Lakers In Trouble

I can't see the Lakers getting to the Finals this year. Every team they face in the West is going to be improved from last year. Dallas has this guy Barrea who adds a dynamic to their team I don't remember them having. The Spurs have a healthy Ginobili and this George Hill - who looks to be a baller. The Nuggets added a few guys on their deep bench, but the main thing will be a healthy Carmelo for the series. The Jazz are MUCH deeper than last year and their second team will destroy the Lakers second team. Plus, I can't see the Lakers beating the Jazz at home. And then there's Portland and Phoenix. Either will give the Lakers trouble, Phoenix because of their chemistry and the Nash factor and Portland because, well, Portland always gives the Lakers trouble. But without Roy, I can't see Portland beating anyone really and I don't see Phoenix having the horses to beat the Lakers, sort of like Oklahoma City.

But even Oklahoma City looks poised to give the Lakers a run for their money, but I can't see them winning the series with all the height they give up to the Lakers down low. Neverless, they may provide the chink the in armor needed to expose the Lakers and ruin their confidence. The Lakers are old. Their size is their great advantage, but I don't think it can carry them. Especially because last year was a bit of a delusion as their last two conference playoff teams suffered injuries to their best players - Carmelo and Yao. The most impressive series for the Lakers last year was the Magic.