LAKERS, THE TEAM OF DESTINY

After a great regular season for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, one great mystery remained for me as they went into the playoffs. Could the Lakers win? This years team was by far better than any Shaqless one in recent years. But the Lakers had to face a tough eight seed, though the Nuggets couldn't stop themselves from scoring. To my surprise, the whacked the Nuggets in four games.

Then there was their second round series against the Jazz. The Jazz were a tough team last year, and they looked really good in their first round match-up with the Rockets. They also boasted the best home record of any team in the NBA this season, an amazing 37-4.

This series went much like every other series this round, the home team dominating. Except the Pistons-Magic, the Pistons were in control the majority of the series. It seems not like one road team can muster a win. Not even the mighty Boston Celtics against Lebron James.

Then their was the Lakers-Jazz game last night. Kobe Bryant put up 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in Utah to send the Jazz packing. The final score was 108-105, but that score was deceiving. The Lakers dominated throughout much of the game.

The Lakers took care of business when they had too and closed out the league's best home team, at home! Something no other team has been able to do. Cleveland has a chance to close its series out on the road, and so does San Antonio, but they both are playing a game 7. The Lakers finished early, giving themselves a much needed rest.

What is even more significant, is league history over the last three seasons, which now swings in favor of the Lakers. In each of the last three seasons, the team that has closed out the regular season's best home team at home has gone on to win the NBA finals.

This could be the year Kobe proves he is capable of leading the team to a championship without Shaq.

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