I really expected to be here, even with all the questions at the beginning of the season – Lakers Guard Derek Fisher
Hardly a year ago to the day, the Lakers organization seemed on the verge of inevitability. Still smarting from a bitter divorce with aging superstar Shaquille O’Neal — with its current superstar guard disgruntled and wanting out for greener pastures — GM Mitch Kupchak was living every GM’s worst nightmare. With his organization on the verge of collapse, Kupchak was in his darkest hour, perhaps questioning his leadership, as well as his worth to a franchise that has meant everything to him since his championship days as a Lakers player.
What a difference a season makes!
With the realization that there is still one more goal to attain, the Lakers celebrated the Western Conference championship before their most loyal fans Thursday night, while keeping an eye on the biggest prize of all: The O’Brien Trophy. Still, the Lakers to a man seemed overjoyed, if not relieved to be back on the game’s grandest stage for the first time since 2004.
Antonio McDyess was the star of the show, leading the Pistons with 21 points and 16 rebounds on 8 of 14 shooting. It was easily the 33-year-old McDyess’ best playoff performance in more than a decade. “You only have so many opportunities, and they’re limited, especially for me,” McDyess said. “I’m at the end of my career, and I just feel like leaving everything out on the floor.”