Man, how could this happen?  The Lakers were swept by the Mavericks, brushed unceremoniously out of the playoffs.  Game 4 was 122-86 and it wasn't even that close.  The whole series wasn't close to close.  Wow.  Sometimes you see a team that matches up well against another team, but this was a way better team in every way.  I'd have to pick them to go all the way now, and will be rooting for them to do so.

Too bad for Phil Jackson, a tough way to end his career.  But it was a great career nonetheless, and of course they did make it to the playoffs again.  Winning every year isn't quite possible...  so be it.