February

When it rains, it pours. Riddled with injuries, most notably to prodigal center Andrew Bynum - scheduled to miss another six weeks of action with a knee injury - the Lakers' are preparing for a grueling nine game road tour of the Eastern Conference.

The Lake Show will miss slashing small forward Trevor Ariza, 6'10 sharpshooter Vladamir Radmonovic, and back-up center Chris Mihm on this trip. And to make matters worse, Team Captain Kobe Bryant went down twice in their most recent contest against the Dallas Mavericks. While the injuries ended up being minor, they are yet another sign that this team is hurting depth-wise. Ariza, out with a broken foot, will not be available to spell Bryant for another seven weeks.

But will the roadie really be that bad? I'm here to tell you that it won't. And this is why. As has been noted before in this very blog, this young team's chemistry is unwavering. And nothing bonds a team more than a road trip.

"They've lost three of their last four!" you say. "Kobe is going to tire himself out carrying the load."

That's true. But, take note...this team hasn't been blown out. They don't roll over. In fact, with the exception of the Phoenix game, the Lakers actually had control of the game for three of the four quarters. They shot 56% from the field in big D and lost! They lose control in the third quarter where they have been outscored 66-31 in their last two contests.

Controlling the third quarter is the mantra this team must embrace on this long, cold, ruthless road trip. If they can, a .500 record is not out of the question.

Kobe Bryant Vintage Apparel