Nba Team by Team

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Current Record - 35-9 (1st West)

Yeah well its been about 5 years i guess. Time for another Lakers championship right? Let's brek this down. Phil Jackson has a great rotation with players to fill every need. Andrew Bynum is back and healthy. And they have Kobe Bryant, one of the top 5 players to ever lace up a pair of sneakers. But me - I still cant see them beating the Celtics. I can see them beating the Cavs but not the Celtics. Why? Despite Kobe's greatness they just dont have a second great player. Pau Gasol is a former all-star and may make the all-star team this year, but he just isn't the dominant player they do need. He as fitted well into the system as many thought he would. After all - Phil's style is as close to Euro-ball as it gets - requiring good hands and a decent mid range shot. But he doesn't have that toughness. And that's what i think will hurt the Lakers in the playoffs. They just aren't tough enough. Kobe can do as he pleases on the court, Derk Fisher has poise and is decent enough defensively. Lamar Odom is streaky - when he's on he is one of the most versatile players in the game, but too often he just seems to get lost with what he's doing. Expect the Lakers to have a tough Conference Finals and more than likely make the Finals. They have posted the wins to secure home court advantage but they have not been convincing as many thought they would. What's missing - Toughness. ANdrew Bynum and Kobe have a solid 5 years at the top. The Lakers could 3-peet again in a few years once Bynum becomes a force. Or will Kobe sook and force a trade if that happens? Hahaha