Lakers deserve a lot of credit for coming up with some superb play in the Finals. I was very disapointed that Orlando didn't represent themselves with their best effort, but a lot of that had to do with the Lakers pressure.
The way the Lakers controlled game 5 was the most discouraging thing, as though Orlando had given up any idea of challenging the Lakers.
Looking ahead, salary cap issues are going to be a problem, expecting Ariza or Odom to sacrifice money to stay with the franchise is absurd. They will get offers and LA will either match or let them go. Maybe they should ask Kobe to give up some of his Millions instead!
Bynum was a real disappointment, and one wonders what they will do about it. Against Orlando it didn't matter, but against a healthy Boston it might have been a different outcome. In any case Gasol will need inside help against teams like the Celtics, and Odom isn't quite big enough to battle inside with the giants.
As much as Fishers game has declined, he still stepped up to make some big, big shots for the Lakers. I hate to say it, but this was likely his last hurrah, he isn't good enough to be the Lakers starting point next season, and there's no reason for the team to carry him making up for his deficiencies.
Still, the Lakers core is intact and Gasol and Kobe guarantee the Lakers will be back competing for the championship for years.
