Christmas Shootout!

Los Angeles, CA

Today is Christmas Day. Today is the the day we've all been waiting for. Today is the rematch. As you're all starting your holiday dinners or maybe finishing in Boston, the game will go on. After a humbling defeat in last years NBA Finals, the Lakers look to reevaluate their worth. Their worth will be tested against the best. The NBA Champion Celtics, last beat the Lakers by 39 points to take the title home. This year is no different to start. The C's are off to an NBA best 27-2 record, including an NBA best 19 game win streak. 

Rajon Rondo is a new man this year. The new Rondo is averaging 14 points per and really attacking opposing guards with a devastating bite. The Celtics were tough last year, they are again. The Lakers were soft last year, we're still not decided this year. Leaning towards soft though, they had better come out swinging today. If the Lakers lose at home on prime time in front of a national audience, they'll have proved all the critics right. The Lakers defense has been shaky, the Celtics shake opponents out of their boots. This is still going to be a test for both teams however. Los Angeles has more to prove, but Boston could really put a stamp on how 'bad' they are.

Everyone has long since known that Kobe Bryant is the most well conditioned most fit athlete in the NBA. Nobody doubts Bryant's mental or physical toughness either. Not the same can always be said of the rest of his Lakers team. Los Angeles needs to somehow prove their toughness. Coming back from late deficits, closing out quarters, consistent defense, controlling the paint, and beating Boston today. Those are all things that can prove the Lakers worth. About three weeks ago, before the Kings loss, I really thought I wanted to see our Lakers team get beat on Christmas. I mean beat badly, like 20-30 points badly. the way I saw it, we were playing poorly anyhow and we didn't really deserve to win as much as we did. Now, things are different. We have lost five games, had our first consecutive losses of the year, and lost guard Jordan Farmar to injury. Today I would like nothing more than a solid effort, solid win over Boston. To end the C's 19 game win streak, push ours to 3 and counting, and send a message throughout the league. Those are the things I left on a list near a plate of cookies on my mantle last night. The milk is gone, crumbs remain. I did my part, hopefully the Jolly old fellow will help me out. Either way, Merry Christmas to all. Enjoy your families, enjoy your feasts, enjoy your games.

By the way, the day is also full of other great games. Be sure to check out Magic - Hornets on ESPN and San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns on ABC. Also be sure to look out for Kobe's shoes. I believe today he will be wearing his new Nike Zoom Kobe IV, China edition, featuring yellow and red details to pay tribute to the host of this years Olympic Games. Kobe and team USA beat Pau Gasol's native Spain for the Gold Medal.