All good points again, George. However, I think you forgot you mention their trading away for the second time again the one mature head in the bunch of 'em, and a guy who had become as close to a "Mr. Clutch" as any Laker since Jerry West...Derek Fisher. While he's certainly lost a step the last few years and has had trouble guarding younger and quicker guards, his steadying influence on the team was always been a major factor in their success in the playoffs.
(...and I've always thought he'd make a great head coach once he retires playing)
