Lakers-Magic: Orlando Has No Shot at the Championship In 2009

Wait 'til next year, wait 'til next year....

Rashard played the best game of his NBA career last night, and still no win.

Kobe played a subpar game and Orlando still loses the game—but can you believe that our expectations of Kobe are so high that a 29-point, eight-assist game is considered subpar? 

I am still trying to wrap my thoughts around that as I type this out.

Orlando will lose this series because the Lakers have the best closer in basketball. They cannot beat them in a half court game, they cannot beat them in their own game (shooting threes). 

Moving forward, here are some suggestions for next year. 

The Magic should trade Mickael Pietrus and Courtney Lee for Houston's Ron Artest under a sign-and-trade scenario.  They need a stronger two guard to contend with the LeBron James, Kobe Bryants, and—dare I say it—the Paul Pierces of the league. 

This will at least make them marginally better than all the other teams out East. Kobe still will give them headaches, but at least they will have an opportunity to win. 

The Magic's coaching staff may need to be changed as well.  Stan is a great motivator, but I think they may need Jeff to take them over the hump.

Allen Iverson at the two could work as well, as he can make anyone work on the defensive end of the court.  He plays all-out, and provides as much defense as they are receiving from the the two-guard position now. 

Maybe they could sign him for the mid-level exception.  He could be a possible cancer on the team, but he is a viable option as well.