposed of Orlando in one of the largest shellackings in NBA history.  Maybe it was the goaltend that wasn’t called, and the shot that wasn’t made as time expired in game two, giving the Lakers a chance to seize control and take a 2-0 lead.  Maybe it was the Magic inexcusably blowing a five point lead with under a minute to play.  Or maybe, just maybe, it was Dwight Howard missing two crucial free throws with a chance to ice the game, and the Lakers coming back on the ensuing inbounds play to nail the tying three because Orlando had no idea how to defend the play.

Or maybe, just maybe, the Lakers, despite the close calls, and the tendencies for lapses, proved that they were the better team.  The best team in the NBA in 2008-2009.  The last team standing.  Kobe Haters can go cry in their pillows after Bryant averaged 32+ points per game this series, and literally did whatever he needed to help carry this team to an incredible 15th title.  Kobe proved that he didn’t need Shaq tonight, and the Lakers proved that they were clearly the cream of the crop when they played to their potential.

Orlando had their chances in game two and game four, but couldn’t get it done.  Close only gets you somewhere in hand grenades and horseshoes.  The Magic made this thing entertaining, but when push came to shove, ultimately showed they weren’t quite there… yet.

Dwight Howard looked lost much of the game.  He needs to add more to his offensive reportaiore if he wants to become an elite big men.

But this isn’t about Orlando, so much as it is about LA.  They were better, they were hungrier, and most importantly they made the plays that counted when it mattered most.

They had better experience, and better players.  Kobe was his usual stellar self.  Derek Fisher made huge shots when summoned.  Pau Gasol was tough and hard nosed the entire way, and shed his “soft” tag.  But it was the other guys too.  Guys like Lamar Odom, who came up huge in the game seperating second quarter, when the Lakers went on a 16-0 run.  Guys like Trevor Ariza who made plays when the ball was put in their hands.

It was a good series, but it could have been great.

We had wondered aloud all year long if the Lakers could finally prove that they were a great team, and not just a good one.  Tonight came that exclamation.

They sayKobe is the game’s best closer, well the Lakers are the league’s best closing team.

Consider: In all four of their series clinching victories the Lakers won by double digits.  Included in those victories: a 29 poiont whopping of Houston in the second round, a 27 point beatdown in the conference finals clincher, and an impressive 13 point win to seal another title for the purple and gold.

That’s not just a good team, that’s a great one.  That’s a team that steps up the challenge, seizes the moment, and doesn’t take no for an answer.  Good teams finish.  Great teams overpower.  The Lakers weren’t perfect this post-season, nor this series, but when their backs were against the wall, they responded.  They thrived when the pressure was on, and when the lights got brighter.

Congratulations LA.

The Larry O’Brien Trophy is coming back to Hollywood.

(And LA: be sure to send Memphis a nice thank you card, and maybe a bottle of champagne.  And while you’re at it, you might want to send them a championship ring too.  Without them, none of this would have been possible).

By the way: anyone notice the irony here?  On the night that Kobe finally wins a title without Shaq, rumors of a Shaq trade to Cleveland surface.  Just saying… just saying…

Photo: Reuters

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