THE DR. LAURA AFFAIR - Is she racist?

The title of this blog might be misleading.  I'm not a proponent of Dr. Laura.  I hate her show for the most part.  It's such a holier than thou platform.  However, in light of her show, which has now been made famous for what people are calling Racial Rants, I will re-post some comments I made after Don Imus was forced temporarily off the hair for using the term "Knappy-headed Hos."

First off, I agree that Dr. Laura DID NOT call anyone the N-word.  She didn't call Jade, her caller that name.  Nor was she the first to bring it up.  Jade brought up the N-word and asked Dr. Laura what she thought of it.  And Dr. Laura pointed out it's confusing to tell someone now they can't use the N-word simply because they're not black.  I have no idea if she's racist.  However, I do hear what she's saying and have many feelings that echo those sentiments, which I simply label as frustrating.

For your reference, here is the actual segment from her show.

http://mediamatters.org/blog/201008120045



Here are some of the points I made in the blog about Imus:

There's a reason the Asian, Latino and Jewish communities don't walk around calling each other chinks, spics and kikes. The reason, we don't want to propagate the worst of our language into the common terminology of society. I can only speak for myself as a Jew and say we don't do it in our community because once you do it, the word loses its degrading meaning and sooner or later, someone else is going to use it too in a way you don't like. It's common sense.


Many record executives and producers, many of whom are black, have profited nicely off of music and artists who flaunt and celebrate the worst in society. They use the word nigger and ho to describe each other in the most vehement ways possible. These records and videos and artists are distributed not just to blacks, but to all communities. Thus, sadly, these terms are now common to all. And the terms are not only degrading to blacks and women, but to all of us. Don't give me any of this shit that there's a difference between the word 'nigga' and 'nigger'. They're both awful. And it's mostly, and I say mostly, the black community's fault for tolerating such language from its youth. I'll tell you one thing -- my future son or daughter ever comes home and says nigger, or spick, or hos, as a way to tell me what's going on in their lives, I'm giving them a talking to.


I used to have a joke in my standup about how I never understood any amongst the black community referring to a fellow member as a nigger. Could you imagine a Jew walking down the street and yelling to his friend in the distance, "Hey, Penny-Pinching Heeb, how's it going?".......

....Imus is an entertainer, who has made his name pulling stunts like this. Much like Howard Stern and other shock jocks, he chose to make a shocking statement against the Rutgers women's basketball program. But the words he chose are words that other black entertainers have made a part of the daily lexicon. And the double standard is that it's okay if a black man calls another black man a nigger because they understand it. No one else can. Well sorry folks, that double standard won't fly anymore. Whites, Asians, Latinos -- we all can listen to Power 106, or buy Flavor Flav, Wutang Clan or Eminem's music. Yes, there is power to the ferocity of their lyrics, and they're artists making a statement. And they should be free to do so. But they have to understand that that statement is the reason words like nigger have made their way into the mainstream of young Americans' vocabulary. And unfortunately for racial relations, it's here to stay.

It is my belief and I stand by it, that the culture that has developed in Black neighborhoods (or ghettos or the 'hood, as they're often called) espousing the usage of negative and forbidden terminology as a means of affection is, pardon the direct phrasing here, FUCKED UP!  And they need to start admitting as much.  There is never a good way to use such a negative word as the N-word.  Never.  I don't care if you tell me I don't understand.  I know what it means.  And I know it's not a word that Blacks want in the mainstream conversation.

How are you going to explain to a 10-year old white child, consuming the music of Dr. Dre., Eminem, Tu Pac, Old Dirty Bastard that he isn't part of that audience?  Because the truth is, now he is.  He doesn't understand the historical significance of the race riots back in the 50's and 60's.  He doesn't get the usage of the N-word during slavery all the way up until Blacks got their freedom.  All he hears is rappers using it as cool lingo.  What do you tell this white child? 

So is Dr. Laura racist?  I don't know.  I just know I have the same frustrations about those who run down the street calling after their friend by calling him a N***ER, or having a friend of mine who just happens to be black include me in his group of N***ERS, but then turn right around and freak out when the word is used by a white guy.  The solution is simple - remove the word from the mainstream again, and I guarantee we won't have this issue.


Feel free to voice your comments. Is the N-word okay for use in American society, or in any society? Has the word changed from a nasty derogatory slandering of the black culture to a word that should be used as a fun, hip, modern way to say you're my brotha, homey, or friend?

