Poison Clan

Heart

Unsatisfied

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"If I were you, I'd take precaution..."

Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison

I wrote a story yesterday entitled Antidote...so today's entry is about something so potent that nothing can help the victim once the venom is introduced into their system.

Hunger

The Los Angeles Lakers enter Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight with the stigma and stain from an embarrassing championship loss a year ago in Boston. With that pain still fresh in their hearts and minds, you can expect the Lake Show to play with a heightened sense of urgency.

Kobe Bryant...also known as the Black Mamba is the most deadly professional basketball player on planet Earth. Recently he has been more focused than usual, as I'm sure he can all but taste the sweet nectar of victory. I do not want to take anything away from Blue Magic as they have some serious weapons, not too mention the current Defensive Player of the Year in Dwight Howard. 

Like I always say...I don't make predictions, I just watch the games and interview the athletes...nevertheles below are the keys to a Lakers win, and parade in the City of Angeles:

• Kobe Bryant would like nothing more than to win another championship. He has told me this numerous times this season and just like last year, I truly believe that he will continue to practice and play until he quenches his insatiable thirst.
• Luke Walton comes off the bench, however he does all the little things that are add up to the team's success. Between that, his veteran leadership, and his goal of winning his 1st title in 3 tries is enough to fuel the fire within him. You must remember that his Hall of Fame father Bill Walton has 2 rings (Portland '77, and Boston '86), and Luke would like to join him ASAP.
• Lamar Odom played extremely well during the last 2 games against the Nuggets, and if he can keep that up, then it could prove costly for the Magic.
• Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum individually will have their problems with Dwight Howard, but as a united front, they can be unstoppable. The offense is there...its the defense that the Lakers front court needs to focus on.

Photos:  Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE, Doug Pensigner/Getty Images