Double Double

"Remember when they ain't believe in me..."

Kanye West - Family Business

The Lakers defeated the Nuggets for the first time since the '09 playoffs, and while they wore their Sunday best white uniforms...this game was far from anything routine.

By Any Means Necessary

Kobe Bryant had a poor shooting night, making 3 of 17 baskets, however he utilized a superior attack, and contributed with an array of veteran savvy moves...combined with his sheer will and intelligence. The Lake Show had a slow start, as this was a game of two starkly different halves...with Denver making the most of things in the first two quarters, and then after intermission...the home team made some adjustments, as they began to defend much better, forcing Anthony, and Billups out of their comfort zones. Then referees got in on things, with the Nuggets benefiting from the closely called game at the outset...however the same calls went to the Lakers towards the end, as Carmelo fouled out with 2:13 to go, and his team down 4.

You have to respect the way Kobe plays and approaches the game. He is still working through the changes that his many injuries have put him through, and with his jump shot faltering...he stayed aggressive in drives to the goal, which enabled him 8-trips to the free-throw line, as he went a perfect 8-8 from the stripe. He also hauled in 5 rebounds, handed out 12 assists, and had 3 steals, with 2 blocks.

This was a complete game, from a complete player, and thanks to teammates like Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest...in the end, everything today at the Staples Center, made perfect sense.

These teams will play again in the second season, and that is when the real fun will begin.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE/via Getty Images

Fantastic 4

Focus

Desire

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaataa - Planet Rock

The NBA is down to the Conference Finals, as the winners will advance to play for the ultimate prize...an NBA championship.

2nd Season

The Los Angeles Lakers will matchup against the Denver Nuggets, while the Cavs play host to the Magic. I find it interesting that a lot of "experts" and media outlets alike are already pitting the Lake Show against Cleveland for the title bout, but I wouldn't pencil anything in just yet, as the Nuggets are more than deserving to vie for the Western Conference crown with the likes of Carmelo Anthony, and Chauncey Billups.

A Kobe/LeBron series would be the best thing since people started slicing bread, but as Herman Edwards once said, "you play to win the game"...and in this case...the teams have yet to take the floor. However, I promise you that these series will be just as entertaining as the games in the first round. Remember the Chicago/Boston cliffhangers...well prepare to turn off your cell phone, and put the children to sleep, because you do not want to miss Kobe and Carmelo, or LeBron against the Magic.

I'd like to go out on a limb and make a prediction, but that's not my style. A few keys to each upcoming game...Trevor Ariza's defense on Carmelo for the Lakers, and the point guard battle...Mo Williams, and Rafer Alston will determine more than Game 1.

I love this game!