Lakers Topple Knicks in Gradual Return to Champion Form

NEW YORK -- Going up the elevator for perhaps the last time ever as an opposing coach at Madison Square Garden, Phil Jackson said he was thinking that it didn't smell like elephants.

Jackson, who said this will be his last season, was referring to the Barnum and Bailey Circus that takes place at MSG each spring.

Although he was joking, it was coincidental that Jackson mentioned elephants, since that is exactly the way, up until the last four games, that his team has played like at times this season: slow, fat, lethargic, lazy and any other adjectives used to describe an elephant.

That is until the last four games, where the Lakers have all of a sudden begun to jell, playing with more passion, focus, energy, and any other adjectives used to describe a champion. And most importantly, the Lakers have slowly addressed the issues that have plagued them all season. They continued their hot streak, routing the Knicks 113-96 Friday night.

"For four games we have been consistent and we have to make it continue," Pau Gasol said. " We are turning it up. We got more confidence in what we are doing. We're more active out there and the attitude is better. Still got a long way to go but we're getting there."

The Lakers are currently on an eight-game Grammy road trip where everything is going right. They are fresh off a win against the Boston Celtics, who they managed to stave off Thursday night 92-86.

Kobe Bryant, who at times this season has shot the Lakers out of games, has been superb of late. He had 32 points Friday, but more importantly, he broke out for 19 in the first quarter and in essence broke the Knicks' spirit.

"We are getting better, we are improving and even on this road trip we are working really hard," Bryant said. "Our focus is better."

Mainly, the Lakers have been stifling defensively, holding all four teams they have played on the road to less than 100 points. Lamar Odom said the team is "communicating" better on D. In the last three games they have kept their opponents in the low 40s in field goal percentage.

They are also starting to find some cohesiveness traveling together.

"It's perfect," Odom said of the road trip. "This is where you build memories and stories for the kids. It's good for our brotherhood. Seems like this is the time we come together."

One of the issues all season for the defending champs has been their inability to get the ball down low to their big men. Pau Gasol has griped at times that he hasn't been getting enough touches. But in the last four games, especially, the Lakers have made an effort to get the ball down low. Gasol and Bynum combined for 68 points against the Celtics and Knicks.

"We are establishing our inside game and that's always a big plus for us," Gasol said.

Size is something the Lakers haven't had a problem with this season, it's just addressing how to utilize it. Old age, however, is one thing the Lakers have been told they can't fix, even by their own ex-general manager and player, Jerry West. But on Friday night, the Lakers showed they actually have some youth, especially in one Shannon Brown. Brown had an array of acrobatic dunks that got the Garden jumping. He had 12 points against the Knicks. He's added some youth to the Lakers back court.

"I definitely think I am a young guy and I try to offset whatever it is people are trying to talk about," Brown said.

Team TMZ has even stumped some of their off-the-court drama. An ESPN report said Monday that the team was looking to shop Bynum for Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony. But Jackson managed to reinforce Bynum's belief that he should forget about the report and play his game. Bynum finished with an effective 12 points and nine rebounds Friday.

"I think he had the right attitude towards it," Jackson said, referring to the Melo report. "He thought it was hearsay and I confirmed that he was probably right about it too."

But a tiny four-game win streak doesn't mean the Lakers are fully back-in-business. A loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday means Armageddon for the team on Monday. The Heat, Celtics, Spurs and even the Mavs are all playing as good if not better than the champs.

And although the Lakers, especially Bryant, admit that staying hungry is an issue, they believe their swagger is back, especially as the postseason nears.

"We strive for perfection," Odom said. "We want to play our best."

So, is the team getting to that point, Lamar?

"We are," Odom said.

Time will tell.

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