In the story taking sides by Gary Soto the theme of the story is always try your best and you will succeed in life.In the story Taking Sides Lincoln Mendoza tries his best to get his friends back and get Monica as his girlfriend. In the story on page 129 it states "Lincoln broke down the court". This shows that Lincoln tried to accomplish his goal and he did. Lincoln even tried when his coach said that he couldn't play. In the story on page 117 it states "read out the starters - Grady, Zimmer, Buckley, Mitchell and Kaehlar". This shows that coach did not want Lincoln on the team. In the story on page 129 it states "Lincoln broke down the court". This shows that Lincoln tried when Coach thought that Lincoln was a bad player.