As the Lakers approach the end of the season and the beginning of the playoffs we must analyze the road that lies ahead for the purple and gold. Which teams are going to present some problems for the defending champs? Who will truly stand in the way of this franchise’s third three-peat? Let’s take a look at the teams that could cause some problems for the Lakers and might derail this teams goal of a third straight championship.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the NBA, and the Thunder have a great nucleus of players including All-Star Russell Westbrook. The duo of Durant and Westbrook along with role players like James Harden and the newly added Kendrick Perkins create a dangerous group of young hungry players that are eager to shock the world. A well coached and defense oriented team; the Thunder were one of the tougher series for the Lakers last year, and with a year of playoff experience under their belt they look ready to be a force in the Western Conference.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjJAb6o1HE0
Next: Old Reliable
4. San Antonio Spurs
Owner of the NBA’s best record, a rejuvenated team with arguably their last run at the title with these core of All-Stars. Tim Duncan is not the player he once was but Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker are still putting up numbers, and more importantly the Spurs get contributions from their role players like Gary Neal, George Hill, and DeJuan Blair. Ultimately, if the Lakers play San Antonio they would meet in the Western Conference Finals and the Lakers would have to win some games on the road to capture the series.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-zZdcmSN1Y
Next: Three’s a Crowd
3. Miami Heat
The Lakers are 0-2 against the Miami Heat, and any time you face the trio of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh that could spell some trouble for the Lakers. The ability of Wade and LeBron taking over during stretches of the game can be alarming, but they still lack the size and bench play in comparison to the Lakers. Given all the Heat’s problems this year and lack of depth puts Miami at the number three spot because the Lakers are still a deeper and more cohesive unit. In a seven game series it is hard to imagine the Heat winning four against the Lake Show.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mJ7ejDvoGA
Next: Life After MJ
2. Chicago Bulls
Arguably one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now and sitting atop the Eastern conference, the Chicago Bulls have somewhat gone unnoticed until now. All signs point to them having the youngest MVP in NBA history this year inn Derrick Rose and he has a great supporting cast. The addition of Carlos Boozer helps their low post scoring, and they have some size to contend with the Lakers. Still. they are very young, and there is still more to be proven from this young team, but they are getting hot at the right time. If it was not for their inexperience they would probably be number one on this list.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZCtLYbr8uI
Next: Return of the Leprechauns
1. Boston Celtics
The Celtics are once again limping into the playoffs, but just like last year they seem to be saving their game for the playoffs. The loss of Kendrick Perkins hurts them because they are depending on the play of Shaquille O’Neal and he has been inconsistent and injury prone this year. However, the Celtics might still have enough in the tank to once again meet the Lakers in the Finals, and add another chapter to this storied rivalry.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5jogAHuj6g
In no way or form are the Lakers intimidated or fearful of any team or anybody in the league. They are still the champs and more importantly are gearing up for a third straight title. We must not overlook the obstacles they might face in the playoffs, but the Lakers are hitting their stride going into the post-season, and from the looks of it, the Lakers are going to be very tough to beat.