Final Fantasy

"I helped the game, it ain't help me..."

Jadakiss - Made You Look Remix

The two premier players in the league matched up against conference foes today, and walked away with a new number in the loss column.

Endurance

The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers, and the Spurs traveled to the Staples Center and outplayed the Lakers. Since the games ended a few hours ago...everyone is up in arms about the losses, however in the grand scheme of things it means nothing. Of course any team would like to continue winning as they head into the playoffs, however with so few games remaining in the regular season...this is a time to make the necessary adjustments, and get a few key players some rest before the games begin to really count.

I received a text from my homeboy Vince during the Lakers game, and he informed me how much they underachieve as a team, and that the Celtics are going to win the title. Let's just say that I don't agree with him, however if the Lake Show do in fact play less then their potential, then I'm curious to see how they perform once Bynum returns from injury, and the team is back at full staff.

I don't have all the answers and the playoffs are right around the corner...nevertheless I have to give respect to Los Angeles as the reigning champs, and in the Eastern Conference...I feel that it is going to be either Orlando or Cleveland. Both teams are evenly matched, with the Magic having an advantage at the guard and center positions, and the Cavs have LeBron James...enough said!

The season is a marathon not a sprint...while the playoffs are win or go home.

Photo: Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Requiem

"My story...self explanatory..."

Jadakiss - Money, Power, & Respect

The Lakers were off on Thursday after their 118-96 victory over Indiana...and while their stay in Philadelphia may sound routine...for one player its far from mundane.

Carpe Diem

Upon touching down at Philadelphia International airport yesterday...the Lake Show ventured to 9th and Passyunk Avenue for a taste of that cheesesteak goodness from Geno's, before calling it a night at the team hotel.

This a special place for Kobe Bryant...its the city where his father, sisters, cousins, and uncle cemented their athletic prowess against the opposition. If New York is the mecca of basketball, then Philly is heaven on Earth...birthing and nurturing the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Hazzard, Wali Jones, Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, Earl Monroe, Dawn Staley, Hank Gathers, Pooh Richardson, Jerome Allen, Aaron McKie, Cuttino Mobley, Rasheed Wallace, Mardy Collins, Kyle Lowry, and thousands of others.

I always knew that basketball in the city of brotherly love was a big deal, however it wasn't until January 22, 2006 when Bryant scored 81-points against Toronto that made me think on a higher plane about this town. I'll never forget that night as I was writing a story...I sat with my back to the television...and with an official news bulletin, ESPN announced that they were going to a live feed, as Kobe had 70+ points in the 4th quarter. I was beside myself...and immediately looked at the time remaining to see if he could score 100.

It was one of those moments when you walk into the history book, witnessing one of the best performances in the spectrum of the game. After making 2 free-throws for 80 and 81, he took a seat on the bench...it was then when I thought about how the two highest individual scoring binges in the NBA were set by Wilt and Kobe...from West Philadelphia.

Basketball is an intricate game, teaching those who coach and play, facets of life on the court and off. For Kobe Bean, a lot of his great performances are behind him, however I trust that he will continue to show and prove...as the best is yet to happen.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images