Kobe Bryant Brings Los Angeles One Step From Greatness: WCF Spurs-Lakers Game 5

With a new impetus to get younger and more athletic, the Spurs will likely jettison two of their three free agents. Robert Horry is washed up and won’t be awarded a new contract. Michael Finley can still hit clutch jumpers going left, but his legs are too shot for him to do anything else.

Kurt Thomas, though, can still bang on defense, attack the boards, and hit a lion’s share of his mid-range jumpers. Plus, he still has the legs to hang with Lamar Odom on the perimeter. It makes perfect sense for Thomas to remain on the Spurs next year.

But for now, the Spurs will have to resort to being an “every-other-year” dynasty.

For the Lakers, they’re the ones with the chance to enter the history books. Since the Pistons and Celtics are both faster and more athletic than the Spurs and the Jazz, the Lakers will be tested in new and different ways come the Finals.

But that is to be expected. How the Lakers handle this final, ultimate test will be the proof of their validity.

That isn’t a cause for concern, but for a team with the talent and the resolve of Los Angeles, a cause for excitement.

From this basketball aficionado to all the others, viva la playoffs!

And bring on the Finals!

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