Star Power

So the Lakers have the record 6-0. TOO EASY. Congrats to them.

A clear distinction I see with their success is the depth of their team. Each player from Kobe Bryant to Chris Mihm has a distinct contribution to the team. Whether its the slashing of Trevor Ariza or the leadership of Derek Fisher, no one is the dictator. Everyone needs to be contributing and to be pushing themselves to win.

When a team doesn't, well it doesn't work out well. As with the dysfunctional 49ers, new head coach Singletary ranted, "I want winners. I want people that want to win." You don't need 5 Kobe Bryants on a starting lineup or 9 Alex Rodriguez on a batting lineup to win. You need the players that are determined to win or at least players that are going to show what they are made of. Or else, they are quitters.

So, don't fear a team with just one star player. You aren't destined to lose because of him or her. If you look at the Lakers couple years ago where Kobe Bryant was pretty much the dictator of the team, they didn't even make it to the playoffs. You have those few exceptions though like King James and his Cavaliers. He's just a beast.

Anyway, a team with better chemistry and more determined to win can beat teams that have the star player and the helpers. But if you have to go against a team that is fueled with uber talent like the Big Three of the Celtics, well good luck on beating that.