When you think about it, this No. 1 spot kind of fell onto our laps. If you go back two weeks, the Lakers lost to two of the worst teams in the NBA at home, back-to-back. After that disgusting display, the idea of the Lakers finishing with the No. 1 spot in the West was somewhat unthinkable, even with the great things they overcame this season. We were neck-and-neck with New Orleans, with two extremely simple games to play at home, but we blew it. It was that simple. And even though we haven't lost more than a game since – 7-1, only losing last Tuesday in Portland, a game that could have vaulted us to first with a win – our chances of finishing first through this weekend were somewhat slim considering the easy schedule New Orleans had lined up and the difficult one we had. But what do you know, we embarrassed the Hornets so bad while they were in LA that they went up to Sacramento and lost! Not only that, we just straight-up destroyed the Spurs! So even though we played really hard this weekend, we're lucky we got through it.

But let's not look passed tomorrow night's game, the final game of the regular season (and the final game we'll be hearing Stu and Joel, don't forget!). Sacramento. I just said that they beat New Orleans. Tonight, they were really close to beating San Antonio as well, so they're really hungry for a win – and of those 3 teams, which team do you think they will want to defeat most? That's right, us. Imadul will be there to witness it first-hand, lucky bastard. I'm glad I'm not going with him though because every game we've been to together (Nuggets, Magic, Warriors – and what a bummer about them getting kicked out, eh?), we've lost. But when we go without each other (Kings, Clippers) we win. With a win, the Lakers will finish off the season 57-25, and be the best in the West, home-court throughout the Western Conference Playoffs. But they'll have to win first, and it might be difficult. Though it's a job that the Lakers and the league's MVP are willing to take on!

And yes, Kobe should be the MVP. Many people are claiming that he should be the Most Valuable Player for reasons that just should not be uttered, like, 'he's never been MVP' or 'he's my dad' or 'he's the most beautiful man this side of Tom Brady'. No, I'm going with Kenny "the Jet" Smith's reasoning. Look at this year. What team has been the most consistent all year? Let's look at some teams, shall we? We got the Blazers who went on a huge streak in the beginning of the year, but they aren't making it to the Playoffs. We got the Rockets who set a record for longest streak, but how many of those teams were good? But we'll give them the 5th seed. We got the team with the leader in scoring, but that team has just too many problems, the even got rid of half their team and they're almost exactly the same. We got the biggest turn-around of a single team in NBA history, but there are three MVP-type players on that team, and they haven't done anything in the second half this season. We got the leader in assists and steals, but the team hasn't proven itself against the bigger teams in the league. And finally, we got the most consistent team with the most consistent player; the team that has been flirting with the top 3 spots since the beginning of the season in a conference that has seen so many changes in seeding it is unbelievable. The team that if looked at from game 1 of the season resembled a team that may not even make it to the Playoffs. And the team that had a player, its star player, that wanted out because he hated his teammates and the way the staff was heading. But now look at that team. The best in the West, with the best trade of the year, in the best city in the country, and with arguably the best chemistry in the league. And what team is that? The Lakers. And what player single-handedly made sure that that team turned out the way it did? Mr. Kobe Bryant.

But because I'm some random guy, I have no say in the voting. But you know what, it really does feel like he's going to win. Not to make that New Orleans/Lakers game from Friday more than it should be (because it should not be seen as the decider in the MVP race), but a lot of those dumbfounded, boneheaded sports writers and voters out there will use it to cast their vote. And because the Lakers won and CP3 couldn't do anything about it, Kobe will get the MVP. Anyone who has a working brain can see that the Lakers are the best turn-around team this season. Screw the Celtics, they had their players well before the first game of the season, we didn't even have our franchise player in concrete during the first few games of the season. And if you're brain isn't working, go talk to Oz.

Not so much to plead his case more than just talking to the PTI crew, Kobe went on today and spoke about the team and its past. He also spoke about the great marketing the NBA is dishing out this season and the great effects that is Hollywood (meaning his death-defying jump over a speeding car!). Kobe is the best guy in the NBA - and just look at his smile! Screw Tom Brady too, Kobe's the most beautiful man (or maybe I just hate Boston?)! If you couldn't catch it because you were, oh, I don't know, on some train, then catch it below or on its page here. You can download it there too in the regular three flavors. PTI rules. And if you notice the download speeds rocketing, that's because my Internet was upgraded! Couldn't do it Thursday like I said because of last minute jury duty, but they came by and installed it today. Hope you guys enjoy the speed, I sure am! A quick Happy Birthday wish to our favorite little girl (can I say that?) Abigail Breslin! You destroy Fanning. And to Frank Serpico too, the real guy, the guy on whom the great Al Pacino's character is based – and oddly enough, he's on Letterman tonight; Al is, Serpico is much too old, not that Al is young though, haha. Take care everyone! see u.