What a difference a year makes. One short year after an embarrassing blowout loss to the Boston Celtics in the deciding game of the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers made it back, and this year they finished the job. Here is a look back at the Finals and a look ahead to next year.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
Lakers win series 4-1
The Lakers showed they meant business with a blowout victory in game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals. Game 2 was much tighter but the Lakers showed their mental and physical toughness by pulling it out in overtime. After losing game 3, they bounced back in game 4. Finals veteran Derek Fisher, who had struggled in the playoffs, hit two big threes as the Lakers came from behind to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Last night, the Lakers went on a 16-0 run in the second quarter and never looked back as they cruised to a win and claimed the NBA championship.
Kobe was great throughout the series and would win his first NBA Finals MVP. Gasol more than held his own against Dwight Howard. Ariza had a big impact throughout the series. Fisher had his big moment in game 4. Bynum had his moments. The bench was solid. However, it was their defense that made the biggest impact in the series. They made the Magic work for everything they got and did not give up all those open threes that Cleveland gave up in the last round.
As for Orlando, they will surely be kicking themselves about their missed opportunities. Even though the Lakers were the better team, Orlando certainly had their chances. If Courtney Lee had converted a well-designed alley-oop at the end of game 2, they would have won that game. If Dwight Howard had hit just one of two free throws late in game 4, they would have won that game as well.
Although Magic coach Stan Van Gundy denied it, it seemed like experience played a big factor in this series. The Lakers knew how to finish and showed much more poise down the stretch in the close games. It was unfortunate that Orlando ended the season putting up very little resistance in game 5. Orlando had been a team that fought hard all year but they never really recovered from the devestating loss in game 4. So, now Orlando will look ahead to next year.
Orlando Magic Outlook for 2010
The Orlando Magic had a breakthrough 2009 season and, if they get a healthy Jameer Nelson for a full season next year, they have the potential to be even better. One concern is that Hedo Turkoglu can opt out of his contract. It is imperative that they keep him, he means too much to the team and they can't afford to lose him. They also must re-sign Martin Gortat who is a very good backup to Howard. Speaking of Howard, if the Magic are going to take the next step next year, he must improve his free-throw shooting and learn to play defense without committing fouls. He is in foul trouble way too often and, if what happened in game 4 isn't enough motivation to get him in the gym every day this off season to work on his free throws, then nothing is. If Howard truly wants to become great, he needs to come back stronger, and on a mission next year, much like Kobe Bryant did this year. A healthy Boston team and a Cleveland team with Shaq (they've reportedly had preliminary talks) will both be formidable adversaries, but Orlando figures to go into next season as the favorite to come out of the East once again.
Los Angeles Lakers Make History
The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA Championship Sunday night, putting them just two behind the Boston Celtics for the most all time. Phil Jackson won his 10th NBA title as a head coach, passing Red Auerbach for the most all-time. This was also Kobe's 4th Championship and probably the most special. This was his first title as the main guy and the leader; the first one without Shaq. It also ties him with Shaq, Tim Duncan, and teammate Derek Fisher for most titles among active players. This title raises Kobe's legacy to another level. Knowing the competitor that Kobe is, he will be hungry to come back and do it again next year. So what are the Lakers' chances of repeating?
Los Angeles Lakers Outlook for 2010
Phil Jackson has one year left on his deal but there has been some speculation that now that he has broken the record for titles by a coach, he may retire. That would be a huge blow and would put immense pressure on the next coach so they need him back to captain the ship. Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza are both free agents and are both likely to receive big money offers from other teams. If the Lakers are not able to re-sign both it will be a huge blow to the team. The feeling here is that they will lose at least one of them. No one has repeated since the 2002 Lakers and it is unlikely to happen next year. The West is very strong. Denver, Houston, and San Antonio figure to be formidable foes. If Houston or San Antonio are healthy next year (they were not this year) and possibly add a piece while the Lakers lose a piece, that is likely to shift the balance of power. Unless the Lakers come back intact, odds are slim that they make it back to the Finals.
