This year’s Los Angeles Lakers team is on a mission to get back to the NBA Finals, after they were beaten handily by the Boston Celtics last June.  With a strong attitude towards winning and getting back to the Finals, the Lakers have reeled off 7 straight wins, including a tough match-up against the Western Conference’s other (potential) powerhouse, the New Orleans Hornets.

Kobe Bryant is again the star for the Lakers, but he’s got a lot of help this year.  Even after cementing his legacy with his 1st MVP trophy last year, Kobe has a lot to prove – he wants a ring w/out Shaquille Oneal.  His on-court attitude has changed dramatically since the beginning of last year and he continues to entrust his teammates and deliver for his team when it is needed.

The Lakers’ supporting cast includes no less than 3 potential All-Stars in Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.  Ok, so Odom won’t be an All-Star off the bench, but he could start for an Eastern Conference team and easily make it to the game in PHX this year.

LA’s big frontline is complimented by Jordan Farmer, Derek Fisher and Trevor Ariza.

The Detroit Pistons are hoping that the recent trade of Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets for guard Allen Iverson will pay dividends towards the end of the season and in the post-season.  This writer at least, believes the Pistons made a huge mistake and will see their playoff & championship hopes fade as quickly as Kwame Brown turns the ball over each time he touches it.

Close to the halfway point of the game Friday night, the Pistons lead the Lakers 51-40.  Detroit is lucky to be ahead, but I expect the Lakers to come back in the 2nd half and win their 8th straight.  This team is hungry to get back to the Finals and is not going to let Kwame and Iverson beat them on their homecourt.  Wow, a great showing by the Pistons in LA – getting the win and giving the Lakers their 1st loss.

Lakers VS. Pistons highlights, 11/14/08

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