Cari Champion: Just like that, we're back with another episode of your favorite simESPN program: ESPN First Take. As always, the lovely hosts of our show:
Skip Bayless
... and...
Steven A. Smith
Cari Champion: Today we, like last time, we'll be talking all these post- and off-season: playoffs, resignings, lottery, and draft... Except this time we shift our focus to the Western Conference, home of the 2004-05 NBA Sim League Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Stephen A. Smith: And what a good show we'll have today. There are plenty of exciting things happening in the Western Conference, but let's start off by giving props to the Los Angeles Lakers. We touched on this slightly in the last show. I may have been a hater in the past, but what they did last season was pure magic. The beginning started out in turmoil, with the GM even considering possible resignation from his post half-way through the season. But to hit rock bottom and not only make some moves and turn it around... I mean, they traded away their previously-declared cornerstone in Dirk Nowitski for Tracy McGrady. They traded away Delonte West and a lotto pick for Gasol. Not only did they make these moves, but they turned a .500 team into a champion. Color me impressed, Skip.
Skip Bayless: Oh, you're finished? Didn't know you were going to take the lead today.
Stephen A. Smith: Skip, are your feelings hurt over that? If anything, I'm saying good things about a team that you like. You should be honored that we are on the same wavelength for once. But please. Go ahead.