Lakers leave one question - Will they repeat?

I didn't watch game No. 6 of the Western Conference Finals last night. I didn't have to.

I don't even know who won, but I already know who's going to the NBA Finals.

The Lakers are going to the Finals and they're going to crush anyone who dares to challenge them from the East, thus solidifying this era of the Lakers' franchise as a dynasty.

It pains me to say it, because, frankly, I hate the Lakers. They're easy to dislike, too, because the Lakers, like the Yankees, Mexican restaurants and sushi, do not inspire indifference. You either love them or you hate them, and I hate them.

Oh sure, this year's trophy will have a little different shine to it, since there are two more future Hall of Famers in the lineup, but they still have the big three, and by that I mean Kobe, Shaq and Phil.

And at the beginning of every year, no matter what, we always ask each other at the water cooler: Do you think L.A. can do it again this year?

Maybe they're not the defending champions every year, but the title goes through them every year.

For now, though, we should talk about more important stuff like: Can L.A. do it again next year?

I had to pause and memorialize yesterday, so you can read your week ahead a day late:

Wednesday

Oran is back in the Class 1 final four for the third consecutive year. The Eagles play Bevier in the semifinals at Taylor Stadium in Columbia, Mo., at 11 a.m. The third time is the charm, and there does seem to be something special about this team.

Thursday

The Redbirds will host the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at 7 p.m. If you get to the game early, then you will receive a Redbirds team picture. But the team changes so much throughout the season it may not look the same at the end of the year.

Friday

The Capahas begin their season at home against the Valmeyer Lakers at 8 p.m. It's about time we get Jess Bolen off the radio and back to what he does best: coaching. I'm just kidding, Jess, seriously though, don't quit coaching.

Sunday

The Cards wrap up their series with the Astros with a matinee game. It's also pennant day at the ballpark, and all fans 15 and under will receive a Jason Isringhausen pennant. Cards host the Astros at 1:15 p.m.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian, his column appears every Monday.