West had 15 points in the run and finished with 11 rebounds

SportsWest delivered a career-best equaling 40 points and Paul added 32 with 15 assists to end the Lakers's six-game winning streak while handing the home side just their second loss in 20 contests at Staples Center."We knew that we were going to have score a lot of points," Hornets coach Byron Scott told reporters."But the last two games that we played them we stood around and allowed them to guard us. So tonight we had a lot more movement and guys were in attack mode early and we stayed that way for the entire game."Trailing 99-94 with 8:31 remaining, the Hornets (21-10) found new life, outscoring the Lakers 22-6 to claim their fifth win in six games. West had 15 points in the run and finished with 11 rebounds."He was rolling and when he's going like that we are going to feed him," Paul told reporters.Kobe Bryant scored 39 points for the Lakers (27-6), including 20 in the third quarter, but did not score in the final nine minutes."We felt pretty confident that we were able to somehow slow him down (and) make some other guys make plays," West told reporters.Only Derek Fisher's two three-pointers prevented the Lakers from being completely shut out during the Hornets' winning run."We were out of flow pretty much all night defensively," Bryant, who made six three-pointers, told reporters."We weren't able to corral them like we normally have the last few times we've played them. When a coaching change comes, its hard not to look back (in this case, over five years) and wonder what might have been.

In the case of Charlie Weis, I think it is especially apropos.While I am sure the list I compiled is by no means all-encompassing, its a start:2004 The Coaching StaffIt would be difficult to start in any other place. Weis took the job after a lengthy search by then AD Kevin White, and by all accounts wasnt at or near the top of anyones wish list. Proclaimed as an exceptional, talented and experienced group of assistant coaches one has to wonder about if Weis had more time to assemble his initial staff, where the team (and program) would be today.A few notables:David Cutcliffe, Assistant Head Coach (offense) and quarterbacks coach. Known as the guy who coached the Manning brothers, he resigned due to health issues in June 2005. He was replaced by Peter Vaas.Rick Minter, defensive coordinator. Not much that needs to be said here other than the defense was the weak link during the 2005 Irish season, which would become a recurring theme during the Weis era.Of the original nine assistant coaches hired by Weis in January 2005, only three would survive his five year tenure (Rob Ianello, Bernie Parmalee, and Brian Polian). 2005 Recruiting ClassIn the wake of the Willingham dismissal, Weis was left to pick up the pieces of a nonexistent recruiting class. Signing only 15 players, the lack of depth would become evident during the 2007 season, as the team was missing key upper class leadership.

What if Ty had put in a bit more effort in recruiting and left Weis with a bit more than six verbal commits at his departure 2005 Regular SeasonOne has to wonder about the 2005 season, one that was probably the best overall during the Weis era. With only two regular season losses by a total of six points (one coming in overtime to Michigan State and the other on the Bush Push against USC), Weis looked to have the Irish headed for the pinnacle of the college football world.What if the Irish pulled out the victory over the Spartans after rallying from 14 back in the fourth quarter What if Matt Leinart didnt complete the 4th-and-9 pass How would that team have matched-up with Texas 2006 Regular SeasonAfter transforming an average offense to record setting, the 2006 season started with sky-high expectations. After an early season blowout loss at home to Michigan, expectations were tempered somewhat. With holes appearing in the defense, along with a lack in overall team speed, Irish fans were forced to sit through more close wins (Georgia Tech, Michigan State, and UCLA) then was comfortable. What if this team had a few more difference makers What if the proverbial cupboard wasnt so bare 2007 Regular SeasonI would prefer to believe that the 2007 season never happened.