As a lifelong Boston Celtics fan, hating the Lakers comes naturally. However, as the rivalry between the two teams has ceased to even exist these days, I have come to, at least, appreciate the talents of some of their former greats and currently, both, head coach, Phil Jackson and shooting guard, Kobe Bryant.
After the Lakers spirited conclusion to last season, with an unexpected and hard fought playoff appearance, the future would appear to be very bright for Bryant and his mostly young teammates.
Here is a glimpse of what lies ahead for Los Angeles in 2006-07.
Point Guard
Simply put, this is the first problem for the Lakers. I like Smush Parker, but unless he’s a changed player (I doubt it), he’s not the answer. Neither is backup Shammond Williams. Personally, I think the Lakers had better find out in a hurry if either Sasha Vujacic or Jordan Farmar is capable of being a starting point guard in the NBA.
Simply put, this is the first problem for the Lakers. I like Smush Parker, but unless he’s a changed player (I doubt it), he’s not the answer. Neither is backup Shammond Williams. Personally, I think the Lakers had better find out in a hurry if either Sasha Vujacic or Jordan Farmar is capable of being a starting point guard in the NBA.
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Shooting Guard
Not only do the Lakers have the best shooting guard in the game, but they made an excellent acquisition when they traded for veteran Maurice Evans, who should see significant playing time this season either behind Bryant, or most likely, alongside of him at either the 2 or 3. Evans is also an excellent defensive player who should prosper with more minutes and Jackson’s direction.
Small Forward
This was a problem for the Lakers last season. However, by acquiring veteran, Vladimir Radmanovic, the Lakers should see instant improvement. Radmanovic’s long distance shooting should be a valuable compliment to Bryant’s ability to drive to the basket. Luke Walton is a damn good backup and a good outside shooter, not to mention, excellent passer.
This was a problem for the Lakers last season. However, by acquiring veteran, Vladimir Radmanovic, the Lakers should see instant improvement. Radmanovic’s long distance shooting should be a valuable compliment to Bryant’s ability to drive to the basket. Luke Walton is a damn good backup and a good outside shooter, not to mention, excellent passer.
Power Forward
This is going to be a problem for the Lakers. That’s right, you heard it here. If the Lakers think that Lamar Odom is the answer at the 4, they had better think again. Odom is one of the most inconsistent players of all-time and one who has never lived up to his immense physical gifts. I’m sorry, but I just can’t see Odom stopping Duncan or Garnett down low. On the other hand, he could cause matchup problems on offense – when he feels like playing that is. Brian Cook and Rony Turiaf are good players, but nothing to write home to Mom about – although Turiaf does still have plenty of room for growth.
This is going to be a problem for the Lakers. That’s right, you heard it here. If the Lakers think that Lamar Odom is the answer at the 4, they had better think again. Odom is one of the most inconsistent players of all-time and one who has never lived up to his immense physical gifts. I’m sorry, but I just can’t see Odom stopping Duncan or Garnett down low. On the other hand, he could cause matchup problems on offense – when he feels like playing that is. Brian Cook and Rony Turiaf are good players, but nothing to write home to Mom about – although Turiaf does still have plenty of room for growth.
Center
The duo of Chris Mihm and Kwame Brown is fairly respectable when their numbers are combined. Mihm is a less gifted player who hustles more than his more athletic, but laid-back counterpart. I guess the Lakers could continue to get by like this for a while; however, it sure would be nice to see one or the other take control of this position. Oh well, maybe second-year player, Andrew Bynum will become a player one day.
The duo of Chris Mihm and Kwame Brown is fairly respectable when their numbers are combined. Mihm is a less gifted player who hustles more than his more athletic, but laid-back counterpart. I guess the Lakers could continue to get by like this for a while; however, it sure would be nice to see one or the other take control of this position. Oh well, maybe second-year player, Andrew Bynum will become a player one day.
Prognosis:
I think the Lakers should win at least another four or possibly five games, because of the acquisitions of Evans and Radmanovic. Even with the Lakers issues at point guard and power forward, I think this team is going to improve and once again, be a tough out come playoff time.
I think the Lakers should win at least another four or possibly five games, because of the acquisitions of Evans and Radmanovic. Even with the Lakers issues at point guard and power forward, I think this team is going to improve and once again, be a tough out come playoff time.
