Lakers Get Some Rest and Relaxation Before West Finals

In the LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS, Elliott Teaford writes "the Lakers returned to the practice court relaxed and recovered Monday, appearing energetic and fit after taking the weekend off following their victory Friday over Utah in the Western Conference semifinals. 'It was a fun practice,' said Bryant, the league's newly crowned MVP. 'We got up and down (the court). There was a lot of energy to it.' Then the Lakers made plans to meet for dinner and watch the New Orleans Hornets and San Antonio Spurs battle in Game 7 on Monday night. The Lakers will face the Spurs, a 91-82 winner in the series finale against the Hornets, in the Western Conference finals starting Wednesday night at Staples Center. The players-only dinner has become something of a ritual for the team during the playoffs, with Bryant picking up the check before the Lakers defeated Denver in the first round and the Jazz in the second.” [link]