Time to preview the 2010-11 Los Angeles Lakers
Music to listen to: Gin and Juice by Snopp Dog
Last season/offseason changes: The Lakers won their second consecutive NBA title last year so last year couldn’t have gone any better on that end.
However, the road to a title wasn’t easy. Oklahoma took the Lakers to six games in the first round of the playoffs. Furthermore, the Celtics took Los Angeles to seven games in the finals and even held a second half lead over the Lakers in the final game despite not having the services of starting center Kendrick Perkins.
The Lakers addressed their first major issue, a backup point guard for Derek Fisher, in the offseason by releasing Jordan Farmar and bringing in Steve Blake, who is a much better fit in the triangle offense.
Los Angeles has also brought in Matt Barnes who not only serves a backup for Ron Artest but is an insurance policy in case Artest goes Artest.
Strength: Los Angeles’ biggest strength is size. They are tall in every position on the court and even have bench players such as Lamar Odom who cause match-up problems for every team in the league.
The Lakers also have Kobe Bryant, who love it or hate it, has elevated his play to becoming a top-ten player all time.
Weakness: Injuries. If the Lakers stay healthy, there isn’t a reason why they can’t win a third consecutive title.
However, here’s what they’re facing. Their starting point guard is a year old and his play has regressed significantly the last few seasons. The star shooting guard is great but is reaching a point of his career where physically his play should begin to decline and already has worn down knees. Their starting power forward has been durable but big men go down easily, which brings us to the starting center who has knee problems of his own.
The way that the Lakers are going to have to combat this is to rest their starters during the season, which may mean a few more losses during the season. The Lakers may not finish the season with the top record in the West, therefore not having home court advantage in the playoffs.
Most important player: I’m actually going to take Gasol because if he doesn’t play at the highest level for the Lakers, they aren’t going to become champions again.
Celebrity crush from the city: L.A. is a big city with a lot of beautiful women so its hard to choose. I’m going to take Tyra Banks.
Coaching: Phil Jackson has truly entered the twilight stage of his career. He’s accomplished everything possible in his profession and you wonder why he’s still doing it. He’s had physical issues to deal with and continues to say that this will be his last year, but I’m not so sure.
First memory of team: Magic Johnson
Best case: Three-peat
Worst case: Losing in the Western Conference finals
Uniform grade: Purple and gold are hard colors to argue against and the white uniforms are excellent as well. Grade: A-
Overall outlook: It will take a lot for the Lakers to not at least make it to the Finals for the fourth consecutive year. They have the top roster, experience and new found desire to win against the detractors who are proclaiming that Miami is the team to beat in the NBA.
However, age and injuries are issues that can derail the champions as well.
Those are my thoughts, what about yours?
2010 Backdoor Cut Previews:
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Southeast Division
Northwest Division
The Sports Inquirer 
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