At practice Friday, Lakers coach Phil Jackson was asked to take the mental temperature of his team.

"I think there's definitely a feeling of sobriety about the fact that we had such a big win on Tuesday and a poor performance on Thursday," Jackson admitted.

Here's another sobering thought that impacts the Lakers, the NBA and fans across the country: a Rockets-Nuggets conference final.

If the Rockets somehow upset the Lakers in Game 7 on Sunday — and ifs don't come bigger than that — the NBA playoffs will spend the next month as a drone aircraft, cruising along at a quiet hum, fulfilling its purpose without personality or pizzazz.

Given a bye to the Finals by virtually everyone, an ignominious early exit may have the Lakers saying good-bye to a number of key players, including — gasp! — Kobe Bryant. Or did you forget that he can opt out this summer?

Let's see ABC/ESPN sell a Western Conference finals that will be more UFC than NBA. Who is the next notch on Shane's belt? Does the Birdman belong in Alcatraz? Ron Artest or Kenyon Martin — who will lose his marbles and slug somebody first?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the always entertaining trio of Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson have worked a Nuggets game this postseason. And with Rockets superstars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady in suits, everything will be invested in Carmelo Anthony and the blind hope of a Finals matchup with 2003 draft classmate LeBron James.

Sound somewhat enticing? Nielsen says otherwise.

Much the same way certain industries such as booze and porn are recession-proof, the Lakers are remote-proof. Jackson, Bryant and the second-biggest television market have been in five Finals this decade — the five best by Nielsen numbers. They are ratings gold.

Lakers, Celtics face Game 7s Opinion: Kobe's future, and NBA gold, at stake Wilbon: Game 7 worries Lakers, delights Celtics Opinion: Kids holds key for Lakers in Game 7 Opinion: Celtics desperately seeking Ray Allen Celtics will need 'D', not just decibels, vs. Magic Opinion: Celtics running out of gas with one left Vote: Which Game 7 are you most excited about?

In 2000, the Lakers and No. 24 market Indianapolis drew an 11.6. In 2001, with a boost from No. 5 market Philadelphia, they did a 12.1. Matched up against the Exit 16W Nets in 2002, the Lakers still managed a 10.2.

In 2004, the Lakers and No. 10 market Detroit pulled an 11.5, the last double-digit showing. Last year, they paired with No. 8 market Boston to register a 9.3, which may have been single digits but was a staggering 50 percent jump from the previous year.

That was 2007 and included ratings wrecker San Antonio — which has been part of the three lowest-rated Finals — and some guy named LeBron. Instead of numbing you with numbers, I'll just let you in on what an NBA employee told me a couple of years ago:

"LeBron doesn't move the meter."

In case you're wondering, among media markets Houston is 11th, Cleveland is 15th and Denver is 18th. But let's get back to Los Angeles.

Given that the Lakers had everyone believe that the missing ingredient to a title was a healthy Andrew Bynum, how does Mitch Kupchak explain to Laker Nation a Game 7 home loss in the conference semifinals to the undermanned Rockets?

Slideshow   Celebs shine at the NBA playoffs A look at the many celebrities who have made appearances during this year's NBA playoffs. more photos

Re-signng Trevor Ariza will cost some coin. Free agent Lamar Odom is part of a flimsy frontcourt that has to be broken up if the Lakers are serious about winning a championship. And if the Lakers aren't serious about winning a championship, that won't be lost on Bryant, who could exercise his early termination option and change the entire summer shopping season.

Sign-and-trade, anyone?

Everyone loves an underdog, and a win by the Rockets on Sunday would be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in NBA history. But it also has the potential to upset the stability of the Lakers, the overall allure of the postseason and the health of the NBA.

Be careful what you wish for.

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