L.A. Lakers: Why Matchups Show a Grim Outcome for the Lakers

Last season, the Lakers had a starting five of Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum (with Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown and Steve Blake coming off the bench).

Their Christmas Day lineup is a little different.

Derek Fisher will start the season in the starting five as usual.

The rest of the lineup is less than optimal, though.

Kobe is once again playing through an injury, with a wrist he should be resting for a few weeks. It's been announced that Metta World Peace will be coming off the bench, filling in as the "new Lamar Odom" for the Lakers.

Starting in his place is second-year small forward Devin Ebanks. While I have confidence Devin Ebanks will be successful in the Lakers lineup (as stated in a number of my articles), the first game of the season, and really his first time playing for more than half of a game in the NBA, will prove to be more than a test for the sophomore.

When Lamar Odom left, a hole was left in the power forward spot. To replace him, the Lakers signed Josh McRoberts. He is athletic and an excellent defender, but he will have to pick up the slack (understatement).

Starting at center is Pau Gasol, filling in for the suspended Andrew Bynum. His skill isn't in question, but his toughness doesn't equal Bynum's (it doesn't even come close).

So, Fisher will be matched up against the reigning MVP Derrick Rose. On offense, Fisher will struggle, not being able to get an open shot. On defense, there is no question that Fisher will be owned unless Rose is just having an off (a really off) day.

Kobe will be running around and chasing Rip Hamilton, who is notorious for always being on the move looking for the open shot. Bryant struggle with his shot and will rely heavily on his right hand. In other words: Rip Hamilton plus Kobe plus wrist injury equals frustration and pain for Kobe.

The Bulls will look to take advantage of the young Ebanks, having Luol Deng dominate him on offense and shut him down on defense.

Not much more to say there.

Carlos Boozer is a dominant power forward (top 10 in the league), but I think this matchup favors the Lakers. Josh McRoberts will be able to get in Boozer's head at the Lakers' basket. He will struggle in the half court on offense, but will take advantage of Boozer in the fast-break.

At center, Joakim Noah will display too much force for Gasol, and while Pau might be able to score some points, there is no way for him to match Noah in terms of strength, hustle and rebounding ability.

So, when you put the pieces together, the outcome looks pretty grim for the Lakers. And unless somebody steps up, the Lakers are in for a long, long night.