Last night the Lakers earned their spot in the finals for the first time since 2004. After being down 17 in the first half, Kobe and Gasol caught fire and charred the Spurs after halftime.

The fuel to that fire was surely supplied by Bobcats Baseline’s favorite Laker; original Charlotte Hornet, Kurt Rambis. Kurt declined to comment on the win but, by the reading the quotes page on KurtRambis.com, we can safely assume that he would say “The fans are great, cheering for you. You couldn’t ask for a better feeling.”

We can also assume that Kurt went home to celebrate by fixing up his trademark Captivating Italian Chopped Salad published in this 1989 “Hornets Homecooking” cookbook. Nothing says NBA Finals like fresh iceburg lettuce and some sliced radishes.

The recent hype around Rambis was centered around the Chicago Bulls head coach candidacy but that is looking like Doug Collins lock. Maybe if ol’ Rambo had fixed up a Captivating Italian Chopped Salad for John Paxson things would have turned out differently.

Click here to see more images of the “Hornets Homecooking” cookbook (owned by a fellow Bobcats Baseliner). The spread of Robert Reid getting smacked in the face is particularly nice.