As the Los Angeles Lakers v Oklahoma City Thunder series continues, the Lakers will continually be reminded of the ‘inevitability of change’ in sports.
Eventually, Kobe Bryant will be too old, or the cast too weak, to beat the young, energetic Thunder. Will it be this season? With the Lakers down 0-1 behind a resounding 119-90 win by the Thunder, it is very possible.
Bryant will also be reminded of change in another way. For the first time in his career Bryant is facing his old running mate Derek Fisher, with whom he won 5 NBA Championships, in the playoffs.
Fisher and Bryant played together for most of 13 years, much longer than most marriages in Los Angeles.
On his own, Derek Fisher cemented his reputation as a solid contributor to good basketball teams. Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Derek Fisher helped lead the Utah Jazz to the 2006-2007 Western Conference Finals, where they were dismissed by the San Antonio Spurs in 5.
Fisher’s Heroics with the Jazz:
Of course, neither Fisher, nor Bryant has ever won a championship without the other. And one of those dreams will end this series, at least for the season.
The Thunder made quick work of the defending Champion Dallas Mavericks sweeping them in 4, although the games were hard-fought. And, the Lakers struggles against the Denver Nuggets were evidenced by having to play a game 7.
In the Los Angeles Lakers’ last series against the Nuggets, their new additions Ramon Sessions, who scored about 10 ppg, and Jordan Hill, who had two double-doubles in the first round series, played essential roles. Sessions has quickness, and is quick to learn from his mistakes. And, Hill is doing his best Lamar Odom impression. But, will they be able to produce such efforts on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder?
In game one against the Thunder they both struggled, so only time will tell.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
