7 years in the making

This post has been 7 years in the making, ever since that 3-peat from 2000-2002, being a Lakers fan has been a roller coaster ride at best.

Dear Kobe,

You're an awesome player, probably the most complete player in the game offensively and defensively. You proved the doubters wrong, those critics, those haters, they just wouldn't drop it. Just like you said, it was like chinese water toture. Going back to 2008, when the green confetti fell from the ceiling at staples centre in game 6, I thought it was the end. Those Celtics were a team to be dealt with for years to come, and although injury to KG hindered the Celtics this year, this is a year for the Laker fans.

Let's go back to 04, the year with GP, Mailman and Shaq. That was supposed to be the year, but then there was the rape case. And let's face it, you effed up, big time. Laker fans stood by you while everyone in opposing stadiums were booing and taunting and calling you a rapist. But that was alright, cos you were Kobe, and you never let it affect your game. Slowly, you regained your fan base outside of Los Angeles.

Fast forward to summer of 07, and you demanded to be traded. That was the breaking point for a lot of your fans, we stuck through your crap, and now you want to leave. Opening night that season, you were booed by your own crowd at Staples Centre ... but we didn't mean it, we just wanted to send you a message.

June 2009, NBA Finals, averages of 32pts, 5rebs, 7 asts per game. Undisputedly, a dominating performance in the finals. Like Lamar Odom said "If Kobe wanted to be the best point guard in the world, he can". The only real blemish on this title was the fact that Dr Jerry Buss sent his son (Joey, I think?) to accept the trophy from commisioner David Stern, and he sounded like an ass (no offense). People have often criticised you for being guarded, tense, and even fake. But in that interview with Stuart Scott, the fans finally got to see the real you, and I'm sure the burden of winning a championship without Shaq has been lifted. And finally, to see the jam packed crowd at the Colisseum (click here for video) for the Laker's victory party was a sight I thought I wouldn't see for a long time.

Thanks for giving an old fan fresh hope.

It's great to hear the Lakers are still hungry for more championships.

p.s. looks like Bill Walton leaked some old family photos. Somewhere in the midst of his partying, Luke Walton is blushing.

Side note to Phil Jackson, you are a God among men, some say you're the reincarnation of Buddha ... I'm starting to believe that's true.

And finally to all those Orlando, Cavaliers, Detroit, Celtics, Nuggets, Rockets, Jazz, Mavericks, Bulls, Hornets fans out there ...