How quickly Ron Artest went from scapegoat to playoff hero is astonishing, but maybe its not exactly as surprising as it appears at first glance. There is no player in the NBA more mercurial, more unpredictable than Ron Artest.

This week we talk about Andrew Bynum talking about the NBA Finals a bit prematurely, the effect Phoenix’s zone defense has had on Los Angeles, Kendrick Perkins getting ejected from Game 5 and a host of other topics.

In Game 4, Dwight Howard played like an angry man with something to prove to himself, his teammates and most importantly, the Celtics.

If identity creates purpose, and personality is what drives intent, we have seen a shift in the dynamics of the Western Conference Finals.

To see the Lakers, Suns, Celtics and Magic still alive in the NBA playoffs is to see the league’s formula for success at work.

Rashad and Ryan talk about Kobe Bryant’s brilliance in the Western Conference Finals, Phil Jackson being up to his old tricks, Kendrick Perkins locking down Dwight Howard, the Washington Wizards winning the NBA Draft Lottery and a host of other topics.

Perhaps we confused the Lakers’ chameleon nature as a weakness when it really is a strength. They seem to be able to adjust and adapt to any opponent, any situation, and beat you any way you want to play.

With the 2010 Draft Lottery leading to mock drafts popping up all across the World Wide Web, it offers up a chance to look back at the 1996 Draft that spawned so many of this year’s postseason stars.

During this press conference, Saunders discussed his reaction upon hearing the Wizards had the top pick, what he is looking for in the draft, the status of Arenas, and what other moves the Wizards may make prior to the draft.

With Irene Pollin (the wife of the late Abe Pollin) and new owner Ted Leonsis in attendance, the Wizards won the NBA draft lottery, and were awarded the number one pick in the 2010 draft.