Fine.
But following Game 6, what should it tell you that the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers couldn't refrain from calling out people for their lack of mental toughness and urgency?
I'll tell you what.
Kobe Bryant—otherwise known as the guy who overcame a lockout, marital separation, multiple injuries, changes to the team's front office all the way down to the coaching staff, a vetoed trade that would have landed Chris Paul and the removal of Derek Fisher and Lamar—is beginning to sense that the Lakers may not have what it takes to win a championship.
Which is why, if the Lakers fail to beat the Nuggets tonight, let alone Oklahoma City in Round 2, expect to hear the name Dwight Howard.
A lot!
Not that you wouldn't have heard it anyway, given the US Weekly-like coverage that surrounded him and the Magic all season long.
But with rumors that Dwight Howard is unwilling to sign an extension, along with the likelihood that the Lakers will fall short of winning a championship this year, both the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers will be motivated to make a deal work this offseason.
Especially considering that Andrew Bynum is the undisputed second-best center in the NBA, no matter what anyone says.
In essence, it would simply be foolish for the Magic to risk losing Howard for nothing by playing hardball with L.A. like they did this year, when getting Andrew Bynum would reduce the collateral damage of his departure more than any other attainable player.
It's just a fact.
From the Lakers' standpoint, meanwhile, getting Dwight Howard for a package that will be headlined by Andrew Bynum instantly transforms the team into t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
