The Lakers aren’t losing this series because Phil can’t make adjustments; the Lakers are losing because they play soft defense and have no heart.
If Kobe Bryant leaves the Lakers after this season, you can kiss his championship winning ways good bye for at least a couple of years. Moreover, he will not be the greatest as he has had the luxury and comfort of riding in Shaq’s wake. Without Shaq, every defense he faces will double team him and those numbers will begin to wane. Kobe isn’t quite as dominate when he has two men on him.
Secondly, the Lakers aren’t versatile; they’re about Shaq pounding the ball inside and kicking the rock outside to Kobe when he doesn’t have a shot. You can say triangle all day long but there are only two consistent options on that squad. If the Lakers players are so capable of making in-game adjustments, how come they haven’t in this series?
We all love the Glove in Seattle but Gary looks lost, period. His shot is broke and he’s on the bench because Chauncy Billups runs circles around him on both sides of the ball. The numbers don’t lie.
Ultimately, the Lakers believe they’re entitled to win because of their talent and history. The Pistons are earning their wins because they defend and crash the boards. Defense wins championships, but in this case I think rebounds and heart are exceedingly in Detroit’s favor. Pistons in six!
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