A PERFECT FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT - Having all players healthy!

The most basic definition of a perfect fantasy football season is winning your league.  The most basic definition of a perfect fantasy football draft is having players that can still walk come opening day.

The NFL has been considering for some time shortening the pre-season to two games from four or five, and lengthening the season.  Considering the onslaught of injuries after the first full week of pre-season, they may have a point.  After a full week of games, here are the players of consequence already out for extended time or done for the year.


ARIZONA
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Sprained MCL - Week-to-week.

Week-to-week?  Never heard such a thing.  Ever sprain a knee ligament?  Excruciating.  Don't believe much less than 4-6.  And reinjuring it by bringing him back too soon could hurt his season exponentially.


ATLANTA
WR Michael Jenkins - Shoulder - Out until at least Week 1

Do we hear the call for Brian Finneran or Harry Douglas?


BALTIMORE
DB Dominque Foxworth - Knee - IR Out for the season
S Ed Reed - Hip - Doubtful to start the season
DB Lardarius Webb - Knee
LB Sergio Kindle - Skull Fracture - May miss the season

Defense is already a mess in the secondary.  Should give the offense that much more of a chance to be in the kind of shootouts you pray for in fantasy.  If Kindle's injury was due just to bad luck and not a night of debauchery, is anyone else worried about a top draft pick that can't walk down the stairs?


BUFFALO
RB Fred Jackson - Broken Hand - Will miss all of pre-season
RB Marshawn Lynch - Ankle Sprain - Will miss all of pre-season

Both the top two rushers for Buffalo went down on the first preseason series in the first preseason game.  Hello Mr. C.J. Spiller.  Welcome to the RB1 Slot.


CHICAGO
WR Earl Bennett - Hammy - may miss a good part of the preseason.

Devin Aromashadu is looking better every day.  In a Mike Martz offense you're no longer reaching to grab him as a viable WR2 with breakout potential.  Now you just have to measure how your league opponents view him.


CINCINNATI
WR Antonio Bryant - Knee - Out indefinitely. 
RB Brian Leonard - Foot - Out indefinitely
Of course, if I had watched Cincy signed T.O. I might have my knee swell up too.  Cincy has kept Leonard around because he's got a strong work ethic and finishes plays.  His loss means more time for Benson and Scott.


CLEVELAND
RB Montario Hardesty - Knee - Might miss the preseason
WR Mohamed Massaquoi - Hammy - Day to day.
QB Colt McCoy - Sprained thumb - Day to day
LB D'Qwell Jackson - Pectoral - timetable is 3-8 weeks.

Hardesty's knee is not getting better.  Means to keep an eye James Davis.  Harrison's had problems with health and the powers that be. 


DALLAS
WR Dez Bryant - High Ankle Sprain - 4-6 weeks
TE Martellus Bennett - Ankle - Out until Week Three of the preseason

Bryant will have an impact this year, but losing time in camp will slow his progress.  I wouldn't draft him but might try to acquire him for the last eight games of the season depending on the relative health and usefulness of the other Dallas receivers.


DENVER
RB Correll Buckhalter -- Back - Out indefinitely
RB Knowshon Moreno - Hammy - Likely out the preseason
WR Demaryius Thomas - Foot - Word is to temper expectations.
LB Elvis Dumervil - Torn Pectoral - Out until at least December

The Denver running game again is in shambles.  Considering the foot injury is a repeater for Thomas, you need to do more than temper expectations -- sit on them.  On the plus side, Tebow has the speed to be an RB and threw the ball very well.  Just saying.


GREEN BAY
CB Al Harris - Knee - Doubtful for season opener.
LB Clay Matthews - Knee - two weeks

This defense was getting good.  Losing Harris isn't something they wanted but wasn't totally unexpected considering he's 35.  Matthews they need.


HOUSTON
RB Ben Tate - Fracture Ankle - IR - out for the year.

Think Arian Foster is of value, just look where Steve Slaton is being drafted.


INDIANAPOLIS
TE Dallas Clark - Leg
C Jeff Saturday - Knee - Surgery

One thing that is nearly certain - regardless of Clark's injury he's not likely to equal last season's monster output.  However, as long as he'll make opening day he's going to be in the Top Five.  Saturday's injuries keep mounting, and as the leader of this line, this is not someone the Colts can afford to lose for significant time during the season.


JACKSONVILLE
WR Mike Sims-Walker - Shoulder - could miss the entire preseason
WR Nate Hughes - Shoulder/Torn Labrum - IR Out for the year.

