Lakers 111, Jazz 96 (Lakers win series 4-0)

This series was over before it started, and none of us really even knew it.

After their opening series shocker (yes, shocker) versus Oklahoma City, the Lakers have flicked the switch and turned it on. Question is, will Phil Jackson allow them to turn it off?

In Game 4 in Salt Lake City, the Lakers came out on a mission. They were not planning to play another game in this series and the Jazz probably didn’t expect such a push by LA. The Lakers never lost focus though, as they jumped out to a 17-point halftime lead. Kobe Bryant dropped 32 points, but Pau Gasol led the charge with 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, continuing their dominating edge in the paint in the series. I really felt in each of these games that they Jazz played very, very well, but the Lakers are just better. It’s as simple as that!

In recent years, despite have two or three or even four very good players, I always felt the Jazz were overachieving. They were usually one of the best in the Western Conference, but they never really had a shot at winning the West, let alone a championship. Well now they are at a crossroads. They have a bunch of young talent, but their biggest big man is going to be a free agent. Carlos Boozer will test the waters this offseason and he could very well be out of Utah. I get the feeling that he can’t be trusted either, due to him jilting the Cavs a few years back to go play for the Jazz. However, they do have a really good coach in Jerry Sloan, so I’m sure they’ll find a way to hang around.

As for LA, they are now going to prep for their Western Conference Finals series with the Phoenix Suns. These teams do not like each other (as do many of the teams in the NBA feel against the Lakers) so anything is possible. I would have to think the Lakers are favored as the preseason favorites, top seed in the West, and reigning champs. However, the Suns are on a mission, and they know this could be the end of their window of opportunity with key players possibly on their way out.

This series should be incredible – Game 1 is Monday night in Los Angeles.

-Shooter