“If you want to make history, you have to do historic things.” – Kobe Bryant
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in the basketball equivalent of the black hole. Down three games to none against the Dallas Mavericks going into a win or go home Game 4 in the Big D on Sunday afternoon, the Lakers have no choice but to try and do something that has never been done before in the storied history of the NBA. No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series.
Kobe’s quote seems to fit into the Hollywood drama that comes with being on the Lakers or being a Lakers fan, and so does the idea of the Lakers making history by winning this series. The plot is set – Lakers down 3-0 to the Mavs’, the defending champions are on the brink of being dethroned, team in turmoil, and legendary coach Phil Jackson’s final stand.
If there is one team in the history of the NBA who has the talent, moxie, and ability to shock the world, it’s these Lakers. Like records are made to be broken, history is made to be rewritten, but not without some help. In order for the purple and gold to continue their dynastic run to a three-peat, they are going to need to adopt some traits from other Lakers players, both past and present.
1. Basketball IQ – Jerry West
Jerry West is forever immortalized in NBA lore as “The Logo”. West was not the most athletic player, however, but rather possessed a greater understanding of the game of basketball than most of his fellow players. The figure on the NBA logo is not one that shows someone flying through the air for a spectacular dunk, but simply encapsulates a cross-over dribble, or a blow-by. West was always one step ahead of his defender, or who he was defending, like that kid in class who would always answer questions first, and be the first to tell you that your answers were wrong.
These Lakers have not been using the great basketball IQ they possess, especially late in games. The fourth quarter meltdowns on both offense and defense, have been mainly because of a simple basketball concept: execution; or for the Lakers, a lack of execution. The purple and gold have some of the smartest basketball players in the NBA today, but they need to exercise that quality, and no time is better than now.
Next: Magic Man
2. Passion – Magic Johnson
His name says it all, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, when the ball was in his hands, magic happened. Considered by most to be the greatest Laker to ever live, Magic Johnson brought an unrivaled passion to the hardwood. He demoralized opponents with a flair for the dramatic. His transcendent game came with enthusiasm that lit up stadium’s both home and away. He loved to win, but he also loved to play the game. Magic let all his emotions out on the court, whether he was giving an over-zealous high five to a teammate, joking with coach Pat Riley on the sidelines, or flashing that famous smile from ear to ear after one of his signature no-look passes. When Magic stepped on the floor, you knew he would leave no questions about how hard he played.
It seems like these Lakers have lost their passion for the game. It looks like none of them are having any fun. Even Phil Jackson has said they need to loosen up a bit. Some say their tired, some say the Mavericks are just the better team; but if this squad can play with the passion and enthusiasm of Magic Johnson, they will put themselves in a much better place. Kobe and Co. need to inspire their game with the passion of the Magic Man.
Next: Cap
3. Leadership – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
A man who embodied leadership throughout his basketball career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was crowned with the nickname “Cap”, which still follows him to this day. Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, winner of six NBA Titles and recipient six NBA Most Valuable Player awards hardly ever got visibly rattled. No matter what the situation, or how big the game may have been, you could always count on Cap to be cool, calm and collected. His quiet and stoic leadership helped keep the chaos that showtime could have caused under control.
The Lakers have essentially lost their way against the Mavericks. They need veteran guys like Kobe, Pau, and Lamar to step into that leadership role and guide them to victory. Kobe likes to lead with his play, and hope that the others’ follow. That type of leadership can only go so far, now is the time for Kobe to welcome this challenge and lead his team to victory. Pau Gasol has been struggling mightily in the playoffs thus far, but a resurgence in Game 4 could spark a Laker comeback. Lamar Odom will go back to his sixth man role, and he needs to lead by example with the bench. The Lakers reserves have been terrible so far, Lamar is the leader of the bench, and he needs to help get them on the right track.
Next: M.D.E.
4. Dominance – Shaquille O’neal
Shaq had a lot of nicknames for himself during his time with the Lakers, but the one that best described him during his time with the Lakers was M.D.E. – Most Dominant Ever. Shaq left a bad taste in a lot of Lakers fans mouths with his departure, but with all that aside, his dominance gave the Lakers their first three peat from 2000-2002. Shaq didn’t care who, or what was standing in his way, he was going to score and probably get fouled too (and most likely miss the free-throw). During the early 2000’s Lakers dynasty, Shaq bulldozed his way to 28.5 points per game, and 12.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs. The opponent didn’t matter, Shaq knew he was bigger, better, and stronger than any player, or team for that matter, who he faced.
We have all seen the talent and ability that this Laker team has, but now is the time they need to impose their will on their opponent. Not once this post season have we seen an all-out, dominant performance, Game 4 is the perfect opportunity to make it their first. The Lakers need to remember back to their 28-point shellacking they put on the Mavs’ on March 31st, and see how they dominated Dallas on that night. A dominant Game 4, on the Mavs’ home court, could put a little doubt in the back of some Maverick minds.
Next: Believe
5. Luck – Robert Horry and Derek Fisher
Big Shot Rob’s Game 4 dagger against the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals came with a little bit of luck. After both Kobe and Shaq missed consecutive lay-ups, Kings center (and former Laker) Vlade Divac tipped the ball out toward the top of the key, luckily, it was right at Robert Horry in perfect rhythm. Horry stepped into the three, and drilled it, tying the series at two games. The Lakers went on to win that series, and the title.
0.4 is synonymous with Derek Fisher, and vice versa. Perhaps the greatest shot in the history of basketball, there could have been a little luck involved. To get the ball in, and out of your hands in 0.4 seconds is nearly impossible, but Fisher proved anything is possible.
If the Lakers are to go on and win this series, an element of luck will be involved. Whether it be a lucky break, a lucky shot, or a lucky call, to make this kind of history is a breeding ground for luck. Believe.