You can call me bitter, I don't give a shit. I agree a win is a win. But at the same time every game means something. For example, without Artest the Lakers have had three close games with the Kings and Warriors, and a loss to the Suns. You can't lie, that says something about his absence. And congrats on your championships, but let's talk about this season.
((((YAWN))))
A win is a win. TRUE INDEED.
L.A. can lose the next few games and STILL have a better record than the kings, and be a contender STILL.
Artest was not there last year, so I guess thats why the Lakers didnt even make the playoffs last season, oh shit, yea they did, and they won too ALL without Artest.
Close games are just what they are, CLOSE. It is normal that a team, or individual can have "off-nights". I mean look at Mike "Air" Jordan, he didnt win all the time...