From the Salt Mines

What papers in the Salt Lake City area are saying about the series:

BRAD ROCK, DESERET NEWS

My assignment was to “set the scene,” so I went right to work. A quick stop at the Marina Beach Marriott to drop off my luggage, two soft-shell tacos at Viva Fresh, and I was all fueled up and ready to go. Notepad and pen? Check. Shades? Check.

Like Phillip Marlowe, I was going to comb the City of Angels to get to the bottom of the case, if necessary.

So, naturally, I headed straight for the beach.

The problem with sportswriting is you get used to doing things the same way. You go to the team practice and end up listening to the same old drivel. Instead, I took the road less traveled Wednesday, which just happened to be the same road that led to Venice Beach. Imagine that. You won’t find Kobe Bryant down there, but you can get a toe ring or a colonic on demand.

This is, after all, L.A.

Though there are a number of places in Greater Los Angeles where you can get a feel for who will win theWestern Conference finals, I chose Venice Beach for two reasons. First, it’s a lot more interesting than standing around the Great Western Forum, listening to Shaq mumble. Second, it’s where they filmed the movie “White Men Can’t Jump.” After watching two hours of street ball on the outdoor courts, I had to concur.

Then again, I could have concluded that by watching Greg Ostertag.

Although Venice is in strong Laker territory, most of the people I interviewed were quick to admit Shaq-Fu & Co. have dug themselves a big hole. Even so, only a couple of them said the series is over. Most said the Lakers can win the series if they get rolling at the Great Western Forum this weekend.