ESPN

I've said it many times. In a season in which consistency has been as rare as a four-leaf clover discovered on top of a copy of Superman No. 1, there's been one solid trend for the Lakers. Opponents regarded with contempt on a personal level receive their best efforts, as evidenced by a 3-0 clip against the defending champs. The players on hand, whether Derek Fisher, Ramon Sessions, Brendan Haywood or Delonte West, have changed, but the Lakers' vibe has been metronome-steady. Kobe Bryant might not be available Sunday, and Lamar Odom absolutely won't, but I expect that intensity to be maintained. Particularly in light of Friday's rather promising win over the Nuggets.

To discuss the matchup, I had an IM conversation with Jeff Caplan, who covers the Mavs for ESPN Dallas. Below is the transcript.

Andy Kamenetzky: From a psychological standpoint, what does Odom's departure do for Dallas?

Jeff Caplan: The first thing is it removes daily frustration and exasperation from the locker room. His behavior was such that I believe players questioned his commitment, and have for some time. Mark Cuban and Rick Carlisle were as patient as possible, believing at some point he would turn things around and contribute. Finally, Cuban saw zero desire emanating from Odom and pulled the plug. The Mavs thrived with an all-for-one mentality last season and now can get back to that.

AK: Even acknowledging Odom's disengagement and poor play, has he been a convenient scapegoat at all for Dallas' underwhelming season?

JC: Absolutely. For evidence that it wasn't just Lamar, just look at Thursday night at Golden State. The Mavs were up 19 in the first half, then allowed the Warriors to cut it to three early in the fourth before turning it on again. That's a staple of this team this year: No lead is safe. That's mostly due to an offense ranking around 20th all year in scoring average and field goal percentage. But I don't think anyone within the organization has said, "It's all Lamar's fault" or "Now that he's gone, we're about to roll." I think there's now just more of a workmanlike mentality, with players going about their business. This is mostly a drama-free locker room led by Dirk Nowitzki, who is unlike any superstar I've ever been around.

The big question is will Shawn Marion have anyone to defend? What's Kobe's status with the shin and is anybody getting worried?

(Read full post)

As I said to ESPN Dallas' Jeff Caplan in today's "What to Watch," nothing has focused these Los Angeles Lakers more throughout this season than genuine animosity toward a particular opponent. Now 3-0 against the team that ended their title run last season, I think we can all agree, the Lakers regard the Dallas Mavericks with, as Jules Winfield said in "Pulp Fiction," "great vengeance and furious anger." There's simply no limit to the pleasure taken in whipping these dudes. Apparently, the key to a deep playoff run is manufacturing grudges against the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies. Here are the four takeaways from the game:

1. Ramon Sessions made a serious case to enter the starting lineup.

After watching Steve Blake go seven scoreless minutes with one assist to his name, Sessions checked into the game, then wasted little time stealing the show. He first entered the box score with a 3-pointer created off the dribble, working beyond the scouting report would define as his range. A few minutes later, he assisted four-of-five consecutive Lakers buckets on as many possessions, the other basket a 22-footer drilled by the man of the hour. As the half commenced, more of the same continued. The ball was moved with purpose. The rim was attacked with authority. A give-and-go handoff from Troy Murphy was cashed in the lane. The newbie looked exceptionally comfortable and in complete control as he closed the half with 12 points (on a 5-of-6 clip), four rebounds and seven assists. Aside from a couple of fourth-quarter possessions over-dribbled into trouble, the second half was essentially a Xerox of what happened before intermission.

Lakers coach Mike Brown has been noncommittal about moving his new point guard into the starting lineup, and normally, this wouldn't be a big issue to me one way or the other. As I've often said, who starts is an overrated talking point, whereas minutes and who finishes games are really what matters. But in the case of Sessions vs. Blake, I'll make an exception to my credo. Brown needs to make this move ASAP for a few reasons. Ultimately, this job will be Sessions', unless his coach has absolutely lost his mind. So you might as well pull the trigger on the inevitable. The more reps with the starters, the quicker he'll become acclimated to the way Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum play. Once that happens, he can make life considerably easier for the big three for as many possessions as possible, which was the whole point of acquiring him in the first place.

