Money

I really dislike the Lakers. Not as much as I dislike Republicans, naturally, but the animosity is strong. Nevertheless, I have to give it to Kobe. Steven has repeatedly deconstructed the idea of "clutch performance" -- the whole game counts, after all -- but if there is such a thing, Kobe may be its most impressive exemplar. And, though I'm writing this wearing my Cal shirt, I have to give props to Luke Walton too. He just makes everyone around him play better.