NBA Season Preview– expectations and predictions (Part 4)
(Western Conference)
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder finished off the last season after they managed a record of 50-32. None of the players have left the Oklahoma City roster keeping in mind the fact that Thunder are expected to perform well during this season.
Coupled with this are the additions of players like Cole Andrich, Daequan Cook and Morris Peterson would bring diversity in the Thunder’s roster. This year they are expected to increase on the winning numbers taking their winning game toll to 58 games. Their
season is expected to end on a high maintaining a 58-24 record. They would not only end top of the Northwest Division but also finish topping the Western Conference.
The bold prediction about the team is that their star player Russell Westbrook would be earning a spot in the NBA All-Star team.
Though this team will be topping the regular season but they would fall short of a title or a NBA Finals position. The talent and the skill along with the diversity in the roster would make the Oklahoma City Thunder one of the exciting teams to watch and
also place their Head Coach Scott Brooks among the top 5 at the end of the season.
Coming to the players combining with each other than that can be compared with that of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. All the players in the Oklahoma City Thunder gel together and form a formidable unit that can outplay any team on its day. The
passing, shooting and plays they display are absolutely splendid.
Coupled with this is the fact that one of the most breathtaking players in the NBA in Kevin Durant is on their roster. This player has not only shown skill and talent but he also possesses leadership qualities. All these make him one of the complete packages
in the NBA who is flooded with talent. If Kevin Durant is able to perform to the best of his abilities, then the Oklahoma City Thunder may be on road for a NBA title this season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers maintained a record of 57-25 during the last season. This season though there have been key additions to the roster in Steve Blake and Matt Barnes but Kobe Bryant’s health would surely affect the Lakers if it disintegrates.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to win 55 games this season losing 27. The bold prediction regarding the Los Angeles Lakers is that Kobe Bryant won’t be playing more than 70 games during the course of the season. The Los Angeles Lakers would be finishing
the Western Conference placed in 2nd position.
The Los Angeles Lakers, two time defending champions are not looking in a good shape. They had a poor run in the preseason winning 4 games out of 8. Kobe Bryant’s health and form are both not that well, as they used to be that further hinders the Lakers
chances of a title win this time. All the wins and titles that have come for the 2 time defending champions have had Kobe Bryant at the centre of things. At times Kobe has led the Lakers to wins almost single handily.
Derek Fisher, once the All-Star point guard is no way near and according to many, his time is done. Pau Gasol is a player that might come into your mind. But the problem is this that Pau Gasol has won the titles under the leadership of Kobe. Many say that
Gasol still has time until he takes over the leadership. Pau Gasol is extremely talented and with the skills that he has, he can surely create problems.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance of winning the title this time out only if Oklahoma City Thunder underperforms. The Thunders are the stronger of the two on paper, but as they say games are not won on paper so let’s wait and watch.
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