Why the Los Angeles Lakers can still come out on top
The NBA has seen many stories come up during the offseason with some teams losing in the trade while others coming up with the best deals like that of Miami Heat who were able to form the trio of Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. The Boston Celtics coming up with the signing of Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant being given a contract extension by the Thunders and many more. With the regular season nearing we will be discussing as to why the Lakers still have what it takes to be the champions at the end of the upcoming season.
Like any other sport in the modern era, it is not fair to forget the key players such as Kobe Bryant in the Lakers line-up. Kobe has proved this last season that if he is given a talented and determined squad, Kobe can come up with results that ultimately result in Championship glory. This extremely skilful and determined player gives his best while playing and is able to bag the same amount of minutes as some of the younger players in the NBA that shows that age is not affecting him. According to experts, keeping this in mind, Kobe can surely come up with yet another title this upcoming season.
Another strong fact that goes with Lakers is that they have a coach who has experienced championship glory 11 times. Phil Jackson is one of the most successful coaches in the NBA, who according to experts may well be on road to his third consecutive title. The thing that brings Jackson back each year is his hunger to win. Jackson has achieved a lot of success as a coach and still wants more. However, the only hindrance in his path is that of his health. The Lakers at the moment do not face the problem of Kobe’s fitness but that of Phil Jackson is concerning them.
One of the key elements in Lakers success might date back to about two and a half seasons ago when Pau Gasol was brought into the Lakers squad. After bringing in Gasol, the Lakers got rid of Kwame Brown and have managed three finals appearances out of which they have won two. He is the most underrated key player in the Lakers line-up as this gigantic figure can absolutely demolish the opposing defence.
Coupled with all of the above is the inclusion of players like Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and Andrew Bymun. Lamar Odom though is not one of the consistent performers in the Lakers roster but one day he might be playing like the top players in NBA. Odom has couple of titles under his belt and can still be considered to be in the prime years of his career.
Ron Artest is one the best defenders that the NBA has ever witnessed. Artest is a stand out performer who can deal with any type of forward coming to attack his defence. Be it LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony, Artest will try his best and go for the block or ball. The Lakers will surely have no fear of failure while this player is around guarding their defence.
Andrew Bymun is one player who battles with injuries more than anything else. Bymun has been fighting injuries his entire career and last season was no different. This amazing player has a lot to offer to the Lakers team and is very talented, only if injuries let go off him then the Lakers will one of the formidable forces of the NBA.
Not only this, the Lakers came up with some impressive deals out of which the first was the resignation of Derek Fisher. Fisher was one the vitals in some of the crucial victories of Lakers that eventually led them to the NBA finals and then enabled them to win the NBA title for the second consecutive time.
The Lakers also signed Theo Ratliff, as the big man could make up for any injuries that the Lakers might suffer during the course of the season.
Some experts say that the Lakers are becoming the same force as they once were though the faces have changed but the strength they offer without a doubt puts them ahead of rest of the pack.
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