Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers: 8 Reasons Why They’re Still Favorites Out West

We never learn.

We cried that the sky was falling in 2001 when the Lakers finished with 11 fewer victories than they had finished with during their previous 67-win championship season.

Then, they completed the most dominant post-season run of all time.

We cried that the sky was falling in Boston when they finished with only 50 victories and before falling to the Lakers in the waning seconds of Game 7, they gave us one of the most classic Finals series ever, certainly the best the 2000's had to offer

We cried that the sky was falling in Miami after their 8-7 start to the season. They've played 11 games since and only one team managed to remain within single digits of them by the end of the final buzzer.

Barring injury, the great ones always find a way to emerge from a slump.

So why haven't we given the two-time reigning champions that respect? Well, here are 8 reasons why we should.

Begin Slideshow

...

About the Author