Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Reasons Why They Will 3-Peat

The Los Angeles Lakers are attempting to do something that has not been done since 2000-2003: three-peat. Ironically, they themselves were the last to do it.

The Lakers are currently second in the Western Conference standings, behind the surprising San Antonio Spurs.  The team has taken some flack for their recent play—their lack of defense and desire to play. 

The Lakers are one team that is not worried about the regular season—usually coasting or limping into the playoffs—but they always find a way to win when they get there. 

With that being said, here are five reasons why the Lakers will prove the nay-sayers wrong and repeat as NBA champions

5. They Have Veteran Leadership

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: (L-R) Pau Gasol #16, Kobe Bryant #24, Derek Fisher #2 and Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers run up court in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, C

For the Lakers to be successful in the postseason they must rely on their core of players that have gotten them there before.  Those players are Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.

Lately much has been written about the age of this Lakers team, but no one is talking about their experience. You can compare the Lakers to a bottle of fine wine: They seem to get better with age. 

Some call it being old, I call it being veterans—and it is that type of veteran leadership that will drive them in their quest to three-peat. 

4. Playoff Tested

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to drive on Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly a

The Lakers have gone to the NBA finals for the last three years and won the NBA championship the last two.  This current Lakers squad has played in almost 200 playoff games together.  They know what it takes to win.

3. Because No One Wants Them To!

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds both the Larry O'Brien trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on J

The Lakers are the NY Yankees of basketball, meaning that everyone hates them for whatever reason.  The hate, along with the doubt, will be a driving force for this team. 

 It's all about pride now.

2. Phil Jackson

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PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 05: Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on January 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 99-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

This may very well be Jackson's last year as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.  With Jackson's retirement imminent and Kobe's career on the decline, this may be the last time this Lakers group goes to the NBA finals. 

As the playoffs draw closer, you will hear that repeatedly. 

Jackson has the opportunity to win 12 championships as a coach:six each with both the Bulls and Lakers.  What better way than to go out on top?

1. Kobe Bryant

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles up court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Staples Center on January 17, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO

Nothing much needs to be said about Kobe other than that he is a fierce competitor and has a desire to win.  He will turn up the intensity come playoff time.

The chance to win three straight championships without Shaquille O'Neal should be motivation enough for Kobe, not to mention the chance to equal Jordan in rings and further cement his place in Lakers history.