Another season—another title run for the Los Angeles Lakers. A season without a championship would be considered a failure, and the Lakers are aiming for nothing less.
The ideal Finals matchup would be the Lakers and the Miami Heat, but the Lakers must first get passed a tough Western Conference. Last season, the conference’s top eight teams had won 50+ games, and this season shouldn’t be any different.
However, you must never, “under-estimate the heart of a champion.” Many people say that the Lakers are too old or too slow, some people even believe the Mavericks or Thunder can knock out the Lakers. But, for the past two seasons the Lakers have been silencing critics and playing as a team.
“I see the Lakers finishing atop the West,” said Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld. “The key is getting and staying healthy. That’s no easy chore given that 40% of their starting lineup (Kobe and Drew) are hobbling on weak knees.”
The Lakers may face some challenges during the first three rounds, but it is very unlikely that the Lakers will not make it to the NBA Finals. The 2010-2011 team has greatly improved since last season, as the bench has been revived.
Last season, the reserves cost the Lakers many games and they usually gave up big leads. However, these back-ups are talented and all have starting-player skills. Barnes and Blake both started for their teams last season, while Odom, Brown and Ratliff all have starter abilities.
Whomever the Lakers play in the Finals, they still should be considered the favorites. The team is experienced and knows how to win big games.
Final Prediction: The Los Angeles Lakers are a very talented team who know how to get the job done. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson are back at it again, and both individuals have three-peated before.
If Boston, Miami, Orlando or any other East team meets the Lakers in the Finals, it will be an interesting final round. It will be a blood-battle, but the Lakers will come-out victorious.
“I think they are going to three-peat,” said Mark Medina from the Los Angeles Times. “They have everyone back as far as their core.” If all the pieces fall in place, if the Lakers stay healthy and if they have a little bit of luck, banner number 17 will be raised to the rafters.
Next: Strengths and Weaknesses
