It’s amazing to me how many people watched the debacle known as the Lakers 2011 playoff run. The Lakers had high hopes. Two time defending champions. Phil Jackson, the winningest coach in all of sports, is retiring. He had never been swept in a series. It wasn’t a good way to go out. If you didn’t see it all you need to know is that they lost and they lost really bad. They lost bad in the second round of the playoffs and acted like spoiled brats.
Oh and two Lakers got suspended. It led many people to hate on the Lakers. It led many to Facebook/Tweet that if they were Lakers fans they would no longer be after that game. It was rough. But I have some thoughts that I think can apply to anyone. Whether you hate the Lakers or don’t even like sports I think you can learn something from the Lakers 2011 season.
- People are watching. I am amazed at how many non NBA fans saw the debacle of that last game. People are watching you too.
- Don’t over react. Kobe Bryant said it was a “wasted season.” Andrew Bynum’s dinner weighs more than the guy that he elbowed to the ground. He did it out of frustration. In my experience it’s best to take a step back and not over react. Over reacting makes things worse. Keep a level head and find a solution to the problem.
- You have to take the good and the bad in people. I am not a bandwagon fan. I love the Lakers when they win but I have to accept them when they lose. Even when they lose ugly. Same with people in our lives. Nobody is perfect. The people you love come with flaws. That means you have to take the good in people and the bad.
- Turmoil will destroy you. There are lots of rumors of turmoil within the Lakers organization. Whether it’s your job, your family, or your friends you can’t be at your best if you don’t deal with conflict. The Lakers had issues and they never dealt with them. When they started losing it got ugly.
- People will hate on you. Last year when the Lakers won a lot of people hated on them. Surprising not everyone likes a winner. This year when they didn’t win a lot of people hated on them. The truth is that even if you were perfect someone would crucify you. In other words not everyone is going to like you. Even if you are a good person and try your best someone is going to find fault with you. You can let it mess with you or you can dismiss it. Just know that your true fans will always be with you no matter what.
- Don’t be afraid to start over. There is a great chance that the Lakers are going to rebuild their team. They are going to start over because their goal is always to win a championship. You won’t always meet your goals. If you are doing the same thing over and over again and it’s not working then you are a fool. Sometimes you have to mix things up. Sometimes you have to try something new.
So what’d I miss? What’s a lesson that we can learn from the Lakers 2011 season?
Lets Go MAVs! is an appropriate reaction. jkjk..but seriously. I think the biggest lesson we can learn is to be graceful when we are going through hard times and not lose our cool. Thats why so many people love/respect Phil Jackson. also we can learn that we should always close out on the corner three. and now that i've posted this the mavs will make me stick my foot in my mouth lol
Hmmm, as a Celtics fan I was all set to tell you a thing or two about how to pick a team to root for. But, alas, you and I can drive to teamloserville together. If Kobe says that it was a waisted year, a Celtics fan might say it has been a wasted three years. Ugh. Maybe I can pick a winner in competitive badminton instead. Go Omaha Shuttlecocks!
This is why I root for the Dodgers.
You can not hide your flaws forever. The team had flaws in the year that they were mostly able to cover up. They could not keep up the charade in the playoffs.
The Lakers were my favorite team as a child, but not really anymore. Really, I do not have a favorite NBA team anymore. I mostly just want to watch intriguing games and pull for individual players.
Be happy when you make it to the race.
(Spot the Raptors' fan)
Well said.
You make a great point. Our flaws will hopefully lead us to get Dwight Howard.
Cause they have a lot of drama?
Another winning comment.
Great point. Phil is great at that!