12:54 AM ET  06.19 | Well, Kobe Bryant and company brought home the 16th title for the L.A. Lakers. Game 7 was a hard fought, tough defensive battle where the game was put in the hands of the referees for alot of the 2nd half. I believe that the better team won out with the best player on the planet, Kobe Bryant. Lakers are sure to be the favorites to win it all next year with the lineup they are going to put around Kobe. The United States had somewhat of a let down when they tied the underdog team of Slovenia. The U.S. was expected to handle the smallest nation in the world cup but had to rally from a 2-0 hole to force a draw. The game had a controversial call right before the 86th minute where the U.S. scored but the goal was waved off. Landon Donovan saying that they attempted to ask the referee "Why?" several times but he apparently didn't understand. But the call cost the U.S. a key victory in the World Cup. The Braves continue to show their deep pitching staff and now have the best record in the National League. (40-28) Derek Lowe looked "good enough" tonight against one of the worst teams in the league, Kansas City Royals. The Braves offense is looking potent once again and the defense is one of the best in the league. The Braves need to keep this success going if they are to keep the division lead. The Mets have caught fire and have won 9 of their last 10 while the Phillies offense has sparked in their recent series with the Yankees and has so far carried over to their current series with the Minnesota Twins. This sudden surge of these two teams has begin to put pressure on the Braves to keep their consistent play. The Braves continue their series tomorrow when they take on the Kansas City Royals at Turner Field at 7:10 pm when Kris Medlen faces Zac Greinke.