I also thought they would be a lot better than they turned out to be. I agree they should probably try to keep George.

Richmond had one of the worst seasons for a laker ever,he averaged 4 points a game this year and played 11 minutes total in the finals,Lakers will get rid of this chump,Devin George did great in the finals so they will keep him,all they need to do is replace someone for Richmond and there money.

Kings need a decent 3rd Center to foul Shaq when needed and there money,with a healthy Staokavich there money and can beat LA when healthy,Kings would have won the series if he was healthy since he was the 2nd leading scorer for the Kings and they still almost pulled it off,Kings are champs next year if healthy.

Will Devean George leave the gravy train for Free Agency? He might.

I hope Mitch stays. I think that if he stays he could see more minutes next year in a Ron Harper-type of role with the team. He already has a year of learning the offense under his belt and would definitely want to play more in the playoffs.

I'm wondering, who's available that would be a good fit for the Lakers?

-BT

Yes they can. But they better be ready for a tough road ahead. They will have to be consistant. I trust Phil, Shaq, and Kobe to know what to do.

Sure they can. I agree it'll be tough. The big question will be the Kings. Will they respond to this heartbreak by becoming tougher and better, as Jackson's Bulls did in '91 after being dominated by the Pistons for the previous 2 years, or will they implode and slide backward from the brink of greatness like the Portland teams have been these last 2 seasons? We'll see. One thing's certain : In Bibby they have a star and a leader. As good as C Webb is, he didn't fit that roll and I always felt they wouldn't be on top with him in charge. Everything is different now.

As for the off-season, it'll be interesting to see. You never know when some bonehead owner will make an incredibly stupid trade that will shift the balance of power in the league (Bibby for Williams? Kidd for Marbury? WTF?)

I hope the Lakers do. Being a Jordan hater I'd like to see them do something the Bulls didn't, win 4 in a row. Of course I'd still have to hear "the Bulls would have won 8 in a row had Jordan not retired".

I think they can. Kings seem like their biggest challenge, but C Web will have to start showing up in the 4th quarter.

It's funny cause it's true, they would have won 8 in a row had Jordan not picked up a bat and a glove.

Either way, this Lakers team isn't better than either of the Bulls 2 3-peat teams. This Shaq/Kobe squad isn't even the best Laker team.

Like there's any doubt?

Not only can they. They will.

Nets in 7 in 2003. You read it here first!

God I hope so!

4-Peat is a long way off!

I'm still getting used to:



This year was an excellent opportunity for the Kings next year is another.
Until we see what each team does on the player personnel side it's very tough to say.
When that is settled who knows how healthy either of these teams will be for the playoffs.

The Odds are way, way, waaaaaaaay against the 4-Peat but I'd love to see it happen.

Thanks for a Great Run Lakers!!!!!

It would have if they could have made a contribution.

The Lakers will need more help from the bench in order to do it again.

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you.

BLING, BLING, BLING.......BLING?

I agree but I'd like to keep Shaw around because he seems to have a calming effect on the team.

As for Walker, Hunter, Madsen and Medvedenko I'd need to see big improvements from those
guys to feel OK about them sopping up roster positions.

I'd be surprised if Mitch R. doesn't retire. I find it really sad that he didn't really play a role
in winning his only ring after having such a solid NBA career.

Sadly it sure sounds like Devan George is looking for the big paycheck and I can't blame him.

He sure sounded like it on his interview that night didnt it. I think he will easily go the way of Tyrone Lue.

No one has brought up the SBT Factor!!!!!!










(Shaq's Big Toe)

Without the SBT Factor this year the Lakers would have won 659 more games! (Ok.... not that many but 5-6 more )

It sounded even worse.... he implied that the Lakers not picking up his option would be a factor in his final decision.

I think the Kings, due to experience (if they keep everyone) and the Sonics (If they get a decent center) will both beat the Lakers next year.

Next season is a new season and another opportunity for others teams to emerge. It's a fresh piece of blank paper so know one knows who will do what and how these moves will improve their team’s chances. Injuries might be an even larger unknown.....

But If I was forced to bet right here right now....

I'd bet it will come down to the Kings and Lakers. The only question would be will they meet in the Conf. Finals or earlier in the playoffs. (other teams may challenge these two but one of these two will win it all)

Mitch will most likely retire. He's got no game left, his quick first step is now nonexistant. All that being said, I'm happy as hell that he won a ring finally. So many years of suffering on bad teams...

Me too I just really reeeeeally wish he had a little gas left in the tank for this year so he could retire knowing he contributed to a Championship team more than Walker, Hunter, Madsen or Medvedenko.

Mitch did contribute more than those 4, and thats not saying alot, is it.

For the Kings, I think it's a matter of signing Bibby. That's the key for them (and as another poster stated, for Webber to show up down the stretch).

The Lakers starting 5 are locked. I just hope they give Richmond's money to Shaw. Really sucked that he was put on waivers and signed to a smaller deal. Please pay Mr. Dependable asap.

With the 3-peat out of the way.. bring on the Quest for Cuatro.