KOBE SHOWS COURT IS IN SESSION

GAME 1 Los Angeles 

     100         75

Kobe made no bones in Game 1 wth his "opening statement" of 40 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Lakers dominated the 2nd and 3rd quarters and then never looked back. Kobe Bryant was "sick" in parts of this game as he was not to be denied at times. Yes even with Orlando playing good defense and contesting his shots, Bryant delivered. He was over, under and around the rim all night.

LA's Lamar Odom was also a key figure in this victory as he chipped in 11 pts and was active on the glass with 14 boards. Pau Gasol also had a nice night with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Andrew Bynum added 9 rebounds to the tally.

Here in lies part of the problem for Orlando, who were out rebounded 55 to 41 on the night. Dwight Howard did his part with 15 rebounds. The bigger problem however was the Magic who rely on a perimeter game for the bulk of their offense only shot 23 for 77 from the field. They were 8 of 23 from 3 point land but that was not enough. Poor foul shooting also.

The Lakers were only 3 of 9 from beyond the arc but shot 41 for 89 in field goal range. Also shot 83% from the foul line.

Jameer Nelson's long awaited return yielded 23 minutes and 6 points. Hard to determine what mental uplift it had. Especially since the Magic disappeared in the 2nd quarter.

The Lakers were very active defensively which is sometimes a bugger for them. Orlando who is prone to mental lapses seemed lost at times.

Game 2 Orlando better come out guns a blazin', win or lose, or these Finals are going to be short. I did not foresee the Lakers out muscling Orlando but they did.