Lakers have finally shown up...

Well it only took four games into the playoffs, but the Los Angeles Lakers have finally shown why they are the #1 seed in the West and one of the two favorites to reach the NBA finals. Through three games against the Jazz, they have shown the offensive ability to win games or at least keep them close despite Kobe having an off-night (see: Game 3, 5 for 24). Yet, now, as if visited by the ghosts of Magic, Elgin and Kareem during their Friday night slumber, they have realized that it takes more than putting up a lot of points to BEAT teams on the road and solidify themselves as a contender instead of a pretender.

The Lakers didn't win convincingly, 108-94 to be precise, because Kobe went off for 38 points. Albeit this sudden outburst did help. (In fact, I predicted this would happen in an earlier blog "All-Playoff Teams, through Game 2", although I predicted Kobe would have 40. So close...) Nope, the Lakers showed the ESPN audience on Saturday night that it had made a subjective, intentional decision to lock down on people like Paul Millsap and Matt Harpring and forbid them from scoring. Yeah, let Boozer and Williams get their 20 point averages. Just keep Harpring and Millsap and others such as Okur and Brewer from firing in double-digits and boosting the home morale.

There were no real EASY buckets for the Jazz, who felt the sting of the surprise defensive efforts from Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, and REMARKABLY Luke Walton (who provided some help for the foul-troubled Trevor Ariza). This helped keep the Utah crowd out of the game (thank goodness) and allowed the Lakers to keep their foot on the pedal.

It will take efforts like tonight's to ensure that the Lakers are once again in the NBA finals, and it will take a night exactly like this, but possibly better, to allow the Lakers to beat Cleveland on their home court.

In order to be successful in the NBA playoffs, you must show desire, ability, and toughness on the road. If you do not, you allow weaker teams to prolong the series, making you much more weary and tired in facing the next foe. The Lakers have shown desire tonight. Kobe led by example, and everyone else fell in line.

Indeed, it may have helped that Adam Morrison was in street clothes for the game, as the sight of him in a business suit, made the Lakers realize how horrible it would be to not be playing basketball in a few weeks. (or they just may have been surprised to see that he had showered tonight or possibly he wasn't quoting Che Guevara verbatim during warmups for the first time all season) Regardless of the loss of the permanent cheerleader Morrison, the Lakers provided us with a great exhibition of playoff basketball.

Also, I am going to give a shout-out to Shannon Brown, who has proved to be an unbelievably great mid-season acquisition for the Lakers. His defense, athleticism and three-point marksmanship have been true assets for the team. I curtsey to you, Mr. Brown.

The Lakers have finally shown up for the playoffs. It's about time. On to Game 5.