A Purple and Gold Forecast: Why I’m Excited About the Lakers’ Shot at Next Season’s Championship”

 

As a lifelong Los Angeles Lakers fan, I’ve ridden the rollercoaster of euphoria and despair, from Magic Johnson’s dazzling no-look passes to Kobe Bryant’s awe-inspiring clutch shots, and yes, even to the more recent struggles. Yet, today I find myself on the precipice of a new season, buoyed by a sense of excitement I haven’t felt in years. The anticipation is palpable as the Lakers prepare to take on the upcoming 2023–24 NBA season, and for a few critical reasons, I genuinely believe we stand a strong chance of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy when all is said and done.

Firstly, let’s address the talent. The Lakers’ roster has evolved into an awe-inspiring ensemble of high-performing, versatile players, each of whom can tilt the scales in favor of the purple and gold. The team’s management made a slew of strategic offseason moves, focusing on recruiting both star power and much-needed depth to complement our mainstay stars.

LeBron James, despite battling Father Time, continues to perform at a remarkably high level. His ability to control the pace of a game, coupled with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities, remains crucial to the LA Lakers’ success. There is something reassuring about knowing that the King is leading your team’s charge, a beacon of stability in the NBA’s turbulent landscape.

Next to LeBron, Anthony Davis is entering his prime years and if he can stay healthy, is poised for a dominant season. AD’s elite two-way game provides the LA Lakers with a significant edge, his ability to dominate both ends of the floor is a rare and valuable commodity. I believe that this season we will witness a Davis whose drive to win is only paralleled by his incredible on-court abilities.

Of course, the LA Lakers’ chances aren’t simply dependent on the Big Two. The supporting cast plays a crucial role, and I think we’ve struck gold here as well. The front office has done a commendable job in attracting a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned veterans. The acquisition of explosive perimeter defenders and competent shooters has not only addressed our team’s glaring weaknesses from last season but also provided LeBron and AD with the necessary backup to ease their load.

Moreover, there’s something to be said about the spirit that the Lakers carry into this season. In the wake of recent setbacks, there’s a renewed hunger, a burning desire to prove the doubters wrong, and to reestablish our team’s place at the pinnacle of the NBA. This is a group of players who have tasted the sweetness of victory and the bitterness of defeat, both of which are potent motivators.

Lastly, as any LA Lakers fan will tell you, there’s an x-factor when it comes to our team: the culture. The LA Lakers organization has a history and culture of winning that’s woven into the very fabric of the franchise. From the indomitable Jerry West to the charismatic Magic Johnson, and the relentless Kobe Bryant, this legacy serves as an added incentive for the current roster.

Sure, there are challenges ahead. The Western Conference remains highly competitive, with teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns set to challenge for the crown. Injuries, too, are an unpredictable and unfortunate part of the game. Yet, I’m optimistic. The Lakers, with their renewed vigor, an impressive roster, and the invincible spirit of champions, have every reason to believe in their chances this upcoming season.

So, here’s to the thrill of the game, the glory of victory, and the resilience in defeat. Here’s to the Los Angeles Lakers and our journey towards the NBA Championship of 2023–24. As a fan, I am excited, hopeful, and ready to cheer on my team in their pursuit of another title. Let the games begin! — Steven Taylor LA Lakers Fan

originally appeared here

Reliving Kobe Bryant’s Unforgettable Moments as a Los Angeles Laker

 

Kobe Bryant, known as the “Black Mamba,” left an indelible mark on basketball history as one of the all-time greats. His two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers was filled with mesmerizing skills, unmatched work ethic, and unwavering determination. Let’s take a journey through some of Kobe Bryant’s most memorable moments as a Laker, accompanied by YouTube videos that allow us to relive the magic he brought to the court.

The Draft Day Trade:

In 1996, the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, it was the Los Angeles Lakers who recognized Bryant’s immense potential and engineered a trade to acquire him. This pivotal moment set the stage for an unforgettable partnership between Kobe and the Lakers, laying the foundation for greatness.

The Youngest All-Star:

During his second season in the NBA, at just 19 years old, Bryant became the youngest All-Star in league history. This remarkable achievement showcased his exceptional talent and provided a glimpse of the greatness that was yet to come.

Three-Peat Championships:

From 2000 to 2002, Kobe Bryant, alongside Shaquille O’Neal, led the Lakers to an unprecedented three consecutive NBA championships. This dominant era established Kobe as one of the league’s premier players and demonstrated his ability to excel on the grandest stage.

The 81-Point Game:

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant delivered one of the most awe-inspiring performances in NBA history. Facing the Toronto Raptors, he scored a staggering 81 points, the second-highest individual scoring total in a single game. This iconic feat solidified his place among basketball’s elite and showcased his extraordinary scoring prowess.

