Lakers Wish List
It’s that time of the year again.
To me, it’s a little uncharacteristically warm but I’m not complaining.
Back in New York, the winters are different.
All the streets are lit, Christmas decorations line the city. Even the cold has a holiday spirit to it. There’s just something about the December frost that’s better than the bitter cold any other time of the year.
Maybe because I’m not sick of it just yet. Coming from the fall season, the cold is almost brand new.
I don’t know, it sounds reasonable to me, so I’m sticking with it.
As a Jewish kid, I never truly experienced Christmas to its full potential.
Sure, I’ve been to friends’ places for Christmas, but lets be real, it’s just not the same.
With the holiday just around the corner, I wanted to take a momentous step. Now, don’t call me selfish, but I think after all this suffering I’ve endured, it’s time I deserved a chance to make a Christmas wish list.
I won’t even make it all about me. For once, I’m going to think outside the box, things we all can enjoy, L.A.
1) My first wish on the list is for the Lakers to make a title run. Its time the season of disappointment ends and the excitement begins.
Dec 18, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers players Kobe Bryant (24), Dwight Howard (12) and Metta World Peace (15) and Charlotte Bobcats players Byron Mullens (22), Ben Gordon (8) and Kemba Walker (15) react at the end of the game at the Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Bobcats 101-100. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
I think we can agree, something has to be done about Los Angeles’s play. Things are beginning to point up with Pau Gasol back, and Steve Nash’s return pending.
The team also has been playing a little better as of late, but that’s not saying much considering the level of play from earlier in the season.
Most forget Dwight Howard is playing earlier than expected after a back surgery. There’s no way he’s at 100% just yet.
When all the pieces come together, I’m wishing for the dream team we all imagined before the season.
Unfortunately, this may be asking too much for this year’s Laker project, so I’m going to dream a little smaller with my next wish.
Dec 18, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16) and center Dwight Howard (12) react against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
2) If I can’t watch a Lakers Heat finals in what would be an epic coup of the throne by Kobe. (Yeah, this is Kobe Bryant we’re talking about, but lets be honest. He hasn’t been the best player in the league, nor have the Lakers been the best team in a while.)
My next wish would be an epic Kobe-Dwight feud involving Pau, of course. Now before you jump down my throat, call me a non-believer, or worse, not even a fan, hear me out.
If the season is already over, why not make losing enjoyable. The team assembled, at the moment, only has a shelf life of 2-3 years max as it is. Why not break it up a little early if things aren’t working out as expected.
I can see it now.
With Nash and Gasol back and the dream line-up fully assembled, things continue to go wrong. The fantasy team in Los Angeles turns into a nightmare.
Nash is too slow to run the offense and everything between the two big men clashes. In a dramatic showing, Pau tells reporters that Kobe must choose now who he wants to play with. Its either Gasol or Dwight.
To Gasol’s surprise, Kobe sides with the young big man, saying how he’s gotten a little sick of the Spaniard’s whining. Meanwhile, D’Antoni sits on the sideline, dumbfounded, too confused on why he ever tried to show up Phil Jackson.
Inevitably, Kobe gives up on trying to match Michael Jordan’s rings. He retires, then gets bored and comes back. Eventually, he trades himself to the Wizards in hope people will begin to think he’s actually Jordan.
But enough of my stories, I let my imagination run a little sometimes. Next on the list is something I’m sure we can all enjoy.
May 8, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson in action on the sidelines in the third quarter of game four against the Dallas Mavericks for the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Lakers 122-86. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
3) Phil Jackson. No explanation necessary. Its obvious we need him, if he can’t help the team then we’re doomed.
4) On a lighter note, I was thinking some dancing lessons from Joey Crawford would be nice.
Boy, that dude can dance.
I wouldn’t even mind just having him host a halftime show for this year’s all-star game. In case you missed his first performance, here it is.
I don’t think Los Angeles has seen this good of a dancer since Mark Madsen. Now we just have to convince Ron Artest to rap for Crawford and its set.
Most entertaining halftime show in a while.
But seriously, refs have been unusually charismatic as of late. One referee, so bent on becoming a part of the game, actually tried to block a shot by the Nets forward Kris Humphries.
Surprisingly, he’s been more active on D than the majority of the Laker’s roster. Here it is.
Well, that’s about all I can wish for this holiday season. Hope you enjoyed it L.A. Happy holidays, everybody.