The Los Angeles Lakers came out of the gates running to start the season, but have struggled of late, and now post a mediocre 18-3 record. After losing 2 of their last six games, skeptics point out that the lack of defense being played by the reigning Western Conference champs is the reason for this stumble. With Boston, Cleveland, and LA all having remarkable starts to the year, it seems as if no other team has a chance to keep up with these three, despite the fact that there are many teams rising this year.
First, here's why the Lakers will be holding the trophy next summer. The Pacific Division is weak. This is the worst Pacific Division in years, thanks in most part to the horrible Sacramento Kings, Don Nelson's reluctance to win, and the Clippers, content with their four wins. The only two teams above .500? The Lakers and the Pheonix Suns, who are six games behind. Pheonix, after the trade yesterday, will now be the most disappointing team in basketball this year. Being a lifelong Warriors fan, I love Jason Richardson, but that will not work out well for them. Shaq and Amare already complaining about getting the ball, the slowdown offense,the loss of their main defensive stopper in Raja Bell, and the big man that seemed to glue the bench together, Boris Diaw. Throw Jason Richardson in the mix, who averages over 16 shots a game, and there's trouble. Not to mention, I haven't heard one good thing a Suns player has said about coach Terry Porter. The Lakers already have already beaten Pheonix twice by an average of nine points and Kobe Bryant only averaging 33 minutes in those two games. If this is the only competition in the Pacific Division, the Lakers can coast to the playoffs, only having to suit up for the Spurs, Mavs, Utah and maybe Denver or a healthy Houston. New Orleans is on the verge of falling apart, and Portland (as much as we all love them) could have a chance at anybody in the West besides the Lakers (as witnessed opening night). When there are less than five teams in a conference that can challenge you or your record, you are in good shape come playoff time. The Lakers play sixteen games against far inferior division opponents, if Kobe and Gasol can rest, Farmar can get more experience during the season, and the bench staying happy logging minutes, this Lakers team should breeze into and through the postseason.
