The 85 finals were already mentioned, with Kareem leading the way at the weedy "garden" so this is my next fav moment, with this kid "Magic" playing the best game in finals history covering for an injured in his prime Kareem...
Those championships were the most special because of who it was we beat. I miss the front line of Gasol, Bynum and Odom. That was some talent.
Fave Moments: Horry's Shot (all of my family hated the Lakers and were rooting hard for the Queens. I still remember my uncle bragging about them "dropping 40 on them boys in the 1st quarter" of that game) Kobe's in Portland 04 (I actually missed the end of the game because I had school the next day. I was totally shocked when I checked yahoo sports in class and found out the Lakers had won, I thought I was in the twilight zone because I was sure they had lost) .04 (So glad to get revenge on the Spurs for 03. I also really enjoyed Karl Malone that season) Kobe 81 but pretty much everything Kobe did from 05-07 I will always treasure Kobe's anger game against Ray Allen I believe in 2005 Kobe Game 4 Phoenix 06 Anytime Kobe bested Lebron Being on the forums during the Pau Gasol trade The domination of the 2008-2009 Team Kobe game winner over Wade Kobe's Amazing Series vs Phoenix 2010 Derek Fisher Game 3 vs C Bags 2010 The Nash and Dwight trades were exciting times although they ended up disastrous.
^ WCF 2010 vs. Phoenix is probably the best all around series I've seen Kobe play. (2001 vs Spurs/Kings also up there)
I loved Nicky V. So did Chick. He was a fierce competitor, had a very large chip on his shoulder and was a great clutch performer. But he definitely had a temper and also seemed to have problems with authority figures as when he got into it with the refs and his clashing with Del Harris at the end of his time here. By the way, I was always mad at the Lakers for trading Nick. The Cancun chant was obviously sarcastic born out of frustration for losing to Utah for the second year in a row in the playoffs and getting embarrassingly swept in the process. I was mad at Shaq for calling him out as well, but it really was the fault of Del Harris who simply could not manage the egos on the team at all. He was very passive and couldn't take the heat.
I remember Nicholson wearing a hat with Van Exel and Jones' names on it with wings after the trade with Charlotte for Rice.
I still love those 90s teams. They didn't win anything but they were competitive and fun to watch. Still love Eddie Jones and Nick the quick.
That's what I was hoping for this season. Then Boron happened. The C Bags game reminded me of those Lakeshow squads.
That squad didn't have a real super star, but they had some solid players that were really fun to watch. Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Sedale Threat, Cedric Ceballos, Anthony Peeler. Now that was fun to watch.
Game 7 WCF vs Portland 2000 Horry's game winner vs Sacramento 2002 Kobe's prime (2004-2007) Still pisses me off that those years were wasted. Never seen a player aside from MJ single-handedly dominate games like Kobe did night after night during those years. Still in awe when I watch his highlights from those years and it's hard not to think what if they had acquired Gasol or someone similar during those years. Also pisses me off that he was robbed of the '06 MVP Acquiring Gasol in '08. That trade made the Lakers contenders again. One of those moments where you remember where you were when you first heard the news 2010 title win over the C Bags. Man did that feel good, getting revenge on those punks for '08. My favourite Lakers title of the new millenium. 2009 title win over the Magic. Kobe finally proved to the world he could win without Shaq. That team just ran through the entire league that year. Lakers-C Bags Xmas day 2008. Felt good beating them after they beat us in the finals. Ending their stupid win streak was the cherry on top. Kobe 81
Not sure where else to put this, but anyone see the Lakers float this morning on the Rose Parade? Very cool. The Cap was riding on it!
