Road Trip and Kobe Suspension

Okay first of all I'll adress the bogus Kobe suspension. Anyone who has watched NBA basketball for more than a month knows elbows get thrown, arms go out, people get clipped. That is part of the game and it happens. Manu acknowledged that, as did Popovich, yet the NBA felt the need to suspend him. Make any sense? No. It didn't even deserve a fine. If you watch three NBA game tonight, I guarantee you see an elbow similar to that of Kobe's catch someone, but they won't even get a slap on the wrist. The NBA did it to send a message, but what message are they sending? That you shouldn't play hard and be aggressive? There have been players how got in fights and thrown punches and pushed people who have gotten a game, but a normal elbow in the heat of the game earns Kobe the same. It's a joke.

Now onto this road trip that is two games in. Both the Lakers and Clippers have been forced to vacate Staples for the Grammy's so as the Clips take to the road for their soon to be 7 game losing streak, the Lakers embark on an 8 game roadie of their own. After losing to the Knicks at MSG without Kobe, the Lakers took the second game of the trip versus the Celtics. Kobe played extremely well, no doubt angered by the suspension, scoring 43 with 8 points and 8 assists to boot. Smush came out of the gate quick, scoring 10 first quarter points for the second straight game, putting an exclamation point on his quarter by finishing an Odom pass with a ferocious dunk. Ronny Turiaf (the player who has the most fun in the entire league) was a monster on the boards, bringing in 10 boards. Overall, the Lakers played a solid game, winning the 2nd of a back to back. But the road trip continues...

Now the Lakers get a night off, only to take on Indiana and Washington tomorrow and Saturday. Taking a split of those two would be a good, btut hey are no doubt capable of taking both. The question that will determine their success...well it's the same as it's been all year. Can they play defense?