Phil Jackson's Lakers Era Ends With a Thud

Doesn't matter how good they look on paper if a team cannot come together it usually has the ending the 2 time defending Champions did on Sunday. A third franchise three-peat and a fourth one for Phil Jackson unceremoniously came to a crashing end Sunday after noon as choke artists Dallas Mavericks erased their recent failures and dismantled the former Champs. After a close first quarter the Mavs executed to perfection and ended the Lakers hope for a three-peat taking a 24 point into half-time and never looking back scorching them from outside with 20, yes TWENTY 3-pointers, 9 from Jason Terry to tie a league record. The Chumps looked tired, old, confused, disinterested, defeated, you name it. To add insult to injury Odom and Bynum lost their compusure and hit the showers early. Didn't think LO deserved, but what the hell it was symbolic of this game. 'Drew on the other hand, deserved that and then some, by now he has apologized to Giant Killer J.J. Barea who's over a foot shorter than him and probably 100 pounds less for taking a uncalled cheap shot that embarrased himself, the franchise, and true fans of the game, I was disgusted. It was bad enough they got pummeled to show that kind of disrepect to the game and your oppenent is not the kind of player I as a fan want wearing the Lakers colors, regardless of what potential he has. It is funny though how quickly the Lakers got critized as classless, even though only two players acted like sore losers, the others players stayed and congratulated the Mavs for a job well done, but not surprisingly, no one seem to notice, damn haters.

So the dream ends, what was supposed to be a historic end to a legendary career ended in an embarassment and forgettable game in Laker lore. Coach Phil Jackson deserved better no doubt, but even he seemed different this year. The Lake show failed to get in synch all year and this was inevitable. The new guys didn't click as hoped and the banged up, high mileage veterans began to show wear and tear, well at least they didn't lose to the hated Celtics and over hyped cHeat. Dissapointing finish, but after game 3, I expected it, just not in this fashion.

So what now? Trade Pau, Trade 'Drew, Odom and Artest? It's funny that even Laker Legend and one of my all time faves Magic Johnson suggested to blow up the roster, WTF, c'mon Magic, you're bettter than that, don't be hatin'. I think the Lakers definately needed an ass kicking of this magnitude to get back on track, they need to remember they need to show up every game not just selective ones. All season the Lakers frustrated fans, this ending was only fitting. Yes, health was an issue, but that's sports, can't bitch about that, it happens, get over it, someone should step up when one member of your team goes down. Anywho, the roster's fine, older but still talented. Phil Jackson era is definately done though, I can't see this group under the triangle anymore, it was time to part ways and bring in some new blood, something new, something to get excited about, it has been an awesome run and I'll always be grateful for what Phil did for the Lakers, wish him the best in life after basketball. As for the team, they need to get a better defensive attitude and of course some speed to counter the new fast guards of the league, don't really think they need to shuffle the whole roster that's crazy, unless it would be for some All-Stars, but that's asking too much. Speaking of which, Superman Dwight Howard seems to be the most popular answer to the Lakers problems, but I doubt it could happen, it would be sweet as he is a lot more consistent than Bynum is and he is the best defensive player out there, and only 25. False hope though.

Overall the Lakers were not as fun as the last three years, they didn't seem to click on a consistent basis. The Killer Bees had their moments but overall were not very good, with the exception of Brown, all bench players had career lows, typical. Lamar Odom was probably the best player all year and rightfully desered his 6th Man Award. Fisher began to look his age, Artest had flashes but after a strong first round dissappeared along with his teammates against Dallas. 'Drew was good when on the floor even better in the playoffs until that fateful game 4 that threatens to symbolize his career. Second All-Star Pau was solid, but had just a God awful post season, to suggest to trade him is ludicrus though, he is still among the best big men in the league, he had an off year, big deal, it happens. Then there's Mamba, 6hth All-Time Leading Scorer, and 3rd All-Time in Playoffs, 4th on MVP voting, his All-NBA season may be finally winding down, but he is still an All-Star and should play at a high level for at least 3-4 more years, this whupping should give him fuel for next year and the rest should definately come in handy. Much to the despise of Laker Haters, the Lakers are not done, keep dreaming, they just have to find a new coach, boy I would love for them to get Jerry Sloan, and get refocused just like they did in '09 come back with the same fire and with the goal to not only get to the Finals but win it again.

Le'ts just hope there is a next season, a lockout awaits. PHAK.

Great run Lakers it was a good 3 years, what do you say you do it again?

Coach Phil Jackson, thanks for the memories and the championships. Have fun in Montana, I don't think anyone will threaten your 11 titles anytime soon. My respects to a great coach and icon in NBA basketball, you will be missed, good luck.