"Like life, basketball is messy and unpredictable." -Phil Jackson

Tomorrow, the facts in this post may be inaccurate, and worse, irrelevant. The sentiment however, will never go out of style.

Down 0-3 in a best of four series, things are not looking good for the Lakers. No team having come back from an 0-3 deficit in the history of the NBA, statistically, things are not looking good for the Lakers. Almost anyone would call this series over. The failed "Mission Three-peat." But Kobe Bryant is not just anyone. The team's superstar commented after yesterday's game, "I might be sick in the head or crazy or thrown off or something like that, but I still think we are going to win this series." You may be wondering, has Kobe been witnessing the same series as I have?

It's this ability to challenge the odds, to believe in a miracle, to pick himself up and keep fighting that makes Kobe Bryant an all-star.

The worst disappointment is disappointing yourself. I know because I have disappointed myself several times in my life. In fact, I just did so last week. The Lakers' situation, however, has made me realize that it is not the disappointment itself but the way in which you react that will determine whether you come out a winner or a loser.

In response to the wretched state of affairs, Lakers coach Phil Jackson stated, "Well, we're disappointed [. . .]. But we still believe we are going to win the next game and go from there." Optimism and a twinge of insanity. That's all you need to take down disappointment.

On Wednesday evening, Pau Gasol was booed by his own fans in his own stadium. As much as I hated his performance, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy. I wondered what was going through the mind of this NBA all-star (curse of a Psychology major). He was letting down his fans, his coach, his team, and most importantly, himself. Talk about disappointment. An inexplicable transformation from great to abysmal. But when asked whether his post-season ball-play negated his previous accomplishments, he responded, "You tell me. Should it? I don't know. I don't think so."

When we disappoint ourselves, it's so easy to forget all the times we've prided ourselves. Disappointment is just that overbearing. If you ask me, these moments are the biggest tests we face in life. No matter who you are, there are people out there who are questioning your potential. Doubting your ability. Wishing your failure. Unfortunately, that's the world we live in. The ability to become deaf to the naysayers and maintain unconditional belief in yourself is the most difficult but important quality to have. And that's what Kobe Bryant has going for him -- even if it doesn't come with a championship ring.

Time will tell what happens. But no matter the outcome, I respect the Lakers for their sheer resilience. Wanting it so badly that they have thrown rationality to the wind and are preparing to break down barriers. My heart wants them to win but my mind knows that, given the way they have been playing, chances are slim. And no matter the outcome, for having taken a challenge like champions, they can't disappoint me.