The Fifth Element

"There's a long list of high profile celebrities..."

Nas - Get Down

It's been slightly over a year since the Lakers defeated the Magic for the title...but before we take a trip down memory lane...it was merely a few weeks ago, when they did the impossible and repeated as champions.

Rivalry

Ron Artest, and Derek Fisher stepped up in the final two wins... nevertheless, Kobe Bryant received all the credit. However this was the best of one team in the Lakers, against the fire power of another...the rival Celtics. Anytime a best of 7-series goes the distance, the teams are evenly matched and it's the little things that go a long way. For example Kobe had a terrible shooting night in the finale, however he still managed to grab 15 rebounds...and Sasha Vujacic knocked down 2 critical free-throws down the stretch to help seal the victory.

Now that both teams have beaten one another for all the marbles in the last 2-years...it is safe to say that the heated rivalry from previous decades are back...which is a great thing for the fans and the overall popularity of the league.

What I didn't appreciate is how it seemed everyone cheered for the C's and they weren't even Boston fans. Much respect to my friend Ariana, who is legit and bleeds green...nevertheless, now that the season is over, it's time for the rookies to make a name for themselves, and for free agency to make everything topsy turvy.

It's July, and I can hardly wait for next season to begin.

There Will Be Blood

"I never brag how real I keep it..."

Nas - Take It In Blood

The Boston Celtics stand one game away from their second championship in 3-years. They will have 2 chances this week to capture the crown, however there is one obstacle in their way...

Final Destination

The NBA Finals began in the City of Angeles with each team winning 1-game apiece and once the series shifted to Boston...things got tricky for the Lake Show. In Game 4 it was the second unit of the Celtics that proved to be too much, and for Game 5, I honestly believe the C's wanted to win that much more, with superb play down the stretch from Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo.

Game 6 and a potential 7th will be played in LA, and if Ron Artest, and Lamar Odom provide Kobe Bryant with a better effort on both ends of the floor, then it's game over for Boston.

Bryant proved what he can do, however the Celtics have played a much better team game as of late, so with the fate of the season on the line, I expect the Lakers to win.

Can Kobe Bean lead his team through sheer will and desire? Can the Celtics close it out and raise another championship banner...the answer to those mysteries are in the steady hands of number 24. The real question is, who will show up to play with Kobe Bryant...the reining champs, or the other squad that seemed to give up in two winnable games in the TD Bank North Garden...

At this point in the year the game is all about executing, and having the determination to accomplish the goal.

Actions speak louder than words, and I believe we will see a very good Lakers team in Game 6, poised to force a 7th and deciding game.

From there...anything can happen...winner takes all.

Like Mother, Like Son

"Up 3 nothing, in Salt Lake City..."

Ghostface Killah - Stroke of Death

The LA/Utah series had a change of venue, as the Energy Solutions Arena played host to the Lake Show last night...in a game to remember.

Strictly Business

With 35-points and a calm under pressure cool...Kobe Bryant gave the Jazz, the blues. The best part about it...the Lakers did it as a team with double digit scoring from Fisher, Artest, and Pau Gasol.

Yes it was a close game, and yes the Lake Show were a few nano seconds from losing on two missed Jazz attempts before the buzzer, however the better team won. Now that LA holds a commanding 3-0 lead, everything else about this matchup is irrelevant because the end is near for the Utah Jazz.

The best part of the game for me wasn't the late game heroics and drama, it was the sight of Kobe's parents cheering and supporting their son. It brings back memories of them at his games in high school, or their daughter's matches in college.

The Bryant family is a tight knit clan...much like the Cosby Show, or Run's House, and while Kobe gets his name Bean and basketball acumen from his father, it's his mother...Ms. Pam that encouraged his will power, and tenacity. In life there is always going to be someone better, more attractive, smarter, taller, bigger, etc...however what can separate or level the playing field is the hard work, or determination that you give or have.

In the curious case of Kobe Bryant, not only is he one of the best players in the sport, he just so happens to be mentally stronger, and tougher than everyone as well...so in honor of this Mother's Day, I'd like to note that he is living his dream of becoming a professional athlete, and it was his mom's example, and teaching that has made the NBA champion that you see today.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

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

10

Excellence

Commitment

"Walk this Earth for her...glory, I'm grateful to be in her presence...I try to stay faithful..."

Common - Faithful

October is one of my favorite times of the year, as it means the start of basketball season, and the conclusion of baseball.

Ten

Anyone that knows me, will tell you that I stay to myself, and while I'm not introverted...I'm not way over the top either. I like to stay on an even keel, and it's mostly because of my life experiences, be it good or bad. It is what it is, and yes, I write for a living...however it is more of an escape from life's rigors.

That being said, the tenth month always brings about change, as it is the only thing that is constant in this world, and like the seasons, sports fall right in line with the metamorphosis. The playoffs and pennant races heat up the road to the World Series, and training camp, and preseason prepare a pathway for success in the professional ranks of the NBA, making this one of the best times for competition.

Every year I write a brief season outlook on the NBA for their publication HOOP Magazine, and I don't have all the answers, and I'm not an expert...nevertheless, here are my thoughts on how things can and possible will turn out:

HOOP Magazine 2009-10 NBA Season Preview

1987. The Lakers defeated the Celtics 4-2 for the crown, and while I believe history will mimic itself this season…I have to give respect to Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio, as they are all contenders to capture it all. The Lake Show brings the same nucleus to the table sans Trevor Ariza, and Kurt Rambis…however the addition of Ron Ron is a huge plus…the C’s added Rasheed Wallace, as he makes any front court better with his versatility. LeBron James will repeat as MVP, and Ron Artest regains the Defensive Player of the Year award. East and West sleeper teams…Philadelphia, with a new coach and offense in Eddie Jordan, and Portland, who walked away on draft night with some key ingredients for success. The Lakers however have the experience and weapons to challenge any team and win the ‘chip again.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Street's Disciple

Preparation

Desire

"Pure euphoria...a dose of death to all of ya...coroner choruses sung from the 'Bridge to Astoria..."

Nas - Money Over B******t

The NBA season ended with the Lakers winning it all, outlasting the Magic in five games, and while the landscape of sports has shifted to the World Cup qualifiers, baseball, and Wimbledon...the Lake Show is back making headlines.

Thirst

Ron Artest has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers...and while many teams around the league are making roster moves...the fact that Ron Ron has taken his talents to the City of Angeles for an NBA mid-level exception is bigger news than Shaq to Cleveland, or Hedo Turkoglu to Toronto.

The main factors in this deal are two-fold...let's start with the obvious...as the reigning champions, they are looking really good to repeat by adding the former league Defensive Player of the Year. This move complements Kobe Bryant, a defensive stopper in his own right, more than possibly we can understand. Artest is a basketball player with the heart of 10 men. The other interesting fact is that he's not playing for the money...this is about winning a title. He was on SportsCenter the other night, and he explained that, "I have money...I've made money...this is about winning..."

I'm never one to make predictions, however I'm already looking forward to October, so I can watch the World Series, and get ready for what is shaping up to be another great year in the NBA.