Redemption in the 2008 Olympics:

After facing adversity in the 2004 Olympics, where Team USA finished with a disappointing bronze medal, Kobe Bryant spearheaded the “ Redeem Team “ in 2008. Determined to restore American basketball’s reputation, Bryant’s leadership guided the team to an Olympic gold medal, highlighting his unwavering commitment to excellence.

“The Dagger” against the Phoenix Suns:

In the 2006 playoffs, the Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling Game 4 of the first round. With the score tied and seconds remaining in overtime, Bryant received an inbounds pass, dribbled left, and hit a remarkable game-winning shot over two defenders. This unforgettable moment demonstrated Kobe’s clutch gene and his ability to rise to the occasion in pressure-packed situations.

The Farewell Tour:

In his final NBA season, 2015–2016, Kobe Bryant embarked on a “farewell tour,” where he was honored in each opposing city he visited. Fans from around the world paid tribute to his greatness, acknowledging the impact he had made on the game. The emotional farewell game against the Utah Jazz, where Kobe scored 60 points in his last appearance, marked the end of an era and left basketball enthusiasts in awe.

Kobe Bryant’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers represents excellence, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the sport he loved. From his early years as a rising star to his unparalleled scoring performances and championship triumphs, Kobe’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of basketball history. Reliving these memorable moments through YouTube videos allows us to appreciate the magic he brought to the court and the inspiration he continues to provide for future generations of basketball enthusiasts. Although he is no longer with us, Kobe Bryant’s impact on the game and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come. — Steven Taylor

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.com on July 21, 2023.

Steven Taylor on Remembering Los Angeles’ Black Mamba

Steven Taylor understands that it is now two days after the 2nd anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s unfortunate accident. However, one must understand that writing about the memories of someone who inspired not just Steven Taylor, but perhaps everyone in Los Angeles can stir up quite a mixture of emotions. It’s a concoction of nostalgia, happiness, and sadness towards the untimely passing of Los Angeles’ legendary Black Mamba.

Steven Taylor remembers it like it was yesterday. We were all just going about our daily lives. It was a beautiful morning as we recall, that one fateful January 26, 2020. Just as Steven Taylor and the family are about to have breakfast, the news finally hit the boob tube; Kobe Bryant, legendary Los Angeles Lakers player, his daughter Gianna, and several other passengers died in an accident after their helicopter crashed. 

That moment felt so unreal. To think that this 41-year-old Lakers veteran would suddenly say his goodbyes to everyone who loved and idolized him dearly. Steven Taylor would always look upon Kobe Bryant as a shining example of hard work and dedication. This man values hard work above all and it certainly made him very popular among LA Lakers fans. One of LA Laker’s best shooting guards and an admirable human being, he spent 20 of the best years of his life doing what he loved best. 

His time as an NBA player was certainly the best time of the Lakers. He made history as one of the best basketball players of all time, but that certainly didn’t get into his head. He practiced, he perfected his gameplay, and he won the admiration of not just his colleagues, but even with the normal, everyday people he encountered. When one visits LA and asks anyone about Kobe Bryant, almost anyone has a story to tell about their encounter with the famous NBA veteran.

Even today, two years later after the unfortunate accident, Kobe Bryant is still well-remembered. He still lives on in the memories of everyone who loved him dearly. Legendary Lakers veteran and general manager Jerry West spoke of his “shock and sadness” when he learned of Kobe Bryant’s passing during an interview. One can also remember the visible sadness displayed by his friends when they heard the news; Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan gave such tearjerking interviews that the audience can clearly remember the pain and the loss they felt.

Black Mamba’s greatness will never fade. It will never die, thanks to the fans who remember the great man all too well. 2 years after his death, a fan built a sculpture of Kobe and his daughter and placed it on the site of the helicopter crash. One can see countless murals on the streets of Los Angeles, in which Steven Taylor also dedicated a mural in honor of the legendary player.

Again, thank you for the great game of life, Black Mamba. Los Angeles will never forget you.

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.com on February 1, 2022.

Steven Taylor’s LA Guide to Nature

When Steven Taylor becomes bored of the concrete pavements of Los Angeles, he knows it’s time to go back to Mother Nature for some one-on-one time. 

Yes, even if the proud and lovely city of Los Angeles is filled with concrete buildings, cemented pavements, and towering skyscrapers, it also has nature parks and reserves too. Steven Taylor also believes it is a good idea to visit these nature parks and reserves as a way of supporting the local government of Los Angeles with getting funds to protect the 63,000 acres of parks, lakes, hiking trails, and gardens. 

