LA Lakers: 5 Reasons Why the Lakers Are Poised to Win It All

The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the hunt from the very beginning of the season but never more than they are right now.

They're a bit battered but have been able to rest players just when they needed it. The Lakers have a three-day break before they play their last regular-season game on Thursday.

Despite some nasty losses to the Spurs, the recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, arguably the Lakers' biggest challenge, this team has shown it's ready to win it all.

He’s Baaaaack (Kobe)

The biggest and most obvious reason the Lakers are poised to win it all is the Black Mamba—Kobe Bryant.

He's recovered from his shin injury just in time to play a few regular-season games with the team and get back into the flow of the game.

In addition, the man who has more miles on his legs than possibly anyone else on the team has gotten some much-needed rest. He also got to see his teammates play in his absence which means he's more likely to trust them with the ball (as he's been known to do with Metta).

Metta’s Bonehead Move Makes Them Stronger

Metta's out, for how long we don't know, but it's highly suspected that World Peace will be suspended for causing a ruckus and hitting James Harden upside the head. However, in the wake of the Lakers near implosion against OKC, the Lakers new big man, Jordan Hill stepped up when the chance was presented to him.

While Metta has been an integral part of the offense as of late, the surfacing of Hill's talents (now that he's healthy) will give the Lakers more height and speed. As long as Metta keeps working out during his suspension, then he'll get some rest, come back in-shape and keep ballin'.

While Hill played center against OKC, there's the chance that he'll be able to help out at the four, leaving Pau open at the wing, which is where coach Brown seems to like him this season. Or, he could even give Bynum a breather, and it's nice to have a backup in case he loses his cool.

Coach Mike Brown Is Comfortable with the Roster

Everyone knows that Lakers' coach Mike Brown learned from San Antonio's Gregg Popovich, but there are some things he didn't fully pick up on. The ability to rest stars and only play them limited minutes in lieu of giving the young players a chance is something coach Brown does not adhere to.

It's been well-documented that midseason Coach Brown told rookie Andrew Goudelock he would be getting little time due to his inexperience. Well, the best way to get that is to let them play. There's been a good mixture of crucial and garbage minutes in recent games, which should have given the rookies some time.

With the promise of more PT for Jordan Hill, could it be that Brown is learning from his former boss and realizing the value of capable young players? Let's hope so.

From the looks of Ebanks' minutes lately, he's warming up to the idea of the young guys getting in there and getting some time.

He's also getting comfortable with the men he has on his team and knowing different ways to link them up. When it comes to team chemistry, it seems that Coach Brown may finally have it down, and just in time.

Bynum’s Hungry

While his play lately has been lackluster since his 30-rebound game, there's no doubting that Andrew Bynum is hungry. He's hungry not only for another championship, but he has something to prove. This has been his first season as a starter, fully healthy. With Dwight Howard out for the season, he's the biggest, strongest center in the NBA, and he knows it.

Even after games they won, Bynum rarely praises his play, knowing that he can always get better. Even after the 30 rebound game, Bynum was upset about the fact that he had scored so little points (which was still 16 points). As the saying goes, "feed the beast."

Bynum is hungry for the ball and isn't afraid to ask for it, even if it means doing it in the press under unflattering circumstances.

He's also got a lot to prove. Bynum it seems is the heir to the Laker throne once the Black Mamba retires, which is still a few years away. But he's got to earn that throne, and he knows it.

They’re Gellin’

With Kobe back and Mike Brown finding new roster combinations that click, the Lakers are gelling together. This became apparent when Matt Barnes clicked with new point guard Ramon Sessions.

The speed of play quickened and Barnes' numbers improved. With both of those players getting limited time recently due to injury, the rest of the Lakers have slowly fallen into place. Even Steve Blake who has been less than impressive lately put up 13 points for the Lakers against Oklahoma City.

This team, which has dealt with a new coach, losing the Sixth Man of the Year, big midseason roster changes and having their star player injured have come out on the other side a stronger team who is poised to win it all.