Plus, delaying the move does no favors for Blake. He's playing like a guy expecting to lose his gig, which appears to be preventing any comfort level whatsoever with the first five. Blake had been quarterbacking the second unit well before Sessions' arrival, and developed a very nice chemistry with Bynum and Matt Barnes. Let the Terp play what's really his proper role, and my guess is he'll look a heck of a lot better.

(Read full post)

For the Lakers, a two-game losing streak threatens to dampen the good vibes since the acquisition of new point guard Ramon Sessions, plus swelling hopes for home-court advantage throughout much of the playoffs. For the Mavericks, a four-game winning streak could signal stability after an inconsistent, sometimes turbulent season. Will either team find its path interrupted? We'll see, but after Lakers losses to shorthanded Jazz and Rockets squads, Brendan Haywood and Delonte West being definitely out for the Mavs, plus the possibility of Shawn Marion missing the game, doesn't feel like asset. Any scenario offering the Lakers an excuse to dial back their execution and focus feels dangerous, especially on the road.

For a look at what may lie ahead, I had an instant message conversation with Jeff Caplan, who covers the Mavs for ESPN Dallas. Below is the transcript.

Andy Kamenetzky: So what's the latest on Marion? He's always a key factor in defending Kobe Bryant.

JC: Marion indeed has been terrific against Kobe this year, limiting him to 14.5 points a game, which is like half his league-leading average, and below 30 percent from the field. His left knee has been sore for weeks, but finally forced him out. It was examined Monday and no structural damage was found. I suspect he plays against L.A., but don't hold me to that.



How do you think the Lakers will be different with Ramon Sessions?

AK: In theory, they'll be running more pick-and-roll, and there's a legitimate threat beyond Kobe at the wing to attack the rim. He's also the fastest point guard since Jordan Farmar, but with a bigger role on the horizon. So in other words, very different, and there will be adjustments for everyone involved. Sessions has to learn the playbook and where his teammates like the ball. Sessions' teammates must get used to his speed, and working with a player not named "Kobe" who keeps the rock in his hands so often. (In particular, the Mamba, who hasn't played with a guard this ball dominant since Nick Van Exel.) And most importantly, Brown must figure out the best ways to mesh his new acquisition, a test for a coach not known for offensive creativity. But with everyone cooperating, it's a marriage that should be tremendously beneficial.

Speaking of marriages (Obligatory Khloe joke alert!!!), what's the latest with "As Lamar Odom turns?"

(Read full post)

Wednesday night in Dallas, the Lakers did a lot that'll typically bring a loss on the road. Too many turnovers (17), too many offensive rebounds (21) allowed, too many free throws missed (13), to name the three biggest, and Kobe Bryant had a rough game, to boot. But thanks to an otherwise solid effort defensively and good work from Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Derek Fisher, they managed to win anyway.

And a big win it was. We hit all the high points on tonight's edition of Lakers Late Night. Among them...

• Are games like this a bad omen for Kobe (and therefore the Lakers) as Mike Brown struggles to manage his minutes?
• Strong efforts from Gasol and Bynum. Are concerns about Pau's play a little overwrought, rumors and headlines notwithstanding?
• Fisher blew up, with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Is there hope of decent production going forward?
• Thoughts on Thursday's game in Oklahoma City.

When last we saw these teams, on MLK Day, an "NBA Finals Game 7" atmosphere was anticipated. After all, it was the first meeting between the teams since the eventual champion Mavericks turned the Lakers' three-peat run into a car crash. What we got instead was an "NBA Finals Game 7" score (i.e., low). Both squads struggled mightily from the floor, and Derek Fisher's trey with three seconds remaining spared the teams the potential embarrassment of overtime without reaching 80.

