The games are 48 minutes, and just because a basket does or doesn’t go in the basket in the last second doesn’t mean the team who won only won because the other team choked, because there is another 47 minutes 59 seconds that were also played, and the Lakers outplayed them in most of those minutes.

In games 2, 4 and 5, the Magic were HORRIBLE at the free throw line the entire game. In game 3, the Magic shot the best field percentage EVER in the finals and only won by 4. So, to say the Magic blew it is a disservice to the Lakers and their great play. Whenever they fell behind, they dug their way out of it. THAT is the mark of a great team, one who doesn’t panic when they are down.

As far as next year, I predict a few things will happen. They will re-sign Odom and Ariza. They will do this by Kobe opting out of his contract, and renegotiating a new deal taking LESS money to accommodate their salaries under or close to the cap. He will do this because he now realizes he can’t win without the right team around him, and he is more mature now to make that decision. As far as guards, Fisher will continue to start while Farmar learns more, and he will eventually become the starter, with Fisher coming off the bench. As far as Jackson, he might decide to end on a high note and ride off into the sunset, although I don’t think its in his nature. He’ll want to win again. If he does go, the Lakers will hire Jeff Van Gundy to replace him as an ultimate slap in the face to his brother Stan :).