H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m
<< Back Next >> -------------------- November 26, 2001 (Not) 3's company Same ingredients, same mix, same result. Shaq doesn't dominate, Van Exel and co. show spirit during the game but still come up short. Everyone is happy. Well at least the pocket-deep fans of the Lakers. Not the Nuggets, not Nick Van Exel. He's had his fair share of conspicuous performances against his old team. It doesn't matter that Nick can destroy all the point guards the Lakers have had since his absence, or that he's capable of matching the total offensive production of all defending point guards the Lakers might throw at him in a given game. They've experienced with him and don't want him back. The fact stands as big as Kobe's ego and as heavy as the wallets of all courtside spectators put together. Nick can get moody at times. See everything you're missing on Nick? For his personal career ambitions, if we leave the thought of a ring away for a moment, it can be said that it's a blessing he's not in L.A. Back there Phil Jackson would probably make him shoot less, and all that other stuff he reserves for legitimate 3rd option scorers, i.e; Glen Rice, Isiah Rider, Mitch Richmond. Who would bet Nick and Phil would be a marriage made in heaven? May be why C-Webb didn't skip into town...hummm Now Van Exel is buying himself baskets lavishly, testing his limits almost whenever he wants, and is the undisputed floor general. One of the biggest prizes in all this? Van Exel can get to start at point guard for the West squad in the All-Star game; if the fans vote the right way that is. It will give him perhaps his last chance to play with the dream duo of Shaq and Kobe again. Mean while the duo will keep making sure no third party spoils its interests. << Back Next >> Back to archive |
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