mamba's never out

It's looking pretty grim in L.A., a 28-29 record makes it pretty clear but you have to look deeper to find the true problems.  The most obvious thing is that they're getting older and must find a defensive rhythm fast if Kobe is to get a sixth ring.  The addition of star center Dwight Howard didn't help but through fuel on the fire as he didn't mesh Kobe at first and then with his lack of scoring fell asleep on defense.  And with the recent death of owner Jerry Buss everything is in chaos.

But not the Black Mamba.  Kobe has proved himself leading great teams to the championship but can he even lead the struggling Lakers to the playoffs?  Well he turned up the gas last night in Dallas finishing with 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.  Yes assists he's passing too.  And many of those crucial points and boards came in the fourth but Steve Nash should be recognized for his season high 20 points as well.  These two players together almost singlehandedly won the game.

But the Mavericks didn't take it easy.  Dirk put up 30 points shooting 4 for 4 from behind the arc but that wasn't all.  Vince Carter and Elton Brand came off the bench and combined for 29 points keeping it close.  The final score was Lakers: 103 Dallas: 99.  The next game is against Denver who is second in the Northwest and this will be hard because they have already lost to the Nuggets three times.  This game would put them at 500. and could set the tone for the rest of the season because they will need to start winning the hard games.  But never count them out!