Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers: How Do Blazers Fans Prefer the Lakers?

Here we are on the verge of another earth-shaking battle between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Except, well, the earth isn't shaking so much. The Blazers are doing their part, mind you. A 41-18 record and top-bracket playoff seeding run more than qualify for excitement. But the Lakers have dropped with a resounding "THUD" this year. Followed by a demoralizing "SPLUT!" Followed by the sound of some dude grinding his boot in the messy remains. A Blazers-Lakers matchup normally qualifies as Game of the Year material from Portland's end. At this point it's just another of a long list of games this week that the Blazers had better win.

There's something to be said for the Lakers stinking. It's kind of cool in a Nelson Muntz, "Ha Ha" way. We've finally arrived at a season where L.A. can't be terminally overrated. At the same time, where's the thrill as a Blazers fan? Where's the joy in the upcoming victory? Aren't we missing something here?

So I ask you, Blazers folks, how do you prefer your Lakers? Are you fine with them trailing the entire conference, coming in as a less-than-spectacular patsy providing the near-automatic "W"? Is gloating over their misfortune enough for you? Or would you prefer to knock them off their perch, to see them succeed in their usual fashion in order to anticipate the excitement of wiping the smirk right off their faces because your team is good as well? Would tonight's game be better for you if the Blazers and Lakers were battling for playoff position and the contest meant far more than it does now?

Let us know how you feel in the comment section.

--Dave (blazersub@gmail.com)