So without further ado, here is Steven Taylor’s recommendation for experiencing the greatness of Mother Nature while in Los Angeles. 

The Griffith Park 

First on Steven Taylor’s LA list is the beautiful Griffith Park.  

Located on top of the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is a favorite among families who are visiting or taking a tour among the many beautiful parks and nature reserves of LA. Compared to other parks, such as New York’s Central Park and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, Griffith Park offers a lot of exciting outdoor activities not just for families, but for a group of friends as well. 

Griffith Park also offers an awesome view of the entire city of LA. Bird watchers will also appreciate the park because of its rugged nature. There have been many species of birds that were found living in the huge trees that surround the park.  

Runyon Canyon Park 

Another popular LA attraction, Runyon Canyon Park is the perfect place for dog lovers. They can take their canine companions and have fun for hours just running around the place. Just make sure to keep an eye out for that pooch or else, you’ll be wandering around the place because the dog chased a squirrel or a rabbit! 

Runyon Canyon Park is also a good place for hiking trips. The terrain will prove to be a challenge for most hikers, therefore they are going to enjoy their time there. 

Echo Park  

Another great place to visit while in LA is Echo Park. Located in East Los Angeles, Echo Park’s main attraction is the huge pond where visitors can take boat rides. Pedal boats and picnic tables are also available for families and friends to enjoy. Fishing is also allowed in the park. 

Topanga State Park 

Last but not least on Steven Taylor’s LA list of natural attractions in LA is the rugged Topanga State Park. A huge sprawling state park located near Topanga Canyon Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway, this park is considered a historical and cultural landmark as well. Visitors can take part in many activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, and overnight primitive camping.  

The area around the state park is also perfect for taking your favorite dog out for a walk together. However, take note as to which parts of the park you can freely and safely take your beloved dog out for a hiking trip together with you. 

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.com on November 3, 2021.

On Southern Californian Weather and Activities to Do

When in Southern California, the barometer for your daily activities should be the weather. Trust me, living in this wonderful place for years should tell you that I’m correct. Of course, nothing is permanent in this world; most especially the weather. While try as we might predict what weather’s going to come out for the next day, it’s up to science to help us gain an advantage over our planet’s unpredictable weather. 

So if we take a look at this Southern Californian weather forecast, it says that we are going to have sunny and breezy weather for the full seven days. So that’s a week of hot weather. If that doesn’t excite you, then nothing will. It’s the perfect time and weather to go to the beach. And if that’s not your thing, you can also take this time to go on a mountain adventure with some friends. Because of the dry weather, mountain trekking and camping should be a blast. 

And speaking of camping, the weather is perfect for such an activity too. Whether it’s camping just right across your front lawn, or you want to make it all fancy and take your entire family or friends for a camping trip to Moro Campground, then you are most certainly going to do just that. Be prepared to stock up on food, gas, and not feed the animals when staying in the camping grounds! 

Finally, this fine and sunny weather is also the perfect time to treat your kids to an amusement or theme park. Southern California is ripe with many amusement parks, pool resorts, and theme parks. Just make sure you bring food and a lot of water, an umbrella, and some hats. Remember, it’s going to be a very hot day and you’ll need to get out of the shade every so often. This is especially important for kids, who are more prone to heatstroke. 

Take your pick from Knott’s Berry Farm, Adventure City, and Pacific Park to Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Disney California Adventure. If that’s not your style and you’d rather get wet, then there are a lot of water parks to choose from too. There’s Raging Water Los Angeles, Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park, and the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Not only will your kids enjoy it, but you and the rest of the adults as well!  

Just don’t forget to bring the suntan and some decent sunblock too! – Steven Taylor, LA 

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.com on October 28, 2021.

Steven Taylor on the 5 Best Beaches in Southern California

It’s a perfect day to hit the beach. These days, those sunny Southern California days seem to be on a roll, so why not call your friends and family and hit the beach for some tan and fun under the sun? Steven Taylor, a LA native, also loves going to the beach and he’s been at it since college. If you happen to live near Southern California or you’re on your way here for a visit, then why not visit our best beaches here too? 

If it’s about beaches, Southern California has a lot to offer. Of course, Steven Taylor has his own personal list of the best beaches to visit during this warm weather. So if you feel like you want to take a dip in the ocean, then here’s Steven Taylor’s personal pick on the 5 best beaches in Southern California. 

Photo credits: www.santamonica.com

Santa Monica Beach - One can’t simply miss Santa Monica Beach. It’s just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and it’s possibly the most popular beach in Southern California. A lot of people visit the area and it also features an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and some kiddie rides. It’s a great place for swimming, beach volleyball, surfing, and just plain chilling under the sun.  

