Phil Jackson won his 10th NBA championship ring. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher just won their 4th. The Los Angeles Lakers proved to the world that they had the toughness, had the passion, and had the strive to win a championship. With a starting lineup that encompassed Fisher, Bryant, Ariza, Gasol, and Bynum, and not to mention having Odom come off the bench, it was almost impossible to envision how the Lakers could get any better. I remember last summer talking with my friends about who would be the perfect fit for the Lakers; a guy that can play solid, aggressive defence and yet has a deadly shot from the 3. Names like Michael Redd, Mike Miller, and even Shane Battier were tossed around, but none were more appealing than Ron Artest. Sure, he's not the most compassionate guy, but this guy knows how to win and wants to win. Not only can he shoot the lights out, but he can guard basically any person in the NBA, including Lebron James. Michael Jordan had his Rodman, now Kobe Bryant has his Artest.
The only regret I have through these insane series of events is losing Trevor Ariza. Ariza was the deciding factor in every single series, from his game-winning steals against the Nuggets to his clutch shooting against the Rockets and the Magic. Trevor Ariza deserved that championship just as much as Kobe, as much as Fisher, and even as much as Phil Jackson. It's sad to see him leave the Lakers, especially because he was so revered here in this city and was loved by all of his fans. I wish him the best of luck in Houston and I hope that he proves us wrong for not keeping him. BUT in the mean time, let's celebrate for having Ron Artest, the only person who could guard Kobe Bryant, on our team. Just thinking about the intensity that he brings to the court makes me want another championship so badly! Here's to next season and to the 2009-2010 NBA Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.
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