Oh well, it wasn't like the Jacksonville receiving corps was highlighting your draft.  Keep an eye out for someone to emerge.


MINNESOTA
QB Brett Favre - Ankle - Who knows?
WR Sidney Rice - Hip - Likely to miss the preseason
WR Percy Harvin - Migraines - Returned to practice today
OT Steve Hutchinson - Probable to return Week 1

Nothing new with Favre.  This relationship is the most blatant case of unsportsmanlike abuse between franchise and player ever witnessed.  They're using each other to win and forget everyone else.  Rice's hip injury has lingered a little too long that it has made me dubious of him making it through the year.  Harvin returned today...let's hope it was really about losing his grandmother.  Hutchinson is still among the best linemen in the league.  Favre needs his blind side protected, even with that quick release.


NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
DE Ty Warren - Hip - IR Out for the year
WR Torry Holt - Knee - IR Out for the year
OT Nick Kaczur - Back - Might miss the entire season

The Patriots don't look at the loss of veteran tackle Kaczur lightly, and neither should you.  He was suppose to play LG this year, due to Logan Mankins holdout.  This could force the Patriots hand to get Mankins signed.  Torry Holt down, Julian Edelman's stock up!



NEW ORLEANS
RB Lynell Hamilton - Knee - IR Out for the year
DB Darren Sharper - Knee - Will miss preseason
LB Clint Ingram - Knee - Will miss preseason

The discussion about Pierre Thomas persists.  Where do you draft him?  I wouldn't be surprised to see New Orleans add someone like Brian Westbrook.  And I do think Reggie Bush will get some goal line carries and see more rushing duties.


NEW YORK GIANTS
WR Steve Smith - Groin - Will miss a few weeks
TE Kevin Boss - Hammy - Will miss a few weeks
WR/RS Domenik Hixon - Knee - IR Out for the season

Never like hearing groin and 'tweak' in the same sentence because a tweak always tries to make a bad pull or minor tear sound OK.  And the Giants lose their return specialist, fourth wideout in Hixon.


OAKLAND
QB Charlie Fry - Hand - No timetable
RB Darren McFadden - Hamstring, Day to day
WR Chaz Schilens - Foot - Limited in camp

"I guess they just want to find out some more about what's going on in there because I can't throw a football," Frye said. 

No offense Charlie, but we weren't sure you could throw a football when your hand worked.  McFadden will find himself soon losing out to Michael Bush if he doesn't get it into gear, and Schilens seems to be another Deion Branch, perennially hurt.


PHILADELPHIA
RB Mike Bell - Calf - Questionable

Surprise, surprise, Bell is injured.  If McCoy can avoid becoming Brian Westbrook Part Deux in the injury department, he should provide huge numbers.


PITTSBURGH
WR Limas Sweed - Achilles - IR Out for the season
OG Willie Colon - Achillies - IR Out for the season

Sweed's hands were really the problem, which is amazing considering he snagged everything at Texas.  The Steelers losing an offensive lineman continues to prolong the agony that has been their front five.  Maurkice Pouncey will hopefully develop quickly.



SAN FRANCISCO
WR Michael Crabtree - Neck - listed day-to-day but likely out until Week 3 of preseason.
OG Eric Heitmann - Fracture Left Leg.  Out 6-8 weeks.  Might return Week 2.

They lose Glen Coffee to the Lord and now an interior lineman, and Michael Crabtree is struggling.  Singletary certainly has his work cut out for him.  While writing this, Brian Westbrook lands with the 49ers. Oh well, Anthony Dixon, life was good for a few days eh?


TENNESSEE
WR Stafan Johnson - Ankle - IR Out for the season
DB Cortland Finnegan - Groin - Out for a few preseason games

Stafan Johnson can't get a break....well he did get a break, in his ankle.  Unfortunately, he'll miss the season.  Tennessee needs Finnegan as he can be a shutdown corner when he's healthy.


WASHINGTON
WR Malcolm Kelly - Hammy - Day to day
OT Mike Williams - Blood Clots - Out for the season

Keep an eye on Devin Thomas.  McNabb's still has the ability to hurl the rock and someone has to step up opposite the streaky Santana Moss.


The injury onslaught has been ridiculous, particularly at the RB position.  Seeing as how these guys are training all year round now, I'm beginning to pose the question, how much training is too much?  Sure, the game has gotten bigger and faster, but the guys skipping training camp, Brett Favre, seem to do much better.  More to come on this in the future. 

