Tough Week
By this Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers will find out just how hard the Western Conference Playoffs will be.
If you're wondering if this latest burst by the Los Angeles Lakers is the sign everyone's been waiting for to show that they've turned "it" on, just wait until the end of the week.
In what possibly could be one of the most difficult weeks in franchise history, the Lakers will have their mettle tested in such a manner that it could make or break their season.
They have already passed the first test, beating the Midwest Division-leading Dallas Mavericks 105-103. In that game it was Robert Horry once again playing "Superman," as he did in last year's Finals, hitting clutch three-pointers, blocking four shots, and finishing with 19 points.
Also of note in that game was that the Lakers had five players score in double-figures. Kobe Bryant finished one rebound short of a "triple-double".
That kind of team effort will be needed this coming week as they face the Mavericks again on Tuesday -- this time in Dallas -- and then take on the 45-21 San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. After that, they travel back home to take on the surprising Detroit Pistons, who presently lead the Central Division.
The topper of the week, though, comes on Sunday when they travel to Arco Arena to take on the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers and Kings are tied for first place in the Western Conference.
The combined record of the LakersĀ' opponents during this week is 175-86 -- a .670 winning percentage. Easily the hardest stretch they've faced all year.
The Lakers began the year on a 16-1 tear, and had most people wondering if they could eclipse the 72-win season record set by the Chicago Bulls. Then came a stretch of mediocrity and losses to last place teams that stymied even the most educated observer.
But here they are on a five-game winning streak, winners of 12 of their last 14 and poised to snatch the No. 1 seed from the hands of the Kings, where it has been for most of the season.
If the Lakers survive this week and find a way to beat the Kings in Sacramento, they'll have the momentum and the confidence they need heading into the final month of the season.
And if the Kings and Lakers stay neck-and-neck, circle Wednesday April 17. That's the season finale, when the Kings come to L.A.
In what possibly could be one of the most difficult weeks in franchise history, the Lakers will have their mettle tested in such a manner that it could make or break their season.
They have already passed the first test, beating the Midwest Division-leading Dallas Mavericks 105-103. In that game it was Robert Horry once again playing "Superman," as he did in last year's Finals, hitting clutch three-pointers, blocking four shots, and finishing with 19 points.
Also of note in that game was that the Lakers had five players score in double-figures. Kobe Bryant finished one rebound short of a "triple-double".
That kind of team effort will be needed this coming week as they face the Mavericks again on Tuesday -- this time in Dallas -- and then take on the 45-21 San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. After that, they travel back home to take on the surprising Detroit Pistons, who presently lead the Central Division.
The topper of the week, though, comes on Sunday when they travel to Arco Arena to take on the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers and Kings are tied for first place in the Western Conference.
The combined record of the LakersĀ' opponents during this week is 175-86 -- a .670 winning percentage. Easily the hardest stretch they've faced all year.
The Lakers began the year on a 16-1 tear, and had most people wondering if they could eclipse the 72-win season record set by the Chicago Bulls. Then came a stretch of mediocrity and losses to last place teams that stymied even the most educated observer.
But here they are on a five-game winning streak, winners of 12 of their last 14 and poised to snatch the No. 1 seed from the hands of the Kings, where it has been for most of the season.
If the Lakers survive this week and find a way to beat the Kings in Sacramento, they'll have the momentum and the confidence they need heading into the final month of the season.
And if the Kings and Lakers stay neck-and-neck, circle Wednesday April 17. That's the season finale, when the Kings come to L.A.
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