The key part isn't that Kobe said we're old...that's obvious. The key part is him talking about guys needing to do whatever it takes to be ready and in proper shape for the games.

Artest, in his post-game, hit it on the head. He compared us to the Knicks who are older and they have been playing well defensively. No excuses.

It's about two things: effort and communication. That's what it has always been about. We have to be sharp and have to give multiple efforts.