Today is Thanksgiving and as most of us prepare to welcome (mostly unwelcome) relatives, indulge in gluttony, add 50 pounds in body mass in one meal, listen to Uncle Jim’s “those-were-the-days-if-only-I-had-done-it-this-way-instead-of-marrying-your-aunt” stories, wondering if Grandpa is asleep or dead while watching the Cowboys play dismally against the Raiders, enjoying in the glutonous joy of the day, and preparing for being trampled by mobs of angry housewives on Black Friday, we here at UCLAradio.com think it’s important to take some time to think about what you’re thankful for.  In this edition of Lakers Recap, let’s look back at the Lakers season and think about what we’re thankful for.

First off, I’m thankful for Ron Artest.  Despite his slow start to the season, Artest is slowly becoming comfortable with the Laker system and as the season goes on, and he becomes more comfortable, he adds a physical and tough attitude to a Laker team that has been dubbed “finess” and “soft” in the last couple years.

I’m thankful for a healthy Andrew Bynum.  If he can keep mentally stable, he’s got my vote for best center in the West.

I’m thankful for Pau Gasol coming back.  It might be Kobe’s team, but having Pau in the lineup makes the Lakers the favorite in every game.

And last, but not least, I’m thankful for the Lakers’ end of November and December schedule, which – if they don’t take games off – can turn into a 17-21 game winning streak (depending on how well they play against Cleveland on Christmas).

The Lakers get Thanksgiving off and are back at Staples to play the Warriors on Saturday.  The Warriors are coming off a win against the Mavs in which they played without coach Don Nelson and with only 6 players.  Take note friends, that’s the kind of depth that wins you championships.