well, i guess i wont count Malone out just yet. i heard about the way he told the lakers to go after Vlade first before they worry about him. his comments sounded encouraging. if he does come back, and if he's healthy and can make it through the season without any probs, i'd be saying the lakers still have a shot at making it to the finals. i think with Shaq outta the mix, Karl will be more apt to take the shots he knows he can, instead of being so gun shy like he was last season. kobe and karl can be a potential threat at the pick and roll like stockton and malone were. kobe just needs to learn it. i can't tell you how many times i was pissed last season when i saw perfect pick and roll opportunities were missed because kobe kept the ball when getting double teamed, grrrrr....
i'm hopeful
