I live about six blocks away from the corner of Atlantic and Whittier Blvd. Every time I drive under the Whittier Blvd sign I still hear the infamous “Let’s take a trip down...Whittier Blvd!” from Thee Midniters’ song in my head. I love East L.A. It’s my adopted city. It's like I was always meant to be here. I love the people, the stories, the history and I respect that I live here, I’m not from here. People in East L.A. are down for their Lakers. Los Angeles gets a bad rap as far as being a city of self-absorbed status-seeking phonies and fair-weathered fans to boot. Perhaps in the $1500 seats at The Staple Center, but if you want to see some true fans, head over to East L.A. (or for that matter, any Los Angeles barrio) and you will see true fans.

Tonight, right after the Lakers' victory and Derek Fisher’s amazing three point shots, some kids in the neighborhood got a little crazy and ran out on the corner of Atlantic and Whittier Blvd, shaking a few cars and generally scaring some people. The police showed up and the kids all ran home. I hope that no one got arrested or killed by the police. Would be ashamed to die over one’s love for a sports team. I guess maybe some knucklehead would think it would be an honor to die for their favorite team, but like that quote from Full Metal Jacket,

“The dead only know one thing. It is better to be alive.”

So The Lakers stay alive, thanks to Derek Fisher. Wow, what a player! Do you know that Hedo Turkoglu was on the floor for both tonight’s game and Fisher’s infamous 0.4 second shot against The Spurs back in 2004? Tough luck for Turkoglu! Anyways, when the Lakers finally win this (and they will), I hope people in East Los don’t get all rat crazy! I hope everyone has fun, remains good sports, celebrates and stays alive.

Now, if East L.A. would get that riled up over our failing school system, we would really be the champions of Los Angeles. Derek Fisher has his degree already!