By Tamara Latta
Sports Writer
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The Lakers’ chemistry on the court is pretty much unstoppable nowadays.
Kobe Bryant and his teammates played a sensational game on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers were on cruise control after leading the Suns by double-digits in the third quarter. Phoenix never gave up and rallied back, sending the game to OT on Grant Hill’s 3-pointer with only 31 seconds left.
After going into triple overtime, the champions were able to stagger off the court with the victory, winning 139-137. The player of the game was Bryant. He finished with 42 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. But Odom was the standout, recording a double-double with 29 points, 16 rebounds and five assists. Gasol was also a factor, scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Bryant has been hobbled by a sore ankle and stiff neck but refused to use any of his sick time. You have to respect this guy; he never calls in sick or shows up late for practice. He is the definition of a true competitor and warrior. Although Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has limited Bryant’s minutes, that hasn’t stopped him from competing and challenging players every night. If you have watched Bryant play in their last two games, you wouldn’t notice that he is in any sort of pain. He’s playing like he’s 100 percent.
The Lakers have picked up the pace since the all-star break, playing with a little more attitude and toughness. Their record since the break is now an almost impeccable 13-1. On Sunday night they hosted the Portland Trailblazers, who, historically, they have struggled to beat. With a potential meet in the first round of the playoffs, both teams were playing with playoff energy. But the Lakers were able to hold down their territory at the Staples Center, beating Portland 84-80. The Lakers Center Andrew Bynum was a “no show” due to a two-game suspension by the league Sunday, for his flagrant foul on Minnesota’s Michael Beasley two days earlier. In a press conference after the game, Coach Jackson expressed how relevant Bynum is to the line-up.
“Bynum would have made a big difference in this game,” said Jackson.” He was a little emotional about not being able to be here, but he’ll be back in the line-up come Friday.”
When the Lakers lost four in a row before the all-star break, everyone was writing them off. There were harsh statements being made, like, “the Lakers are old and their star Kobe Bryant’s greatness is fading away.” The Lakers have now managed to prove the critics wrong, making all the doubters go back to their laptops and give them praise.
They haven’t won anything yet, but lately they have been showing heart and hunger—two things you will need to win a championship. Laker Nation stayed quiet and didn’t hit the panic attack button; instead they came back with killer instincts.
