Very true. I also have a grudging respect for the Lakers this year. For Pau Gasol, also. In 2008 I had no respect for him AT ALL -- I thought he was a scrub. This series he's been hitting every shot, crashing the boards harder than anyone, and playing smothering defense on Garnett. I hate him, but he's pretty good now. Unfortunately his prime is beginning now and he's already 29 years old. That means including this year he only has about 4 years to be a great player.