To prepare for the rematch, Jeff Caplan, who covers the Mavericks for ESPN Dallas, and I had a conversation breaking down both teams. Below is the transcript.

Andy Kamenetzky: After a slow start, the Mavericks have turned a corner. What's changed since the early struggles?

Jeff Caplan: Defense. Believe it or not this a defense-first outfit. They've really absorbed Rick Carlisle's "system" and no matter who is out with injuries and who is playing, the offense might dip, but the defense has been consistently good. The Mavs are first in opponent field goal percentage, fourth in scoring defense and, before Sunday's loss at New York, top six in defending points in the paint.

AK: And all without Tyson Chandler. Was the fret over his absence overwrought?

JC: I don't think we'll really know until the playoffs. Brendan Haywood has played well and Carlisle is really using three centers with Ian Mahinmi and Brandan Wright. Mahinmi has gone south lately while Wright has shown promise. However, Chandler brought so much emotion and fire, both on the court and in the locker room, and that's a quality this team just didn't have in years past. So, yes, Chandler's absence has been overblown because the Mavs have surprisingly gotten good performances from their centers and the defense overall has been very good. But in the heat of the playoffs, the Mavs might miss Chandler's overall package.

AK: Is safe to assume Dirk is back?

JC: He certainly is getting there. He had a terrific stretch of six games or so, then his shooting tailed off again ... and now he's shooting lights out.

Kobe called out management after yet another road loss at Phoenix on Sunday. What is the chemistry like on this team? You get the sense that Kobe is unhappy.

AK: If Kobe's not truly "unhappy," he's definitely "unhappy-adjacent." As for chemistry, I think guys get along, but on the court and mentally, there's much to be desired. They're struggling to score, which turns basketball into a grind-it-out chore and often a joyless drag. It also doesn't help that, in my opinion, the entire team is waiting for a trade to happen. There's a collective vibe of expected disbandment, which doesn't help in terms of jelling. I get the feeling guys are having a hard time buying into the idea of growing as a group.

(Read full post)

Kobe Bryant's consecutive All-Star Game streak reached a record-tying 14 last week when the Western Conference starters were announced, but another Laker saw his streak end.

Pau Gasol's more modest run of three straight mid-winter classics has come to an end.

It's not shocking news. Gasol's performance this season hasn't been nearly as bad as unhappy Lakers fans might lead you to believe -- 16.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a PER of 20.58 is hardly awful-- and is actually comparable statistically to a few guys in the mix for a trip to Orlando, Fla. Still, he hasn't met the lofty standard to which he should be held, and certainly doesn't have the feel of an All-Star. Not locally, at least.

Looking at the list of reserves, Kevin Love, and LaMarcus Aldridge are without question more deserving. Based on this season's performance I'd definitely give Pau the nod over Dirk Nowitzki, but Utah's Paul Millsap, who like Gasol will be watching on television, deserves a bid over both. There's just no way to conclude Gasol's omission is a crime of basketball.

The news isn't all bad. La Familia Gasol will still be represented in Orlando, as lil' brother Marc was named as the squad's backup center, filling that last "big man" slot. If only one can go, I suspect seeing his brother earn his first berth excites Pau a lot more than getting to go again himself.

It wasn't much fun to watch, not until the end at least, but when it was over the Lakers had a three point win. Better to describe it that way than give the final score, because 73-70 just isn't appropriate for an NBA game.

This is what you get when two teams have played a combined 29 games over the course of about 22 days.

On tonight's show, we:

• Break down a big fourth quarter for Derek Fisher. Not just because of that game winning 3-pointer, but the stuff coming before.
• Get inside another tough night for the Lakers offense. Via postgame interviews, Fisher and Mike Brown explain why things simply aren't functioning the way they'd like. Because games have come so fast, the Lakers haven't had any full contact pratices since the start of the year. They're learning and installing on the fly, quite often during games. Obviously, it ain't ideal.
• Pau Gasol had a tough night offensively, but played a huge role on Dirk Nowitzki at the other end. Through comments from Brown and Gasol, we examine Pau's work Monday against Dallas, and also the massive transition he's facing from last season to now.

