Why Los Angeles Lakers are still contenders for the No.1 seed in West – NBA Feature
Los Angeles Lakers were literally massacred by Dallas Mavericks last spring. The team that at one stage in the tournament looked unbeatable in a matter of just four games completely crumbled. Their coach, Phil Jackson stepped down
almost immediately after the horror show displayed by his team adding to the troubles of Lakers.
But Lakers fans don’t need to be apprehensive as all this worrying could be highly hyperbolized. As Lakers still is one of the best teams in NBA blessed with a mighty talented core.
This article will analyze five reasons why Lakers should be considered to end up as the number 1 seed in the Western Conference coming season.
Changes to Roster:
Games against Dallas Mavericks exposed the weak links in the team. The successor of Phil Jackson, Mike Brown, in all likelihood will make some below the mark yet required roster adjustments as soon as the deadlock ends.
Presuming top management of the team makes appropriate moves to make room for strengths of the team; Lakers could easily end up as the favourites not to only winning the Conference but conquering the championship too.
Augmented Motivation:
Lakers will commence the coming season without being the defending champions for the first time in three years as their dream to their third consecutive title was ruined by Dallas in the playoffs this spring.
Teams like Los Angeles Lakers that have a phenomenal record in NBA have ability to bounce back in no time. They use the bad memories as motivation to do better next time. Bruised Los Angeles Lakers will be coming much harder than
before for sure.
While it may be unsafe to anticipate the Lakers will be as good as they used to be but writing them off completely as championship contenders is totally unjustified.
Enough time to rest:
One hypothesis as to why they collapsed in their chase to third consecutive championship was that rosters in the team were mentally and physically drained after appearing in three consecutive NBA finals.
In a way it is justified too, because Lakers are loaded with senior citizens in the form of Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher. But they cannot use the excuse any more. NBA lockout might prove to be a blessing in disguise for Lakers
as extended offseason has provided the elderly legs with the much needed rest.
Whenever the season starts, players will be fresh physically and mentally and this will reflect in their performance too.
Andrew Bynum Factor:
Andrew Bynum was outstanding this past season. His rebounding skills are better than anyone else in NBA and though his team was in the middle of calamity in the playoffs, he continued to impress and finished with an average of
14 points and 10 rebounds per game.
If he picks up from where he left, Lakers will be unstoppable and easily atop the standings at the end of season.
Escaping a blow due to injury recently, clues definitely trace to Bynum having a noteworthy season this time.
Team’s biggest strength still intact:
The reason, Lakers won the championships in 2009 and 2010 was that they had a trio in the frontcourt that was a nightmare for every teams defense. Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom due to their versatility were unstoppable.
The combination should not be changed as Bynum already proved what a monster he is and despite being off beat past season, Pau Gasol was included to All-NBA second team for the first time in his career which will definitely boost
his confidence.
One thing is for sure. If Los Angeles Lakers end up as the number 1 seed, it will be because of front court dominance by the monster trio.
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