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How did you spend your Game 7?

In most games, whether it be NFL, MLB, or NBA I prefer watching alone in the comfort of my home office with my two dogs. Needless to say it is a relaxing atmosphere whereby screaming obscenities at Jordan Farmar's stupid passes or Ron's brick shots need not be necessary. I could just lament or celebrate in my own way with a brew or a nice Merlot...

Game 7 however against a hated rival was a different matter. I couldn't just watch it at home alone. I felt it had to be amongst some fervent Laker fans like my Father plus Adrian and his Father, or even better in an Irish Pub in L.A. filled with fervent Celtic Fans which ironically enough is in close proximity to the now hallowed grounds of the Staples Center. My plan was the latter. Just more exciting that way, I thought... And afterward I would roam the streets of L.A. in hopes of photographing some of the volatile celebrations that our beloved city is so capable of...

Unfortunately however, thanks largely to the E3 Convention and the LA Film Festival running concurrently with Game 7, the Metro Parking lot in North Hollywood was filled to the brim. I drove around for at least 20 with at least 15 other cars fighting for that one evasive spot. Being such a advocate of fate however, I just dismissed it as something that wasn't meant to be. Perhaps it was going to be a little too chaotic in Downtown L.A. even for my taste, and perhaps it was best that I spent the game with Family, some good food and good beer...

By late 2nd quarter however, trailing the whole way which was the complete opposite of what the entire Laker Nation had expected with a depleted Celtic roster, Adrians house was as silent as the graves. The anxiety in the room was so thick it was palpable. Adrian was drinking Merlot probably heavier than he'd wanted while his dad stood inches away from his Lazy Boy the entire time, too anxious to sit (which was hysterical). My dad had just completely lost his appetite for beer -hadn't taken a sip- while I found some solace by keeping my fingers occupied with a guitar. That probably kept me from taking Adrians head off... For the first time since Adrian and I had shared our devotion for the Lakers, I hated him... I hated him for inviting me over to his house in anticipation for yet another Championship. I hated his father too for not sitting down while my guitar and I gently wept, and my father for wasting a perfectly good beer on my own unemployed dime.

I found myself preparing for the worst (fingers still plucking away ever so gently). A Laker lost... On the verge of resigning to the fact that Boston owns L.A.. That Kobe let us down. That Pau despite his high Basketball I.Q. and being dubbed the most skilled Big Man in the game is too soft for the likes of the rugged Kendrick Perkins and the physicality of Rasheed and KG. That even Ron's defensive prowess couldn't tame the mighty Boston Celtic. That D Fish was too old for this level. That Bynums knee hurt not only him but our chances at a repeat....

Then suddenly as if fate had intervened, there was D Fish with yet another Big Three! Bynum, Lamar and Pau grabbing offensive boards like there was no tomorrow (literally and figuratively). Pau blocking KG! Kobe actually putting up make-able shots wow! Ron being the thief that we've all gotten accustomed to seeing and even making huge shots down the stretch... and then finally only seconds remain and the Lakers triumphed. Oh sweet triumph....

I'll see ya'll at the parade. In the mean time here are some photos from last years parade:

Posted by: Marc Gabay
Friday, June 18, 2010