More postgame video below, from Brown, Andrew Bynum, Kobe Bryant, and Gasol...

(Read full post)

Not quite a true return to the scene of the crime, since the Lakers officially surrendered their reign as back-to-back champions after a blowout loss in Dallas. But it's nonetheless a rematch and, for the Lakers, one with bitter feelings attached. Bowing out of the postseason is one thing. Getting swept is quite another. I don't imagine any Laker would even bother claiming this game is just another among 66 this season, if for no other reason than his nose would grow at least one foot.

For perspective on the defending champs, I recorded a podKast with Tim MacMahon, who covers the team for ESPN Dallas. The topics discussed included the presence of Delonte West, the absence of Tyson Chandler and the team's prospect for repeating as champs. You can hear the entire show by clicking here.

But of course, from a Lakers fan's perspective, there's no talking point more intriguing than Lamar Odom now in Dallas. His exit was abrupt and controversial, and since arriving in Big D, LO's adjustment on and off the court has been a work in slow progress. Considering the incredible 2010-11 campaign, numbers like 6.8 ppg, 5 rebounds and a PER of 7.44 are pretty shocking. Below are some excerpts from MacMahon about Odom's transition.

MacMahon, on why Odom has struggled in Dallas:

"He's out of shape. He's out of sorts. And he's completely out of sync with what's going on here. He came in in poor conditioning. The primary goal is to get him in shape. He's not playing many minutes because he's not in good enough shape to do so, and the minutes he is playing, he's usually not playing very well. They've got to get him up to speed in the Mavericks' system and then a lot of this, mentally, he just has to come join the party here in Dallas. He obviously took it extremely hard that the Lakers wanted to trade him in the Chris Paul deal, and [when] that fell apart, he pretty much demanded to be traded. Now that that happened, he has to deal with it.

He also had an extremely difficult offseason from a personal perspective. He had a cousin that was murdered. He was in a car where there was an accident. He wasn't driving, but a young man was killed, who wasn't in that car, but was killed in that accident. So he's dealing with a lot of very difficult off-the-floor emotional baggage. He hasn't fit in with his new team and a lot of that is his own fault and some of it's situations that are out of his control."

MacMahon, on Odom's comments to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix that he's not "prepared to play" and that his game isn't adapting the way he thought it would:

"Really, I think he has to accept the fact that it's a new situation and he has to completely invest himself emotionally. That and his conditioning are the two main things. They don't want to run a bunch of set plays. They want to play a flow type of offense that he theoretically should fit in very well, but he doesn't know what he's doing on the defensive end of the floor. If you're not getting stops, it's hard to get into a flow type of offense, and that's part of the problem.

But what I really think, for the most part, he has to get into shape, and deal with the fact that he's in Dallas now. This is a team that obviously has a chance to contend. It won the championship last year. Stop moping around, start focusing on not what happened in the past, and the opportunity he has in front of him. I think he'd be surprised at how well he might fit in."

MacMahon, on whether there have been signs of that happening

"The one thing you hear is that he has a good attitude in terms of he's on his own conditioning program. They've got him running extra sprints, doing extra conditioning after practices, after shootarounds. ... But his body language on the floor is just awful. He looks like a guy who doesn't want to be here, who doesn't want much part of what's going on. They like the work ethic, but everything else really needs to improve and improve quickly."

(Read full post)

With totals of 44 (Goodman League vs. Drew League), 66 (Rucker Park), 59 (Goodman vs. the Carmelo All Stars (Melo, LeBron, CP3), no player has racked more points this offseason than Kevin Durant. These bursts come on the heels of back-to-back scoring titles and a rapidly improving skill set.

Is it fair to wonder if the NBA now belongs to The Durantula? And are the Lakers equipped to slow him? The K Bros and 710 ESPN basketball analyst Dave Miller debate both questions.

