This is my third installment of the Pacific Division Chapter of my NBA 2009 Season Prediction Series. With the bitter taste of defeat still fresh in the mouths of Laker fans nationwide from the 2008 NBA Finals it comes time to analyze the Lakers' roster and predict if the Lakers can once again make it to the NBA Finals, and reclaim the crown back from their most hated rivals, the Boston Celtics.
Most basketball fans do not realize how big of a rivalry exists between the Lakers and Celtics. Back in the 60's, the Boston Celtics won 11 championships in 13 seasons. The Lakers and Celtics faced each other in five consecutive NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning the series of finals 4-1.
Now do you see why the Lakers especially hated losing this past finals to the Celtics?
Alright, enough with the history lesson. Let's get right down to analyzing this current Lakers team. Does this roster have what it takes to win a ring?
For the most part, it does.
The Lakers are anchored by their best player, Kobe Bryant, coming off of an MVP season, and a Gold Medal in the 2008 Bejing Olympics. The Lakers also have Derek Fisher; Fisher and Bryant were integral parts of the Lakers' squads that won three straight NBA Championships from 2000-2003.
Every starter on this team, with the exception of their center, Andrew Bynum, are seasoned veterans, with the knowledge, experience, and desire to bring fame, glory, and honor to their team, city, and fans.
Here is my projected starting lineup for Los Angeles Lakers:
PG: Derek Fisher
Derek Fisher was drafted by the Lakers in 1996, and has been with the team through thick and thin. Out of the eleven years of his NBA Career, he has played eight with the Lakers; he played with the Golden State Warriors from 2004-2006, and the Utah Jazz from 2006-2007. He is also the team captain.
SG: Kobe Bryant
Arguably the most dynamic and awe-inspiring player since Michael Jordan. He is coming off of an MVP season. Scored 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors, second all time, behind the 100 points Wilt Chamberlain scored, another Laker, but while in a Philadelphia Warriors uniform
SF: Lamar Odom
Standing at 6'10'', he is one of the tallest small forwards in the NBA. He can hold his own at the SF position, but he his play is starting to decline. It won't be too long before Luke Walton dethrones him at the starting SF spot.
PF: Pau Gasol
When Andrew Bynum was lost for the season in 2008, the Lakers brought in Gasol via trade, in order to fill the gaping hole vacated by Bynum. Gasol played Center for the remainder of the season, but his natural position is at PF. There are questions though.
Can he hold his own at the position. He is 7'0'' tall, but definitely not as strong as the premier power forwards in the NBA, which leads to him getting pushed around often in the paint. Nevertheless, he is a tremendous player.
C: Andrew Bynum
12 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Mike Turnell 10 months ago
It's good but I really don't see Luke Walton de-throning Lamar Odom. Ever.
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Roxana 10 months ago
i think it is clear that sasha vujacic is the back up shooting guard for kobe.
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Roxana 10 months ago
Sasha Vujacic has the back up shooting guard spot secured. no question about it.
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mo fo 10 months ago
News Flash! Sasha Vujacic plays shooting guard for the lakers!
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Chris Colman 10 months ago
1. Sasha Vujacic is the back up shooting guard and has potential, remember the game he had in the finals?
2. Lamar Odom will be the starting small forward and Luke Walton will only start if Odom is injured, Odom is only 29 and has a couple good seasons still left.
3. Jordan Farmar wont be an "NBA superstar", he'l take over the starting point guard from Derek Fisher soon and will be a solid player for years and has the possibilty of being an All-Star.
4. Chris Mihm is a waste of time, and maybe good enough to back up Bynum, maybe.
5. Sun Yue, the Chinese up-and-coming star has the potential to challenge Farmar for the starting position in a few years time.
5. The Lakers have one of the best teams in the NBA, and should reach the Finals, if not win it all.
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TB 10 months ago
Trever Ariza is the back up 3 to start the season and if anyone pushes LO to the bench it will be Ariza not Walton.
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Jack Gee 10 months ago
I think you forgot about a few other players that the Lakers will need for that championship, Sasha and Trever. They both should be included on your second team !!!!
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Marcel Mansour 10 months ago
First off, Ariza is a lot better than Walton and he would be the replacement to Odom if he got traded or gets hurt. He is an athletic swingman who is excellent defensively and is improving offensively. Walton had one good season (contract year) and that is all he will ever have. Secondly, Sasha is without a doubt the backup shooting guard. Third, Farmar will never ever be a superstar. He has a good chance to be a solid startin point guard for several years, but he will probably never make the all star team, yet alone become a superstar. Overall, the Lakers will win it all next year as long as they're healthy. If the main core are healthy in the playoffs (Kobe, Odom, Pau & Bynum) then no team in the league will beat them in a seven game series.
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Alexa Freed 10 months ago
Lakers STILL don't play team defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Debbie Marchione 9 months ago
I'm a CELTS fan but the Lakers do have a fair shot. What a list of players! But you can have all the great players but not a great game without defense. And the Lakers do lack in that department.
Answering your question about a repeat of last season's finals? No offense to Laker fans, but YES, I would love to see a repeat.
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javi hernandez 8 months ago
The Lakers are a solid team. Their starting 5 is strong. Just think about it Fish, Kobe, Pau, Lamar and Drew. If they need a spark, they go to Ariza for his hustle. And Radman for his shooting. Then, Farmar to provide quickness and Luke to give the assists. There are also some rookies with potential like Yue, Craford and more. Oh yeah I almost forgot, we need THE MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!
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dylan mckenzie 8 months ago
yes the lakers have a good shot but if it comes down to it as long as the celts have kg,pp, and ray allen thay have no shot to winning the title but if something happens to one of the big 3 than the lakers have a good shot..
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