Photo credits: cntraveler.com

El Matador Beach - Located in Malibu, El Matador Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Southern California. The beach features amazing rocky formations, which gives visitors a stunning view of the entire beachfront. If you want to enjoy this beautiful beach, just bring a blanket, some food for a picnic, and find a hidden spot behind the rocky formations and enjoy your day at the beach!  

Photo Credits: www.beaches.lacounty.gov

Zuma Beach - Malibu seems to be lucky enough to have multiple beautiful beaches in its area. Another beach in this area is Zuma Beach. Located in Point Dume in Malibu, Zuma Beach is a popular tourist destination for surfers and annual surfing events. This is also the perfect place to fly kites, as the wind can tend to be rather strong in this area. 

Photo credits: Learningescapes.net

Coronado Beach - Coronado Beach is known for its calm ocean waters, the famous Hotel Coronado, and the Gaslamp Quarter. After a whole day of swimming and you’re hungry enough to eat a shark or a whale, visit the Gaslamp Quarter for its fancy restaurants. 

Photo credits: Hotels.com

Venice Beach - Venice Beach is a unique experience. Not only does it have sun, sand, and the ocean, but it also has artists, barefoot sand sculptors, and weightlifters. The beach has a skate park, an outdoor gym, some food stands and kiosks, and dozens of colorful murals. The beach is pretty much a feast for the eyes.

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.com on October 14, 2021.

Steven Taylor Gives His Top 10 Los Angeles Laker Players of All Time

 

Steven Taylor : Los Angeles Tribute to Kobe Bryant

When you want to start an argument, ask just a Laker fan for his list of the top 10 Lakers players of all time. Then stand back, because that’s when the arguments begin.

One typical Laker Super Fan is Los Angeles native and Real Estate professional Steven Taylor. You may know Steve as the LA mover and shaker who has completed over a half billion dollars in real estate transactions in the Southern California real estate market. But inside, he’s a life-long Lakers Super Fan who takes his team seriously and isn’t afraid to share his views.

“Can you imagine,” he says, “the kind of team we’d have if, through some kind of time warp, we could bring together history’s all-time Laker greats and dress them for a game? No other team in the NBA could mount a roster of outstanding players quite like the Lakers.”

Think you can argue with that? Taylor would love to take you on. Here’s his list:

10. George Mikan

The third leading rebounder in Lakers history, and one of the first players enshrined in the Hall of Fame. His famous hook shot propelled him to multiple MVP titles and a career average of 23 points and 13 rebounds per game.

9. James Worthy

A lifelong Los Angeles Laker, James was a NBA leader in steals, points scored and field goal percentage. In his career, he averaged over 17 points and 5 rebounds per game. All good reasons why his jersey hangs in the rafters of Stables Center.

8. Elgin Baylor

Ranked 4^th on the Lakers all-time best rebounders (averaging 13.5 per game), Elgin averaged over 27 points per game. He was a giant game changer on both offense and defense. Not only does his jersey hang in Staples Center, but in 2018, his statue was unveiled just outside the stadium entrance.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

Possibly one of the best big players of all time, on all teams, Shaq lead the Lakers to 3 straight titles in the early 2000’s, winning 3 MVP awards. Had some trouble with free throws, but an indomitable force on both offence and defense.

6. Jerry West

The third player to score over 25,000 points, Jerry racked up 27 points per game, 6 rebounds and 7 assists over 14 seasons. His frequent game-winning plays won him the moniker of “Mr. Clutch.”

5. Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt earns his top 5 spot (many would list him at No. 1) by scoring an average of 20 rebounds and a phenomenal 30 points per game. Smooth, fast and agile, “Wilt the Stilt” undoubtedly makes every Top Ten Laker list ever compiled. The game many never see another like him.

4. Magic Johnson

For a guy forced to retire early due to physical issues, Magic makes you wonder what his record might have been with full health. Regardless, he won 5 NBA titles, three MVP trophies, and three NBA Finals MVPs. His 11.2 assists per game record is one of the highest in NBA history.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Winner of eight NBA titles, Kareem was named to 19 All-Star games and chalked up a career average of 24 points and 11 rebounds per game.

2. Kobe Bryant

Many consider Kobe the greatest Laker of all time. He surpassed Michael Jordan in total points scored, with five championship rings and two Finals MVP awards. Many of his peers regard him as the all-time, all-around best player the game has ever seen. He has to be at the top—or close to it—on any serious Lakers Top Players list ever created.

1. The Best Ever? 

LA native Steven Taylor doesn’t name a #1 Best Ever player, not with someone like Lebron James still playing. Lebron surely needs to be on this list, Steven believes. But where? Is he number one, as many fans believe, or does he rank further up the list? Is he really better than Wilt, Magic, Kareem or Kobe?

Only time will tell.