(For an extended look at the Durant-Russell Westbrook relationship cited by Miller, read this fine post by Tom Ziller.)

Through the first two quarters of Spain's 77-68 victory over Germany in Round 2 of the European championships Wednesday, observers of Pau Gasol (paugathologists) might have felt a little top-of-the-brow sweat forming. Gasol, who missed Spain's last game against Turkey because of a bad left ankle, was held scoreless. Zip. Nada. Nothing, as all four of his field goals missed the mark. Meanwhile, led by Dirk Nowitzki, the very same Dirk Nowitzki who thoroughly outplayed Gasol in last spring's playoffs, and his upstart German teammates were down only three points to the defending champs at the break.

Uh oh! Pau is injured! He's psyched out! The German is toying with his gray matter!

Not so much, actually. First, while Gasol was sluggish early and was a non-factor scoring, Nowitzki wasn't much better, missing seven of his nine hoists in the first half. Gasol did nice work on Dirk, aggressively getting into the German's floor space to take away some of his options. Whether in the post or higher on the floor, Pau was far more successful getting a hand in the face of the Finals MVP than he was against Dallas in the postseason. (That Dirk wasn't hitting jumpers like it was a video game helped, too.) Matched up against Chris Kaman at center, Gasol occasionally lost contact with him in transition, but engaged in the requisite pushing and shoving on the block and generally held his ground (though overall, our friend Dave Miller would have hated how much time Pau spent with his arms dangling by his hips at the defensive end).

After the break, any concerns about Gasol's health (or susceptibility to mind control) quickly dissipated.

(Read full post)

Assuming there is a 2012 season, of course, but The Triangle is nothing if not an optimistic program. With that in mind, along with 710 ESPN's Mark Willard, we predict the team to come out of the West next season, break down Dallas' chances of back-to-back Finals appearances and pick a sleeper squad.

The NBA lockout is officially upon us. To sort it all out, this week we reached out to ESPN.com's resident labor/cap analyst Larry Coon for some insight. He does a great job hashing out the big issues, but at the same time Coon's take is a little frightening, given how well he understands the issues at hand.

"I'm thinking this is going to be worse than it was in 1999, where it wasn't solved until January of the following year and nearly cost the entire season," he said. "They ended up salvaging a 50 game season. So I'm thinking that there's probably a 50/50 chance that we're either going to mid-January again, or of it resulting in the whole season being canceled."

PODCAST
ESPN.com's salary and labor guru Larry Coon joins us to talk lockout. Plus, Kobe's blood spinning knee procedure, Shannon Brown opts out, and discontinued McDonald's menu items. Podcast

Why worse? Coon lays out a few reasons:

• Not only have the economics of the game changed, so has the economy. The NBA isn't immune to the bad economic conditions of the last few years, poking big holes in confidence the league is an ever-expanding growth machine.
• Owner turnover: Gone are the days of owners picking up their franchise for $50 and a sack of hammers. Modern owners pay hundreds of millions for their teams, take on debt, and have far less margin for error. They believe the system doesn't work for them, and it must change.
• Today's players are savvier, with a better understanding across the rank-and-file of what's at stake. They're better prepared than in '98, and are more unified.

I wrote Friday morning about how a new CBA almost certainly will contain little upside for a high revenue, high payroll team like the Lakers. Coon agrees. "The playing field is going to be leveled out more, and teams that are typically not as competitive are going to be on a more even footing with the teams that typically are. So from a league-wide interest standpoint, you can argue that it's going to help. But from the standpoint especially from a team like the Lakers, who have a tradition of winning and are going to do their best always to try and field a winning team, it's probably going to hurt them."

After Coon says goodbye, we work through a few more questions about the lockout before moving on to Kobe Bryant's high tech, blood spinning PRP procedure undergone in Germany last month. Given his medical insurance may not cover expenses incurred in foreign countries, we wonder if he might have asked a certain Finals MVP if he could crash at his place, just to save a little coin. Plus, a brief reference to the McDLT (click on the link, by the way, it's worth it) spurs talk of discontinued McDonald's menu items.

