Every event in life has a turning point.
To me, the turning point of the just-ended Los Angeles Lakers-Dallas Mavericks Western Conference semifinals series was Game 2 when the Lakers just simply lost team catching up the more aggressive and more focused Mavericks five. LA dropped Game 2, 81-93 at the Staples Center.
After making just two inconsequential three-point baskets in the fourth out of 20 attempts, I think Dallas coach Rick Carlisle already had a “eureka” moment from there.
He probably knew already that his team, led by German fireball Dirk Nowitzki could extinguish whatever fire the Lakers had for a third straight championship run by playing tough interior defense as well as shooting their way from beyond the arc.
And the Mavs did it in a tremendously explosive fashion, sinking 20 three point baskets in Game 4 that completed Dallas’ domination of Los Angeles via a 4-0 series sweep.
The win towed the Mavs back to the Western Conference finals since they did the trick in 2006, where they eventually reached the NBA Finals before bowing to the Miami Heat in six games.
As for the Lakers, I believe they can still be a playoff contender even after their dashed championship aspirations. But for them to get back to championship contention, there is a need for them to make some changes to address some issues in the team.
1. Speed. The semis series against the Mavs unmasked the Lakers’ weakness in speed. Derek Fisher is now 37, while their starters led by Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum along with Sixth Man of the Year awardee Lamar Odom just can’t keep pace with the Dallas’ Express offense inside and out. For them to get back to championship contention, Lakers front office will surely have to add younger and aggressive players in the roster who could help keep their starters fresh during times like these.
2. Shooters. LA just shot 19.7 percent from beyond the arc during the four-game semis series. Kobe was hitting bricks during the series and credit that to the perimeter defense designed by Dallas coach Rick Carlisle. LA didn’t have any other solid shooters off the bench to provide the spark. And with Pau Gasol just ineffective off the rebounds, the Lakers’ downfall was inevitable.
3. Solid coaching. Phil Jackson no doubt has etched his name in the NBA annals as the league’s greatest coach, having more NBA rings than his 10 fingers (he’s got 11 championship rings by the way). But since he has repeatedly said during the regular season he’s basically in his last tour of duty for the Lakers, LA will now have to find someone who could motivate and help LA get back its championship bearings.
For now, the Lakers front office are back to the drawing boards. And how well they do in making roster changes and key adjustments will determine how far they will go in Kobe’s few remaining championship runs.