Editor's Note: Defeat Brings Hope

The Lakers fell to the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but still have a 2-1 lead in the series. The Magic shot a whopping 62.5% from the field, but don't let that discourage you. The Lakers still managed to hang on and keep the game close in a match that was vaguely similar to Game 3 of the opening round against Utah. Kobe Bryant had a rare off-day, just like in Game 3 against the Jazz, and expect the same kind of turnaround the Lakers had in Game 4. The Magic can't keep up their perfect shooting forever, and the Lakers proved that even with the hot hand, the Magic can't get rid of them. LA must change their play though if they want to defeat Orlando. First, they have to give up on the double-team of Dwight Howard. Howard's dunks and spin-moves may be flashy, but they don't hurt as much as a Rafer Alston 3-pointer. The jumpers and outside open-looks must be limited. Second, they have to attack the paint and put Howard in foul-trouble. That takes away Orlando's most powerful weapon, not just because of the rebounds and field-goals he gets but because of the opportunities he creates for his teammates. If Kobe can awake from his slumber, and the defense can show up, the Lakers will know that they can never return to the Staples Center again.