Finally, Shannon Brown opts out. Any chance he comes back? If not, how will we remember his time in L.A.?

The 2011 NBA Draft is Thursday afternoon (4 p.m. PT, ESPN). We've spent scads of time taking stock of where the Lakers stand heading into draft day, and now aim to catch up on the rest of the Western Conference.

Today, the Southwest Division...

San Antonio Spurs

2010-2011: 61-21, lost in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies 4-2

Picks: 29, Round 1. 59, Round 2.

Where They Stand: At the tail end of an era. It was a strange year for the Spurs, who remained remarkably healthy for most of the season, earned the best record in the Western Conference, then saw Manu Ginobili hurt himself at the worst possible time and lost in the first round to a Memphis team showing oodles of potential. Now the Spurs have one more year with Tim Duncan under contract and two more seasons with Ginobili to go with Tony Parker for their Big Three. I suspect the trio will make at least one more run together, and as the 61 wins from this season attest, it's still a very competitive core. Add in solid role players like Gary Neal, George Hill, DeJuan Blair and Tiago Splitter, and the Spurs have every reason to give it one more go.

In terms of significant pieces likely gone for next season, the only big name is Antonio McDyess, likely retiring after a distinguished 16-year career. Whether he shelves the sneaks or not, the Spurs need some size to bolster the frontcourt and prevent Duncan from being overtaxed. Explosiveness on the wings wouldn't hurt, either, because Richard Jefferson essentially became a spot-up shooter last year, with nearly half of his shots coming from beyond the arc. Parker and Ginobili still attack the rack, but one more guy would take a lot of pressure off a core needing every break it can get.

A little defensive help would be a nice touch, too.

Projections (Round 1): Chad Ford, ESPN.com (Insider Required)- Davis Bertans (SF, Latvia). DraftExpress- Nikola Mirotic (PF, Montenegro)

--Brian Kamenetzky

Dallas Mavericks

2010-2011: 57-25, won the 2011 NBA championship

Picks: 26, Round 1. 57, Round 2.

Where they stand: With bigger fish to fry than the draft. Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, and DeShawn Stevenson all could depart after playing critical roles in capturing the franchise's first title, and Caron Butler, their second best player before a season ending injury, is a free agent as well. The Mavs outlasted the field in part because of their superior depth, thus their bid to repeat depends in large part on retaining as many useful players as possible to surround their lone superstar (Dirk Nowitzki, for the benefit of the thick).

PODCAST
Andy and Brian talk with David Thorpe (ESPN.com's Scout's Inc.) about what the Lakers can do in the second round of the draft. Plus, a look at the hot rumor (Pau for Kevin Love/#2 pick) and the vocal stylings of Dirk Nowitzki Podcast

Still, there are needs beyond maintaining continuity. With Roddy Beaubois an unproven commodity, covering their bases with another point guard wouldn't be the worst idea. Shawn Marion will need a backup if Butler isn't re-signed. And while Jason Kidd isn't quite ready yet to drive a Rascal, every year spent counting on a player pushing 40 carries inherent risk. Equally risky is penciling in a shrimp like Barea as a 30-40 mpg lead guard of the future. Again, factors pointing to bolstering the backcourt.

But really, given the team's collective age, prospects at any position are justifiable, particularly since the likelihood of finding a player able to help immediately from their draft position is unlikely.