In the meantime, follow the advice Scott Engel and I preached -- wait as long as you can for your draft.  The team you save may be your own.

LEBRON JAMES = HUMILITY?

Yesterday I found myself in a very interesting discussion with a friend about whether or not LeBron James qualified as being humble.  My friend's contention is that James is simply doing what's best for James, and it doesn't even involve money so much as it does winning.  So who can blame him?  Also, his hour-long special on ESPN to announce the fact saw all the proceeds going to charity.  Isn't that the sign of humility?

Let's just say I had some choice words for my friend's opinion.  By no means can LeBron James and the word humble be mentioned in the same sentence.  An hour-long special spent announcing your intentions (which adds up to nothing but more speculation of the 2011 season), even if it were to cure world hunger, does not qualify for having humility. 

It's clear humility may be something of days past. However, it dawned on me that it could be perhaps  because no one understands what it is anymore, or more importantly, its value.

(image courtesy of Getty Images)

My friend argued that this was a brilliant marketing tactic, that any of us would do the same thing to expand our brand even further.  That's all well and good, and is very true for most people, particularly when the appropriate dollar signs are used to entice.  But again, this points to the fact that perhaps my friend misunderstands humility.

We live in an age where we are bombarded with the din of true and faux celebrities alike, all trying to garner our attention so that we recognize their supposed importance in the world.  These appearances are all trained on the audience's eye so that we, the reality tv-star, the runway model, the bad-boy chop shop owner, the ice trucker, and even me the blogger, all can grab our piece of the pie, which we suppose will somehow gain us fame, even more fortune, and perhaps yes, respect.  But really in the end this amounts to one key component of life few of us want to acknowledge:

We don't want to be forgotten.

Being the guy picked last in kickball, or the gal not invited to the Birthday party, or the graduate not being included on the reunion invitation list -- are there any feelings worse than being skipped or worse, completely overlooked?

In today's world, to not be forgotten means you need to scream at the top of your lungs from the highest mountain so that you can be heard above all the fray.  You have to hustle and yell and push and jostle just to amount to a blip on the world's radar.

Sadly, it is not the loudest who are oft remembered.  It is the quiet.

Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Larry Bird, James Worthy, Kevin McHale, Dick Butkus, Larry Csonka, Roger Staubach, Lou Brock, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays......

These names are revered and opined on repeatedly not because they spoke the loudest; not because they needed a reality tv show, and not because they picked up sponsorships.  They're remembered for their achievements, and more importantly, how they handled those achievements.

Case in point:  will Barry Bonds be remembered now as the Home Run King or will he be remembered as a steroid user who got caught?  How many of us are ready to appoint him the greatest hitter of all time?  I would conjecture that few of us will now, if ever.

LeBron James' one-hour special, whether for fundraising purposes or not, may have been well-intentioned.  But more likely the 'charity' thing was used as a tactic so that we wouldn't think less of him.  Don't be fooled by the fact that it doesn't take away from the fact it was a ONE-HOUR special!

My friend said to blame ESPN or the media for pushing for this -- that without them pushing there'd be no special.  Well sure you can do that, but plain and simple, if LeBron says no, there's no special.  Does anyone think in a million years Sandy Koufax would have done something like this?  Or Jackie Robinson?

If LeBron wanted to be humble and charitable at the same time, why not simply donate a chunk of your huge salary to charity annonymously and simply make your announcement as you have to: with the team at a small press conference, rather than to a world audience for an hour?  Because it wouldn't have been about LeBron then, that's why.

Because LeBron, much like Kobe, Iverson, Shaq, and a majority of professional atheletes aren't humble.  Humility doesn't compute with these guys, where they come from and in the world they're in now.  And even though LeBron will be as the others, screaming at the top of his lungs so he can be king for the day, if he fails to win championships his star will diminish in time and even be forgotten should his successor appear in the near future. 

Humility is a true test of a person's character as I understand it.  It is the complete acceptance of who you are and the ability to know what you do speaks in a volume far beyond what your vocal chords can acheive.  At the same time it allows respect and dignity to be kept by your fellow men and women who need not feel jealous or inferior because of your extra abilities and blessings.  This is why we rarely make statues to people who are still alive.  Humility precludes it.

Whether LeBron James is a good person or has good character, only time will tell.  But he certainly lacks plenty in the realm of humility.

What's In A Loss?

