Okay, I admit it. I’m a Los Angeles Lakers fan. Sue me! Wait, don’t sue me…just forgive one of my many faults. After suffering through a disappointing and shortened season last year, I was extremely excited about the 2012-2013 season. Somehow, Laker management convinced the Phoenix Suns to part with Steve Nash, the face of their franchise and two-time MVP. In another shocking move, the Lakers traded for Dwight Howard, a three-time defensive player of the year. The puzzles were seemingly in place to contend for their 17th championship.
After reading my kids their Halloween bedtime story – Room on the Broom, I situated myself on the couch with a bottle of IBC Cream Soda in one hand and a bag of chips in the other. I was ready - opening night of the regular season versus a depleted Dallas Mavericks. This is our year! Little did I know that a very frightful three hours was looming. The Lakers got humiliated on their home court; outplayed in every facet. In my disappointment, I couldn’t help but regret not reading my kids another Halloween favorite – The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.
The most palpable problem with this team is how much it lacks the three “C’s” to success – Chemistry, Camaraderie, and Cohesiveness. They appeared out of synch, confused, and unaware. There was too much one-on-one and too little ball movement. It was awful to watch. This display led me to reminisce on my life as a basketball player. The most successful teams I ever played on were during my junior and senior year in high school. We were the first high school in Utah to win back-to-back 5A state championships. While we had a great coach and many talented basketball players, I fully attribute our winning ways to the three C’s. Many of us were great friends off the court, we had been playing ball together for many years prior. It came to the point on the basketball court that only eye contact was necessary and we knew where to go or what to do. I have played on many teams since then and I have not been able to replicate that feeling.
This recipe for success is no different outside of sports. Successful and happy families, flourishing businesses, personal financial accomplishments are all facilitated when the unit becomes “one” in purpose.
As an estate planner, I want nothing more than to provide my clients with peace of mind. However, many people are involved in the estate planning process: the trust or will maker, the trustee or executor, beneficiaries, attorneys, financial institutions, government agencies, advisors, etc. Your relationship with all of these parties may determine whether the implementation of your plan is seamless and stress-free.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they have 81 games to fix their issues and develop chemistry. Otherwise, this year will be considered a failure. Our outcome is not as certain.