How the Lakers Measure Up for The 2008 Playoffs

Alot is going on in the deep and talented Western Conference this season as we all are well aware. The Los Angeles Lakers at right there with the top tier teams in what is by far the most competitive the Western Conference, or NBA for that matter has ever been. Kobe Bryant is being discussed as a worthy MVP candidate for this season and of course we feel he should be the winner. Not just as Kobe fans, not just as Lakers fans, but as Basketball fans! But what about his team the Lakers? How well will they do in this upcoming playoffs? Our prediction…championship! Here’s why and here’ s a breakdown of their team:

Derek Fisher:
A solid veteran point guard who plays with efficiency on both ends of the court. Is of course well known for hitting huge shots in playoff games. You can bet that he will do the same this year, even with an injured foot. Fish is a solid leader both on and off the court for the Lakers, and has been a huge impact on this years team. It’s safe to bet that D Fish will make his presence known come playoff time where he shines the most! Derek Fisher will play competitively against Tony Parker, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Rafer Alston, Allen Iverson, Barron Davis, or Jason Kidd. Those are all of course tough match ups for the Lakers, but Derek Fisher will not go away without a fight.

Lamar Odom:
Lamar right now is playing as well as anybody at his position. He’s doing a fantastic job rebounding, defending, passing, and scoring inside the paint. He is extremely valuable to the Lakers. He plays very well with Pau Gasol in the frontcourt and will be a big matchup problem for other teams in the Playoffs. He’s the one guy who’s tall enough and quick enough to contend with Dirk Nowitzki defensively on the perimeter. The Lakers have to like Lamar Odom in matchups against any team in the Western Conference.

Pau Gasol:
There’s a reason why all the Laker haters out there are complaining about the Pau Gasol trade. It’s not only because the guy has game, it’s even more because the guy fits perfectly into the Lakers offensive system. He passes well, he shoots well, and can score on the inside.

Andrew Bynum:
This guys is the ultimate variable in the Lakers championship equation. Will he be back from his injury or will he not? We all expect him back and healthy and if he is even 90% healthy, he is that last cherry on top that makes the Lakers unstoppable. Bynum is long, active, and strong in the paint. He helps the Lakers in their one major area of weakness, and that is interior defense. With Andrew Bynum back, the Lakers can put more pressure on the perimeter with their defense, because Bynum will be there to block up the paint.

Key Role Players:
Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf, Vladamir Radmanovic, and Luke Walton. The bench that has helped carry the load for the Lakers all season. Some interesting notes on these people. Luke Walton needs to find his jumpshot because he will be left open in the playoffs. Vladamir Radmanovic we can only hope will not be a “Space Cadet” and will be focused. His three point shooting alone could deliver knockout punches to his opponents. Jordan Farmar needs to make smarter decisions come playoff time and needs to really help stop penetration defensively against the leagues top guards. As far as Sasha and Ronny are concerned, not really much of a need to be concerned there. They should be just fine! Sasha will get under everybody’s skin and hit huge three pointers. Ronny will give the Lakers hustle points all game long and the energy they need to make it through the playoffs.

Questions/Possibilites:
Will Trevor Ariza be healthy come playoff time? If he is fully healthy he gives you that guy who can guard and harass Manu Ginobli, Tracy McGrady, and Josh Howard to name a few. He’s long, quick and athletic and very active on the defensive end. How will Ira Newble fit in? He is obviously a big guy who can defend well. Defense is what they will need in the playoffs. If Walton or Radmanovic can’t cut it, you might see Newble getting some time. Will big men D.J Mbenga and Chris Mihm find their way into the Playoff Roster? If so, what type of impact will they have? They are both 7 footers who can give you rebounding and shot blocking that only Bynum and Turiaf are currently giving you.

Don’t Forget # 24
Looks like a pretty good solid team huh? All that and we haven’t even gotten to the best part of the cake! It’s Kobe Bryant. We know how good this guys is both Offensively and Defensively. He alone will change games come playoff time. Don’t underestimate this guys hunger and desire to win a championship. Everyone talks about how competive and hungry Kevin Garnett is. Times that by 10 and you get KB24.

With all that said it’s going to be difficult for any team come playoff time to contend with these Lakers. They are hungry, they are motivated, and they are DEEP! And oh yeah, they are lead by a head coach who has 9 NBA championships on his belt. Of all the top teams in the NBA heading into the playoffs, only one other has a head coach who has one an NBA championship. That being of course Gregg Popovich.