I can’t stop watching the video.
The Lakers were blown out last night by the Houston Rockets. Every small run the Lakers had, the Rockets called a time out, and extended the lead further. It wasn’t a surprise, considering the strength of the Houston Rockets team built around two All-Star players; James Harden and Dwight Howard.
What made things even worse, was an injury to Julius Randle. Today, the Lakers filed another medical exception for him. If the league grants permission for both players, the exceptions would equal $4.85 million and $ 1.5 million. That money could be used to acquire young talent, or strong veterans who can play consistent minutes.
But, I keep going back to the video.
The video shows the difference between Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard. It shows that Dwight can land a hit, and Kobe can take it. Beyond that, Kobe didn’t wipe his mouth wondering where the pain was. He didn’t even check for blood. He has been through a lot worse.
“Try me.”
Wesley Johnson had to smirk.
Even as they jabbered to each other, their personalities were very clear. Dwight Howard, even when angry, looks like he’s smiling, and can’t believe what’s going on. Kobe Bryant, looks every bit angry, and wants to show Dwight why the keys weren’t handed to him as a Laker player.
Kobe Bryant shakes his head.
“Soft.”
All-time greats like Shaquille O’Neal aren’t soft. He’s not bothered by smaller players. Sure, he used his elbows a bit, but never extended it like that. Even he knew the consequences of his actions. He also had tremendous patience when it came to contact.
But Dwight Howard backed off. He could have sent a message with a slight shove. The elbows weren’t necessary. “This is my ground.” He backed off. Yes, it’s less violent. No, we’re not promoting violence. But these are two NBA veterans, grown men.
And there, Kobe Bryant stands, glaring at Dwight Howard. Kobe has been through a lot in his career and Dwight is just scratching the surface. There is a “David vs. Goliath” undertone, but what most fans don’t understand is, the Lakers have been David since the 1960’s.
Jerry West may be the Logo, but he has one championship ring. His Finals performance of 1972 was far from his best. Try 40.6 points per game in the playoffs of 1965. That wasn’t even his Finals MVP year. He had a decade of Finals appearances. The one time he did win the Finals MVP in 1969, his team lost the series to the Boston Celtics.
The franchise has fought hard to win every championship against elite competition. Even when the odds seem stacked against the Lakers, they have come through. First year under Phil Jackson? Championship. Kobe Bryant sprained ankle in the Finals? Win. Kobe Bryant with food poisoning against the Sacramento Kings? Win. Up against the elitely talented Celtics with Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and up-and-coming Rajon Rondo? First a loss, and then a win.
The Lakers had to beat Dwight Howard’s Orlando Magic first.
Kobe Bryant knows what that is all about. He won a series of championships with Shaquille O’Neal with playoff heroics of his own. When the team fell apart, he didn’t give up. Instead, he met again with the Boston Celtics with a newly revamped lineup.
His Finals series against the Celtics are among the most underrated of All-Time. Yes, he had Bynum and Gasol, but neither of them are Tim Duncan or Shaquille O’Neal.
That’s why he’s a Laker and presents the franchise well.
That’s also why, Dwight Howard is in Houston.