Los Angeles Lakers Happy That Miami Heat Winning Streak Ended

With the possible exception of Jerry West, living members of the 1971-’72 Lakers probably popped some bubbly last night. As for the current LakeShow, they’re pleased that the Miami Heat won’t break the record of 33 straight wins. Per the LA Times: “The current crop of Lakers took some pride in its preservation after the Miami Heat’s streak ended at 27 with a 101-97 loss Wednesday to the Chicago Bulls. Some players were even happy. ‘In a big way, I am,’ said Pau Gasol, who in his six seasons with the Lakers has become friends with the coach of that ’71-72 team, Bill Sharman. ‘I’m glad that we kept the streak. It was about time that Miami lost.’ […] The Lakers (37-35) have been pretty preoccupied in recent weeks trying to keep their heads above .500. Most of them still kept at least a casual eye on the Heat streak. ‘I guess now that it’s over, it’s kind of nice that the Lakers still have it,’ Steve Blake said. Kobe Bryant, in his 17th season with the Lakers, was diplomatic. ‘I think as a student of the game, as a fan of the game, you appreciate those kind of streaks,’ he said. ‘You realize how difficult it is to put together that big of a streak. Obviously, the Lakers winning 33 in a row was phenomenal. The Heat’s run was just as impressive.'”