I didn't know Steven Lazarov particularly well, so it's odd to say I was a blood relative of his.  He was my mom's first cousin, the son of my grandfather's brother.  Our age differences precluded a more personal relationship at a young age, even though our visits to Memphis, Tennessee always included visits to Great Aunt Rozelle's and Great Uncle Sidney's for a day of swimming, good food and fun.  Steven was rarely there for those gatherings as he was 16 years my senior, so I got to know his younger sister Cheryl a little bit and hardly knew Jan and Ronald until recently.  I'm embarrassed to say that my initial note of condolence did not include Jan -- that's how distant we've become. 

So how did I know Steven Lazarov?  I knew that when our family needed him most, after the deaths of my grandmother and grandfather, he was there.  This is when I got to know him.  He didn't always seem to know what to say to make us feel better, but his presence was enough.  He felt for us and for our entire family's loss.  And he came multiple days to sit shiva with us and made it clear that family for him was of the utmost importance.

I know that in the last 10 years or so Steven's health was a constant battle, such that he had and survived a heart transplant.  It was no easy task, yet he fought through the recovery and got back on his feet again.  During that time, he took an even greater interest in his family, and began circulating an email meant to bring together our expansive family of distant uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews into a group again.  The Lazarov family was quite a prominent and large family in Memphis, and since the loss of the the original nine brothers and sisters, the kids have, well, let's just say time, many disparate interests, and an international economy does a number in spreading family all over the globe.  Steven worked diligently to put this email out monthly, letting us know of family simchas and goings on, and sadly, informing us with the not so easy news that someone was in the hospital, ill or had passed on.

At the same time, as I understand it, he had recovered his own life, and took to traveling as much as he could.  He had a lovely girlfriend, Jo Ann, who I had a chance to meet only once on their visit to Ojai.  He wasn't loud or showy, but a soft-spoken kind man who seemed to place family as a very high priority in a way few of us do these days.

His loss to our family will be felt by all, if for no other reason than he was our connector.  He was the link in an extensive chain that kept the Lazarov family together (and there are many branches of families from the Lazarovs - the Notowich's, Abraham's, and so many more.  He brought us all a little closer to relatives, some of which we didn't even know we had, and some whom we have still never seen in person.  Yet, we're connected because of his desire to make it so.

It is ironic in some ways that a person you knew sporadically, rarely had day-to-day thoughts of, can immediately impact your life the moment they are not there.  Steven may not have been present in my daily happenings, but now the question of who will take charge of keeping our family together becomes a big one indeed.  The truth is all people are connected, whether they want to acknowledge it or not.  We all affect each other, and Steven's loss will affect me and many others besides his immediate family.  I will miss him. 

To Jan, Cheryl, Ronald and of course Great Aunt Rozelle, my condolences.  I wish I could be there as Steve was for us, to stand with you during this difficult time.  My apologies that I can't be there physically, but know that I am thinking of you right now and with you in spirit.

Donovan saves Dempsey from being goat extraordinaire

Shot after shot.  Opportunity after opportunity.  Clint Dempsey must have felt like he had a lead boot on his striking foot.  After his goal was disallowed in the 21st minute due to a controversial offsides call, which in itself would have Dempsey draw the ire of fans if he had actually been offsides (it was close) -- Dempsey had golden opportunities in the 42nd minute, in the 57th minute twice, and in the 90+1 minute.  All of his shots either missed goals by mere centimeters and were saved, and his opportunity in stoppage time, deflected by Algerian goalie Rais M'Bolhi, ended up on the right boot of Landon Donovan for the factoring tally.

Dempsey found space many times, and for some reason the U.S.'s only other player to score goals in two separate World Cup appearances could not deliver.  His touch shot that struck the right post in minute 57 followed by his firing his own rebound wide and high of an open net had announcer Ian Darke proclaim the moment as sheer agony.  And for Dempsey it had to have been, for the 27 year-old mid-fielder knows that in the upcoming elimination rounds, bones like that have to be buried if the U.S. is going to move deeper.

Perhaps the match's unsung hero was replacement Benny Feilhaber, who entered the game at halftime, replacing Hercules Gomez, and immediately made his impact felt.  Besides distributing the ball well, Feilhaber created his own opportunity down the right wing with move in on goal, only to have his shot deflect of M'Bolhi's left leg as the Algerian goalkeeper dove to stop what he anticipated was a cross. 

