Written by Fernando Rea
Anytime someone brings up record or award projections so early into an NBA season, people start to shake their heads, roll their eyes and even get a little queasy at the extremely premature nature of the topic. Well, get ready to feel nauseous because it’s time to see where the Lakers stand in their march to the record breaking mark of 73 wins and NBA immortality.
With the Lakers win over the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night, the Lakers improved to an impressive 13-2 record; that .866 winning percentage translates into a 71-11 mark over 82 games. That would eclipse the Lakers’ franchise record of 69 wins, set by the 1971-72 Laker team, but would be just shy of the 1995-96 Bulls’ mark of 72. In taking the lead in the “Push for 73 win Campaign”, I say 71 would be nice, but we (fans) are looking for legendary.
Next: Heading Into 2011 With Momentum
In order for the Lakers to reach the 73 win mark they would have to finish the season by going 60-7 in their remaining games; an arduous task for any team, even one as deep and talented as the Lakers. Lets take a quick look at the remaining match ups in 2010 that could potentially be the biggest obstacle in the Lakers’ path to 73. Any game not mentioned I am chalking up as a win.
At Utah, November, 26th: Lakers have a hard time in the rarefied air of Utah, and the Jazz have a long history of dominance when playing at home. However, the Jazz have only managed to pick up four wins in seven home games this season.
At Chicago, December 10th: The Bulls played the Lakers tough at Staples on Tuesday night, and the will only be more competitive with the home crowd behind them.
vs. Miami, December 25th: The most anticipated Laker game of the year comes on Christmas day when LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat come to Staples Center. The Lakers haven’t faired too well on Christmas Day, as displayed in their 2-3 record over the past five seasons.
At San Antonio, December 28th, then At New Orleans, December 29th: This is a brutal back to back and one of the Lakers first true tests of the season.
It’s unlikely that we will see the Lakers close out 2010 undefeated. But if they are able to go 17-1 until 2011, that would give them the magical 90 percent winning percentage to start the New Year, and on the exact pace for 73 wins.
Next: 50 or 60 is Nice, But 73 is Better
In backing the 73-Win Campaign it doesn’t mean that we (I and those that join me) don’t understand that the ultimate goal is to win a NBA championship, and that any accolades such as records or personal achievements are secondary to that. We get that; but staying in the moment and keeping this season’s priorities straight, is all well and good for the players, but as fans I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to add more excitement to this year. Especially since the Lakers are already coming off two straight championship runs. I want to increase the fervor for that game against the Bobcats in February and add spice to their March matchup with the Timberwolves – contests that otherwise would be just another game against bad teams over the span of a long 82-game season. Instead of the regular season winding down and fans just wanting the playoffs to start, they’ll be fully engaged in the Laker’s historic run for 73.
It’s human nature to want and strive for more.
We only need a standard equipped car to get from point A to B; but opt for extras like navigation, 20-inch wheels and seat warmers if possible.
A cell phone that makes and receives calls is all that is really needed; but we get Smart Phones with 1000 apps, a touch screen and internet access.
Its no different in looking at this Laker season: 50-60 wins and a championship is great; 73 record breaking wins and a championship is tremendous.
Moderation? Not here, not now and not this season. Indulgence is the theme in this 73 Win Campaign, and I encourage that we grab a hold of its message, let it radiate so that it can penetrate and infect those around you (especially those conservative thinking fans).
The Lakers reaching 73 wins this season would be epic, historic, unprecedented and completely unnecessary which would make it so satisfying.