After watching the Spurs defeat the Lakers last night 95-85, there's one thing that's certain. The Lakers will not win the series unless they work as a team. There are currently four superstars on the starting lineup on the Lakers: O'Neal, Payton, Bryant, and Malone. Malone has already sacrificed offense for defense to a mind-numbing degree. The other three though, have some things to learn.

Last night, O'Neal was on fire during the second half, shooting 12 of 14 shots. Bryant, knowing this fire, would pass to his teammate. Payton, with his huge ego decided to be the star of the team. And thus, a 3-point deficit became a 10-point loss. The Lakers were already down 19, O'Neal was whittling the deficit down to 3 and then Payton's ego gets the best of him. Payton has to understand that there is no "I" in team. My opinion is that Payton shouldn't have been bought for this season. All he does is complain and complain about the plays that Jackson gives him. Bryant and O'Neal are undoubtedly the best players on the team and Payton doesn't understand this at all. Malone has understood this and has been an amazing defensive player for the team.

The Spurs, however, were remarkable last night. Tony Parker, a person I never knew before was kicking Payton's ass. He is Payton but only 14 years younger. It's like this kid is on steroids, speed, and crystal meth all at the same time. Even when Timmy Duncan wasn't playing up to par last night, Parker said, "fuck it," and made it his game.

I believe this will end in 5 games if Payton doesn't get his act fucking together.