It Was a Good Day

Check the Power Rankings from analysts like Hollinger. Listen to former players like Mark Jackson and Bill Walton. Read editorials from journalists at ESPN, Yahoo!, and RealGM. They’ll all say virtually the same thing – these Lakers just might be for real.

When the final second ticked off the clock and capped the first Christmas win for the franchise in a handful of years, one thing was certain; the Suns, once the kryptonite to any Laker success, might now be just another team in the way of inevitable progression towards the ultimate goal. With every alley-oop to Bynum, smooth pass from a penetrating Kobe, or wet jumper from Fisher, two years of painful memories seemed to vanish in one gift filled night. The burn from the Sun is no more.

Ice Cube being in attendance during the Christmas day game was very symbolic. The rapper, who’s most notable song was titled “It Was a Good Day”, was there to witness one of the better days in current Laker history. Andrew Bynum, the future of the franchise, made his name known to the every man with a flurry of thunderous dunks, tenacious blocks, and soaring rebounds. The rest of the league took notice as well. More than ever, the decision to hold onto the prized asset seems like the best move this franchise has made since the re-signing of the legendary former Ocho. To any true Laker fan, it was a good day.

While the standings may not show a team that is thoroughly dominating the competition, the stats may. The Lakers are an impressive 12-5 against the West while having to deal with the fifth hardest schedule in the league thus far. Wins against dominant teams like the Pistons, Warriors, and the aforementioned Suns have solidified a team on the rise. Late January into early February brings a tough schedule with road games galore; 12 of 13 are away from the Staples center. It’s here when we find out just how for real this team truly is. Until then, a favorable line-up of teams, and the return of Kwame Brown will allow one of the hottest teams in the NBA to build up a record and make a push towards one of the higher seeds in the toughest conference in the NBA.