Lakers die-nasty

Bryon Russell, a rarely-played but experienced veteran, entered the game... and was dunked on by B-B-B-B-Ben Wallace.

Slava Medvedenko scored eight points in the first half, which was more than the Diesel's output.

Gary Payton missed a shot that Al Michaels noted was the Glove's patented shot... years ago.

Phil Jackson came into the series one championship away from becoming the only coach in NBA history to win 10 titles, but Larry Brown wanted his first ring more.

Kobe Byrant attacked the basket, started fastbreak opportunities, found his teammates and bricked two-third of his shots in what may have been his last game as a Laker.

Derek Fisher hit three-point buckets, when the Lakers were trailing by as many as twenty-eight points in the fourth quarter.

Rick Fox... well, he still has Vanessa.

With all the success and turmoil the Lakers had endured throughout the season, many were saying it was a Hollywood script season. Nobody told L.A. there was an anti-hero waiting at the climax.

The Detroit Pistons devastated the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night 100-87, winning the NBA Finals 4-1. The game was far more lopsided than the score indicates. The only things that didn't happen for the Pistons was seat-warmer Darko Milicic scoring a point and FanMan descending from the rafters.

The terrible, pathetic defeat aside, the most painful moments for L.A. came after the game:

Jackson regarding the Lakers off-season: "I think they're gonna be fine." Later he admitted that returning to coach Los Angeles another season is "...a pretty slim chance."

The consummate professional Fisher, who represented the dynasty as much as anybody (okay, maybe not Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe) and was immortalized in Los Angeles lore in two blinks of an eye, was asked after the game if he was coming back next season as a Laker. Fighting back tears, Fisher could only muster "I don't know."

Shaq, despite a subpar performance on the court, was his usual brash self during the post-game press conference. He commented on his future: "Whatever happens, happens." He opined on the unpredictable offseason: "Everyone is going to take care of their own business."

Karl Malone, perhaps ending his career in street clothes and without a championship, stated, "I want to take time to think things through."

Kobe was asked if he still intended to opt out of his contract in the off-season and become a free agent. His answer was an assertive "Yes."

The dynasty is done. The 2004 Lakers offseason has emerged as perhaps the most important ever. The entire dynamic of the league can be altered by one of two individuals.

Despite all the hoopla, Kobe Bryant is not Michael Jordan. Not yet anyway. Kobe has no scoring titles, no MVPs, no Finals MVPs. He hasn't transcended the game.

As blasphemous as it sounds, I believe that Kobe could be the greatest player of all-time when all is said and done, but he needs his own team. He needs to part ways from Shaq and prove he can lead a team by himself. Phoenix, San Antonio, New York (don't ask how Isiah Thomas will try to pull it off) are salivating at the chance to snap away the NBA's best player from purple and gold.

Although the Lakers can offer more money and years than any other team, Kobe has demonstrated lately that material things are not at the forefront in his life. Taking his wife out to award shows, cradling his baby during a post-game interview, Kobe has focused on his family in light of the sexual assault trial that looms closer. I doubt the Bryants would want to uproot from their Orange County residence (I mean, the O... Orange County is perfect right?). At the end of the day, I'm guessing (and when it comes to Kobe, aren't we all guessing?) Kobe will be in a Clippers uniform next season.

Malone. His return or retirement will be determined by a MRI scan later this week. A few millimeters of torn ligament may end one of the greatest careers in history on a sour note for the former Jazz.

Finally, perhaps the most influential piece of the Lakers dynasty, Jackson will probably not return next season, leaving the team in need of coach that will command high-maintenance players and execute X's and O's. Maybe Rudy Tomjanovich? Maybe George Karl? Maybe not.

I thought the NBA Finals were exciting. If you watched Game 5, I think you would have to concur. However, this was one championship.

This offseason will dictate which teams will be partying in the Finals for years to come, and it appears L.A. won't receive an invitation.