They came close, reaching the Western Conference finals. But they were eliminated by the Utah Jazz, who completed a surprising sweep with a 96-92 victory at the Forum on Sunday. We didn't lay it on the line like we should have. Passion is the only thing that will win you the championship. Collectively, the passion wasn't there.
Guys have to grow up some more.
Fox made those comments in the wake of criticism from Lakers executives Jerry West and Magic Johnson and center Shaquille O'Neal. You've got to look at yourself first. The Lakers entered their series against the Utah Jazz on a roll, having won 29 of 34 games, including seven of nine in the playoffs. Despite their youth and inexperience, many saw them as the team to beat after they obliterated Seattle in the conference semifinals. But I do mind that there wasn't any urgency on this team.