How and Why the Lakers Will Win Against T Dallas Mavericks

If you are a die-hard Lakers' fan like myself, you are utterly disappointed in their lackluster performances dating back to the series with the New Orleans Hornets. Against the Hornets, the Lakers dropped the first game, only to come back to win consecutive games and finally putting an end to the Hornets season with a commanding victory in game 6. After that game, I really thought the Lakers would continue that run against the Mavericks, but the disappointing loss in game one left me ( and all Lakers' fans I bet) simply speechless. How do you blow a 16-point lead at home in a playoff game at this juncture?

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it did. The Lakers came to game 2 against the Mavs without that zeal, no air of "we must win this game" in their demeanor. The rest is history. Yet, I say that the Lakers have several good reasons to still upset the Mavericks. I know you think I'm crazy, especially when the odds are against them. Historically, only few teams have ever bounced back from an 0-2 deficit to win a series. More importantly, only about 3 teams have come from an 0-2 hole after dropping the first 2 at home, to win a series. The Lakers are of the caliber to do this! They just have to have a reason to play like champs that they are.

Why do I believe they can upset the Mavs? For one thing, this might be Phil Jackson's last season as a head coach with the Lakers; it will be disappointing not to have a run at the 3-peat by at least getting to the Finals. It will be anti-climatic for Phil Jackson, winner of 11 of the last 20 NBA championships, to exit in such a lowly fashion. Another reason is that Kobe Bryant is not a quitter. No matter how selfish he might have been in some instances (tending to hold the ball too long and often causing unnecessary turn overs), Bryant is a competitor and is arguably one of the best that have ever played the game. I believe the Lakers can win tonight, the next game, and even the series. This all depends on how bad they want this ...how soon they want to go on vacation.

Not to take anything from Dallas mavericks; Dirk Nowitzki is incredible and hard to defend, as are some of his colleagues including J.J. Barea, who time and again drove to the basket for easy lay-ups while Pau Gasol and other big men watched! I just feel that this is their final test and they can pass it if they rise to the occasion.

Go Lakers!