Projections: Chad Ford - Josh Selby (PG, Kansas), Draft Express- Justin Harper (PF, Richmond)

--Andy Kamenetzky

(Read full post)

The Ear Candy Express chugs along. With the draft approaching, we tracked down David Thorpe (ESPN.com Scouts Inc.) for insight. Among the talking points:

PODCAST
Andy and Brian talk with David Thorpe (ESPN.com's Scout's Inc.) about what the Lakers can do in the second round of the draft. Plus, a look at the hot rumor (Pau for Kevin Love/#2 pick) and the vocal stylings of Dirk Nowitzki Podcast

- Is this year's draft as weak as it's overwhelming reputation? As Thorpe explains, that depends on a team's shopping list. If you're seeking multiple future All-Stars, then the 2011 class leaves much to be desired. However, there is legitimate value to players capable of solid NBA careers. Along those lines, this class contains many prospects. And as with four second-round picks, Thorpe feels the Lakers could, at the very least, pluck youngsters who'll provide the energy and athleticism the 2010-2011 team lacked.

- I asked about players who could potentially help the Lakers from the second round, whether as a specialist (namely a shooter) or just a mature rookie. Thorpe offers two names: Duke's Nolan Smith and UCLA's Malcolm Lee. Jeremy Tyler, a Cali kid whose journey from high school to Israel was littered with issues, could also be a potential sleeper.

Thorpe also shares thoughts on balancing the common second round approach (take the best player available) vs. the attempt to fill a more pressing need.

- Despite mentioning the possibility packaging picks in an effort to move up, Thorpe explains why it may not necessarily be wise. He feels there's rarely a tangible talent discrepancy between players taken late in the first round vs. the second round. For that matter, he thinks prospects are often easily lumped together past the first six or eight picks.

- Is it worth trading an established player like Pau Gasol (more on this later) for a top five pick? Thorpe doesn't see a Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose or even a Russell Westbrook among this year's top picks, but does think a player like Derek Williams or Brandon Knight could play significant minutes on a contending team right now, and at a considerably cheaper price tag. There are pros and cons on both sides.

- Finally, Thorpe weighs in on the Lakers' unexpectedly early exit from the playoffs:

"I think that what we saw there likely was the culmination of many, many, many games and many games together. And much of the b.s. that I think is going on with that team, at some point, people have to swallow that Kobe's not the best teammate we all think that he should be. I think there are times when he is and I have personal experiences with players that I trained that just love him to death because he was so generous with them, but none of them are named 'Pau Gasol' and none of them are named 'Andrew Bynum.' I think for different reasons there was a lot of (an) 'I've had enough of this' attitude.

"And Kobe may have had some of it. There's no question Pau pulled a 'LeBron James' before LeBron James pulled a 'LeBron James.' He went back to three seasons ago in that series. That happens. The dynamic of team chemistry is something that you can never underestimate. I thought that team got beat in Game 1, Corey Brewer had a big early part of the game for Dallas that kind of got them going, and the wheels just kind of came off. Guys were just saying, 'I'd rather just be on vacation than playing with these guys anymore.'

"That absolutely can be changed (at the) beginning of next year. It also could be the beginning of a real problem there. Not just with Kobe but just in general with that roster where they've just had enough of each other. I think that was very evident. If you're not willing to do everything you can to help your teammates, you're not gonna win against a team like Dallas."

- With Thorpe gone, we discuss the latest trade rumor involving a Laker: Gasol to the Timberwolves for (at best) Kevin Love and the #2 pick... or straight up for Love.. or (at worst) the #2 pick, Michael Beasley and role players. We'd both do the first scenario and consider the third an insult, but the one-for-one deal divided us. I'd pull the trigger. Brian wouldn't. Either way, neither of us gets why David Kahn would flip a young All-Star for an older player (albeit a very good one) when the Wolves are nowhere near contention. If the appeal is Pau providing a Spanish-speaking comfort zone for Ricky Rubio , it's an even stupider idea.

- Finally, Freddie Mercury rolls over in his grave as Dirk Nowitzki belts out a classic at the Dallas Mavericks championship parade.

In the newest edition of The Triangle, the K Bros and 710 ESPN basketball analyst Dave Miller discuss whether Kobe Bryant is still capable of a sustained playoff run like Dirk Nowitzki's recent showing, the Lakers' championship odds next season as currently constructed, and the quality available in the second round of the draft.