LA Lakers: Why the Lakers Are Poised for Another Championship Run
LA Lakers: Could the Lakeshow Win Third Straight This Season?
The Los Angeles Lakers have battled through a tough 2010-11 season so far, but they have a chance to win their third straight NBA championship this year and they look ready to go on a run.
Obviously the Eastern Conference has a lot of strength at the top, but the West is the deeper conference and could really help the Lakers play at their best if they make another finals run.
Here we have the top 10 reasons why the Lakers are going to make another bid for a championship during the playoffs this season.
Obviously the Lakers have a lot of haters, but let us know what you really think. Are they still the best team in the West? What are their chances at winning a third straight championship?
10. Matt Barnes Is Getting Healthy
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Matt Barnes was a big free-agent acquisition for the Lakers this offseason, but after playing in the first 37 games this season the former UCLA forward tore a ligament in his knee. After surgery Barnes has not yet been cleared to play.
While missing that much time might seem like a tough thing to overcome, Barnes is starting to get healthy. He will have enough time before the playoffs to get back in shape and be at his best for the team when the games really start to matter.
Barnes is a great defensive player, and he could be a huge factor for the champs in the playoffs.
9. Spurs Exertion in the Regular Season
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The Spurs have really been a surprise this season. They have been playing better than any team in the NBA and at their advanced age that is no small feat.
However, if history tells us anything it is the Spurs tend to struggle in the playoffs if they really exert themselves in the regular season.
If the Spurs are working this hard to get the top overall seed then I think they could be gassed by the time the playoffs roll around and won't pose much of a threat.
8. Phil Jackson's Last Season
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Phil Jackson, the only active head coach in the Hall of Fame, is calling it a career at the end of this season. What better way to send the head coach with the most championships out than by giving him his 12th ring.
Jackson has looked a little complacent this season but that's because he is the coach of a veteran team coming off two championships. He doesn't have to get his team geared up for the day-in, day-out grind.
When the playoffs roll around, I expect Jackson to have picked up his coaching and the Lakers to respond in kind.
7. Something to Prove
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Considering the fact that the Lakers have two straight rings, people might not think they have anything left to prove. Well, the media has doubted this team all season and trust me, they are paying attention to that.
The Lakers have heard that they are too old, too complacent, and not good enough to win a third straight title.
However, once the calendar hits June and the playoffs start, they will be ready to win again.
6. Better Depth
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The most distinguishing thing between this team and the last two Lakers teams is their depth. Not only do they have a solid starting five, but they have a quality group of bench players that can provide a spark.
The Lakers brought in Steve Blake this offseason in case Derek Fisher decided to leave in free agency. Then when Fisher came back, Blake became a nice addition to the bench.
Blake, teamed with Shannon Brown, has helped lead the bench mob that includes Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes when he is healthy.
5. More Rested This Year
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Prior to their last two championship runs, both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the offseason playing for their respective national teams. That is another few months of high-level practices and pressure-filled games.
However, this offseason the two Lakers stars actually got some rest and didn't play in the FIBA World Championship.
That extra time off will come in handy come playoff time when the Lakers will have their stars playing in the most intense games of the season.
4. Kobe Bryant Picking It Up
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Earlier in the season, many experts thought Kobe Bryant was really starting to show his age in 2011. However, after a lull in the early part of the season the future Hall of Famer has really started to pick up his play.
Bryant is currently fourth in the NBA in scoring and has scored 30 or more in four of the last seven games.
Despite the fact that Kobe has slowed down a bit this year, he is still one of the best players in the league and he is playing well in recent games.
3. Recent Road Trip Performance
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The Lakers are currently on their annual "Grammy" road trip. They have had games against New Orleans, Memphis, Boston, New York and Orlando.
Entering Sunday, the Lakers had beaten New Orleans, Memphis, Boston and New York. Currently they are in a dog fight against Orlando but have a chance to win.
The Lakers still have road games at Charlotte and Cleveland before returning home. They could end up returning home undefeated on this road trip.
2. Playing Good Defense
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The Lakers have really picked up their play on the defensive end recently. They are currently 10th in scoring defense and that is due in large part to recent performances.
In the playoffs, if the Lakers can continue that strong defense, it seems like they have a good chance of being a dominant team.
While defense is a big key, their offense has been the problem in recent weeks. As long as they can continue to shoot the ball well paired with the solid defense, it seems like they will be another force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
1. Championship Experience
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Of all the teams in the NBA, none is more likely to make a championship run than the Lakers. They have two rings already and know how to turn it on when the games matter.
That experience is more valuable than anything else the Lakers can provide.
Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher both have five championship rings. That is the most among active players.
