Miami Heat: What Defending Champs Would Have to Do to Beat Lakers in Finals
If the Miami Heat are going to successfully defend their NBA championship, they are going to have to exploit the weaknesses of the revamped Los Angeles Lakers, because let's face it, after this offseason, it would be a surprise if there was any other matchup in the Finals than these two star-studded teams.
The Lakers have a lot of on-court work to do before they will be ready to make a run at the title, but with their experience and talent level, it is reasonable to expect them to be able to gel by the end of the season, and when that happens, they will have a more complete lineup than the Miami Heat.
With addition of Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Jodie Meeks and Antawn Jamison, the Lakers have a complete starting five, and some depth to go with it.
But this is still a group of players the Heat, who largely remained unchanged except for the addition of marksman Ray Allen, can beat. Here is what they need to do.
Run, Run, Run
The Lakers were slow last year, and they didn't do much to change that. This is not a team that is going to outrun anyone. Miami is going to be able to beat this team down the court on offense and defense.
This will not only lead to Miami netting easy buckets, but it will limit the Lakers' transition points as the Heat have the athletes to get back quickly and limit fast-break opportunities.
Also, the more energy they can force the veteran Lakers to expend, the better. As a group, the Heat should enjoy a big advantage in stamina.
Take the Rock to the Rack
The Lakers' biggest weakness remains unchanged, and that is they have no one to stop opposing point guards from penetrating. The Heat certainly are not ideally suited to exploit this, but even Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole will be able to get past Steve Nash and Steve Blake.
Now, once these opposing guards get into the lane, Dwight Howard's quickness and hops will help the Lakers limit the damage they can do, but this can't stop the Heat from trying to attack them this way.
The Heat need to get into the lane as much as possible, even if it is not effective. They can't leave this all on the point guards, either. Sooner or later, this will lead to Howard getting into foul trouble and likely winded. He is going to have to do a lot of helping with this team.
Play Heat D
Despite what will be a huge size disadvantage in the paint, the Heat are still well-equipped to slow down the Lakers offense.
The Heat have succeeded despite not having a defensively dominant front line with quick traps and excellent rotation. They are as good as any team in the league at this, and that is going to be the only way to stop the Lakers bigs.
The Heat are also going to be well equipped to handle the Lakers on the perimeter. Steve Nash is still an elite offensive point guard. A big part of this is that he is one of the greatest orchestrators of the pick and roll that the league has ever seen.
Again, the Heat's ability to trap and rotate is extremely effective here. To stop the Lakers offense, it is going to take team defense, and the Heat's team defense is elite.