Rest assured, Landon Donovan is not only the hero of this country today, but of Clint Dempsey as well.  For as many great games as Dempsey has had for the U.S., had this one ended up as it seemed destined to, in a draw, this was probably one he'd want to forget.

THE USA IS HOSED --- BY A SOCCER REF!

In a sport that for many Americans is simply superfluous, the United States took hold of the door and opened it to a new destiny for the first time, only to find out that destiny has a doorman and his name is Koman Coulibaly.

With less that four minutes remaining, a free kick garnered by Josi Altidore's sprint forward was translated by Landon Donovon into a brilliant scoring chance that Maurice Edu didn't miss.  His one-timer zipped past Samir Handanovic for the second time in less than ten minutes, shocking the world.  Set plays, the difference maker in many World Cup challenges, has always been one, among many of past U.S. teams' weaknesses.  But Donovan proved that he can provide dazzling re-starts, the kind of which European and South American players claim their deserved reputations.  And today's match against Slovenia calmed all criticism in that regard, with Donovan placing opportunity after opportunity in front of his U.S. cohorts.

Coulibaly's call, now being labeled as an offsides whistle, could hold water if it weren't for the fact that the offending player, Michael Bradley was being marked by his defender with what can only be called the 'bear-hug' technique.  It's a lesser known tactic, one of which usually draws the referee's ire and results in a penalty kick when it takes place in the penalty box.  Thus, if anything, the worst the U.S. should have received was that.  The fact that the ball went over Bradley and laid onto the awaiting foot of Edu, who promptly planted it into the net is simply adding insult to injury.

The U.S.'s door to destiny still isn't closed yet though.  With two points, and the chance to defeat Algeria Wednesday, the U.S. could still advance with five points in their Group.  Let's hope those same Algerians put England to the test today.

LAKERS TAKE GAME 7....IMPROBABLY

It was ironic, perhaps in a way it had to be in order for anyone to believe it. The Hollywood kids, raised in sun, the pomp, and the flash of show business' back yard, accused of being all style, but not much else, out-muscled and simply overtook the Beantown, street-toughened, injury-ridden Boston Celtics team and prevailed. Boasting a player known as the greatest closer in NBA history, Kobe Bryant played hero basketball most of Game 7, and came up short.

Instead the other Lakers rescued him and themselves, to get their 16th title, finally defeating the Boston Celtics in a Game 7. It was Lamar Odom, playing an inspired third quarter, driving to the hoop for a contested layup, ripping down offensive boards. Then in the fourth quarter, it was the old standby, Derek Fisher, knocking down a heart-crushing 3-pointer. It was Ron Artest again, hitting a crucial three-point shot from 26 feet away when Kobe Bryant couldn't find daylight.

But of all people, it was the oft-maligned Pau Gasol, the soft one, drawing fouls and sinking a semi-blocked shot that mightier men would have lost into the crowd when it mattered most. Gasol's move on Rashid Wallace to the hoop was inspired, garnering him an advantage in position as he had done all night with his seven foot frame. But help arrived in the form of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, who swiped and connected with the ball as Pau leapt to the rim. But the "soft" Gasol, forced his arms forward as he descended, and perhaps a microsecond before his feet touched the ground, he willed the ball in. The Lakers were suddenly up by six with just 90 seconds remaining on the clock.

Bryant shot and shot, but could not shoot the Lakers into contention. His 6-of-24 night and 0-of-6 three point shooting would have made him a goat if not for the fact that he's a shooting wunderkind; the kind of player who can singlehandedly keep his team afloat, as he proved in Game 5.

There was no doubt the Lakers could win a game where they controlled the tempo. The question posed by everyone was could the Lakers win a game where the physical stylings of the Celtics was at play. And it was a stifling Lakers' defense, one that had been notably absent in several games, that made every Celtic shot a contested one, while the Celtics found themselves struggling to keep the Lakers off the free throw line.

In the end, it may have been the loss of Kendrick Perkins that altered destiny for the Lakers. One of the true big men at 6-10, 280, the large-bodied Perkins' absence cannot be overlooked, as his six rebounds per game average may have figured in a game where the Celtics were outrebounded 53-40. In the last Celtics win, Perkins added seven total rebounds, four on the offensive side of the floor.

Kobe Bryant may have been named the MVP of the series, but he wasn't the MVP when it mattered most. It was the supposedly soft Lakers team, one that finally put to rest any doubts about whether they could close out their franchise-long nemesis, the Boston Celtics.