Los Angeles Lakers 2011 New Year’s Resolutions

The new year has finally arrived and the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for another gruleing year of basketball.  The Lakers entered 2011 as two-time defending champions, but they still have a lot to improve apon.

Glancing back at NBA history, only a few teams have ever achieved the covated “three peat.” Many things must fall in place and a whole lot of luck is needed. The Lakers’ nucleus is in tact, but their bench has a totally different complexion.   The team still has many flaws to fix, and the chemistry has been on-and-off.

As the Lakers embark on the year 2011, they have many issues that must be addressed.  Nearly every person comes up with “New Year’s Resolutions” every year staring on January 1^st.  Although most people end up failing , those who stand by their commitments end up being very successful.

In order for the Lakers to win their third-consecutive championship they must complete their “New Year’s Resolutions.” If the Lakers are successful, a parade down Figueroa is inevitable.

Next: Resolution Number 1

Don’t Get Complacent

Whenever a team wins a championship, they develop a certain style and swagger. The Lakers have a certain degree of arrogance, and they know they can win any game on the schedule.  That attitude can both hurt and help a team like the Lakers.  The Lakers have the tendency to under-estimating sub-.500 teams.

The Lakers often get “bored” and they usually lose games when it happens. The Lakers do not have to prove anything to the league; they are the two-time defending champs.  To the Lakers January has no significant meaning, this month will not affect their future.  Just like most championship teams, the Lakers play for June not January.

Just imagine a Laker team that takes every game seriously, and a team that never under-estimates an opponent.  In that perfect world, the Lakers would challenge the 72-10 Chicago Bulls for the best record all-time.

Yes, it is difficult for defending champs to not be complacent. However, in order to silence the critics, the Lakers must change their daily mindset.

Next: Resolution Number 2

Bring the Energy and Effort

The Lakers started 2011 the same way they ended 2010.  The games were set up the regular way, thousands of fans, two teams, 10 players on the court and three referees. However, one thing was missing— Laker energy.

The Lakers have been criticized multiple times this season for lacking intensity during games.  The Lakers would suit up for the game, but their minds would seem to be somewhere else.  Although it is important to look ahead in the future, the Lakers have to pay attention to their current opponent.

The Lakers cannot expect to waltz through the season; the opposing teams will play with 100% energy and focus whenever they play the defending champions.  Any team can play with passion, and the Lakers have done it many times before.

Even if the Lakers are not shooting the ball well, their energy can bring them back into the game.  Like the old saying goes, “Hard work beats talent if talent fails to work hard.”

Take the loss to the Grizzlies as an example. The Grizzlies do not match up with the Lakers talent wise, but their energy won them the game.  Looking at the roster side-by-side, the Lakers should have easily won the game.  If the Lake Show plays every game like it’s their last, not many teams will be able to beat them

Next: Resolution Number 3

Stay Healthy

This will be the hardest resolution to complete, as it is totally out of the Lakers’ control.  However, the team can take precautions and the players must realize that their injuries are actually serious. We all love the fact that Kobe Bryant hates missing games, and that he is on the court even if his finger is broken.  However, that type of courage may end up hurting Kobe and the Lakers in the long run.

Every Laker fan would agree that he or she would rather have Kobe Bryant playing in June rather than January.  The Lakers would be better off sitting Kobe now when he is hurt, than risking it during the playoffs or Finals.

The injury bug has been with the team since the summer and it has yet to leave Los Angeles.  The best remedy for this nasty virus is to play smart and to understand the severity of an injury.  This applies to center Andrew Bynum, who decided to skip his summer surgery to travel to South Africa in order to watch the World Cup.

The Lakers should have no problem winning a third ring if they stay healthy. Just like the previous two seasons, the biggest obstacle the Lakers have to face will be the injury bug.

Next: Resolution Number 4

Everyone Must Stay Motivated

The Lakers are a motivated team, and their only goal is to win the 2011 NBA Championship. However, that sense of focus and determination seems to be missing during some stretches of the season.  Kobe Bryant if always focused whenever he suits up for a game, but the rest of his teammates do not share that same quality.

Did you ever notice the anger and disappointment in Kobe’s  face whenever the Lakers lose a game? Whenever this happens you know Kobe is determined to regroup and stand for a change. However, where is the anger on the faces of Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom?

Remember Game 5 of the NBA Finals when Kobe Bryant took over the contest, only to lose at the end of the day? However, that type of performance was nothing new for Kobe; he has taken over the scoring load multiple times in his career. Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of Game 5 was the post-game press conference.  Based on Kobe’s demeanor and feeling of disappointment, Lakers fans knew their team would win the series.  Whenever a player is that dedicated and whenever he cannot accept failure, you know something will change.

Kobe’s will power has been a guiding force for his entire career and it has made him a star player. Now imagine if Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom acted that way.  Imagine if these players took the blame for the losses, image they did whatever it takes to win a game.

Here is my personal plea for the Lakers, excluding Kobe, to become or at least show a sense of passion.  That attitude can take the Lakers to places they have never been before, determination will allow the Lakers to become one of the greatest teams to every step on a basketball court.