12 Jan 11 Lakers Clutch In Boston

Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesAs a Laker fan you learn not to worry about loses during the regular season, especially with the zen master Phil Jackson at the helm.After loses against Cleveland that made the Lakers look like they were made of actual human beings they come out against their long time rivals and look better than ever!The Celtics had the home court and the great energy throughout the game as well as a sell out crowd. They didn't however get the Lakers in panic mode.The Lakers never once lost their calm and collected selves, not once. Not when being outscored in the second quarter. Not when the Celtics were hitting big three's. Not even when their bench doesn't produce.With the continued explosion of Andrew "Bynumite" Bynum, who had 19 points in 33:19 minutes, and the always calm and collected swagger of Kobe Bryant, the team never looked like they got out of their game plan.Artest even showed up to the game contributing his 11 points and awkward but effective play.Through the forced shots and the crazed fans the Lakers came out on topReebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
90-89.Who was ever worried?The Lakers have become known for keeping their cool, they've had plenty of practice. Through all the rivalries. Through all of the playoff games. Through all of the finals games. You never stress as a Laker fan.In the words pf Phil Jackson, "Control the pace and control what we want to do."That's all you're looking for.As a Laker fan you don't worry too much about the score. You don't worry too much about the foul calls. You don't really need to even worry about the way the other team is playing. As long as the Lakers are in control the game is in the bag.You may get a bit quieter. You may yell at the refs. You may even take a longer sip from your beer. But you never lose control of what you want to do. And that's what winners do.Winners don't panic. Winners don't lose control. Not even in the final seconds of the game.Kobe, a proven winner, hits a jump shot with 7.3 left in the game to put the Lakers up 90-89.The crowd goes quiet.