Lakers tough Final Season Stretch = championship mold

[GeneralNash]

Champions are not molded by easy wins and easy stretches. If it was then America wouldn't be in debt, Lebron would have 3 rings by now, and North Korea would be comprised of Smurfs. The true test of a champion is how you respond when things get tough, and odds seem to be against you.

One of the reasons why I started disliking Lebron. When things got tough in Cleveland, he tucked his tail between his legs and went crying to Wade and Bosh, "Traveling" as far as Miami. The dude quit in the finals, quit on his team who had the best record for several seasons, something I never saw Kobe do.

One of the reasons why I did not like Scottie Pippen. When things got tough without Jordan, he could not pull it together and get a ring in the years that Jordan left.

This last stretch for the Lakers with Kobe playing 47-48 minutes, and the Lakers playing like it's the playoffs, is exactly what this team really needs. I don't think it's coincidence that Kobe is scoring 45 points, while Gasol and Howard are also scoring 20-30 points in the same game. These guys are churning out some tough wins. And while their opponents may not be top tier, their opponents have come out with high energy playing their heart out, with absolutely nothing to lose. Even an injured Aldridge comes out to play for the Lakers, give me a break.

This is what the Lakers are about. Getting wins in a playoff like atmosphere each and every game. This is Lakers Basketball. This final stretch is molding this team into championship contenders before entering the post season. 17th ring is coming, the only question is, which route for the championship parade.

[Desiderium]

while i agree with the statement that tough games ultimately make us better, however these should NOT be tough games. the tough games should be against playoff teams (okc, spurs, grizzlies, clips, nuggets, etc). not against teams like washington and portland. turning easy games into tough games shows they have a weak mentality.

[Slava]

Use the Playoff watch thread please.