Kobe MVP=Pacific Division Champs <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Billa_Bong:</div><div class="quote_post">Hey guys I thought this might be fun to do, what do you guys think the lakers will do this upcoming season. I think the lakers are going to go 51-31. Post yours </div> 61-21 Lakers still have the best player in the league with a clear mind, a great new coach that will let him play, and all the role players they need. They win the Pacific by 10 games, Kobe is MVP and take on the other division winners the Spurs and Twolves.
I just want a few of you to think about some key elements to our lineup this year. We acquired Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant. These three guys were starters from a team who beat the Hornets in the first round (with Magloire, a talented all-star center, and Baron Davis), and nearly upset the Pacers in the semis (with Jermaine O'Neal and the DPOY, Ron Artest). Wade was not the biggest factor, either...and for those of you that want to argue that he was, go for it...but I can guarantee you that Wade couldn't have led the Heat to the playoffs without these three guys, no question about it. We have added Vlade Divac...gained him, yet gave nothing but a contract. He's one of the best passing centers in the league...who needs a big man that scores, when you have a shooting guard who can do that? We also took Chris Mihm, Chucky Atkins and Jumaine Jones for Payton (a guy who's got an ego problem and doesn't wanna play unless he's guaranteed a ring) and Fox, who's pretty much retired. Great trade, actually. Chris Mihm may not be great, but he will be decent coming off the bench, something that we never had when Shaq was sitting. We kept Kobe. This is what keeps us in the playoffs. Nothing more needs to be said about him...he's been explaining his value for quite some time now. Considering these factors, we should easily get into the playoffs, and even make it past the first round...but, since this is all a matter of opinion, we'll let Kobe and the Lakers do the talking in due time
45-37, ties for 8th playoff spot, but makes it in on tie breakers. (And a bonus prediction, Kobe leads the West in scoring, 27.9)
Wow, I can't believe all the people that don't believe very highly in the Lakers anymore. I still believe the Lakers are a very good team. You people are underestimating the talent they have in the upcoming season. Just because they lost Shaq, doesn't make them a bad team instantly. They brought in a ton of pretty good players with Butler, Odom, Mihm, Atkins, and Divac. Not to mention they got the biggest thing of all back, and that's a free Kobe Bryant. I think, with the depth and talent this team has this year, they could still be a force to be reckoned with out West, even if they are lacking Shaq.
38-44 battling down at the bottom with the suns and hornets....but not the very bottom.... sonics shaq's loss will be felt for years..... though the team does have more depth than in past years..... the west has simply gotten better to a team... wolves improved/stayed the same.... spurs-- addition of barry is huge for them... nuggets - most improved team again back to back years kings - still a great regular season team - with bobby jackson back healthy mavs - now with the best big man in the west- will be solid houston - the beginning of the mcgrady era... not sure on this one warriors - vastly improved as mullin continues to improve a young team grizzlies - really didnt do much in the off season - the secret is out... probably wont see last year's performance hornet, sonics, suns, clips and lakers bringing up the rear unless Kobe makes some drastic changes to his game..... and starts sharing the ball.... the lakers will be left standing around watching him win the scoring title and not much else... if the banks trade is true they will certainly have some interesting pieces to a future puzzle but for this year, not enough game. But i think all the Payton bashing though deserved will be forgotten once the Chucky Atkins bashing begins.
Relying on Chucky Atkins as your starter in the west is not very wise, having Brian Grant starting in the west is also not a good idea. L.A have alot of holes in their line-up with not enough shooters. You can mention all you like about Odom and the two former Heat players making the 2nd round last year but that was in the weak east where there were only 3 very good teams. Odom, Butler and Grant are playing in a much tougher conference now, I doubt they will have the same success. Hoping for 40-44 wins is realistic but expecting 50-55 wins as some have stated here is getting your hopes up which could leave you dissapointed. Many west teams have improved this summer. As DA said you NEVER trade Shaquille O'Neal, It just shouldn't ever happen. You are kidding yourselves If you think the Lakers will be a better team than last year. It's not even close. 8th seed should be expected but I doubt they will get any higher.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting boogielew:</div><div class="quote_post">38-44 battling down at the bottom with the suns and hornets....but not the very bottom.... sonics shaq's loss will be felt for years..... though the team does have more depth than in past years..... the west has simply gotten better to a team... wolves improved/stayed the same.... spurs-- addition of barry is huge for them... nuggets - most improved team again back to back years kings - still a great regular season team - with bobby jackson back healthy mavs - now with the best big man in the west- will be solid houston - the beginning of the mcgrady era... not sure on this one warriors - vastly improved as mullin continues to improve a young team grizzlies - really didnt do much in the off season - the secret is out... probably wont see last year's performance hornet, sonics, suns, clips and lakers bringing up the rear unless Kobe makes some drastic changes to his game..... and starts sharing the ball.... the lakers will be left standing around watching him win the scoring title and not much else... if the banks trade is true they will certainly have some interesting pieces to a future puzzle but for this year, not enough game. But i think all the Payton bashing though deserved will be forgotten once the Chucky Atkins bashing begins.</div> I pretty much disagree with everything you said. The Mavs don't have the best big man in the West for one, unless they somehow picked up Tim Duncan, and last I knew, the Spurs didn't trade away their franchise. The Grizzlies won't be a one year wonder, they'll be just as good this year. Jerry West and company have built a great young team down there that will be good for a while now I think. The Kings are losing their step. Webber isn't the impact player he once was and the team is now building more around a duo of Peja and Bibby, but, the key is still Webber, and he's not as good anymore. The addition of Brent Barry isn't as big as you think. All it does is give them a vet and it gives them another shooter, but it's not as big as I think you make it. The Warriors, last I knew, didn't do anything to improve. Granted I haven't paid much attention to the team, I don't believe they've done anything significant aside from drafting Biedrins and picking up Fisher, and Biedrins is not going to be making an impact yet. Plus, they lost Cardinal, so that's a huge shot in the foot to their bench. I'm not sure about Houston. I think they could be very good with the addition of McGrady, all depends on the chemsitry on the team and how TMac and JVG get along. I do agree that the Nuggets could be the most improved team again this year, it's a good possibility. I think they could contend for home court, at least in the first round. But, the Lakers won't be nearly as bad as you say. I don't see how. The team has a ton of talent this year, it's a much different Laker squad then in years past. The team is a lot younger and have gotten a lot more perimeter players now. Plus, I believe that Divac and Mihm will be able to fill the center position for the Lakers, not how Shaq did, but, they'll be sufficient. Plus, you may bash Kobe, but he's still the best overall player in the league. You seem to forget that Kobe, for the last 4 seasons, has led that team in assists. I think that he's going to change his philosophy at least a little and share the ball with others. Plus, he's got a very good running mate now with Lamar Odom. Speaking of Odom, pending where he plays, he'll also allow the Lakers to stretch out the defense with his shooting ability. But, you really seem to underrate this team. They're going to be fairly deep and they're going to have a ton of talent with people like Kobe, Odom, Butler, etc. I think the Lakers will surprise everyone and make a run for the division title. I don't believe they're going to be nearly as bad as your projecting.
Nobody said that the Lakers are going to start Brian Grant, by the way... If we get Malone, we have Vlade/Malone/Odom/Kobe/Atkins...and that's not bad, considering our bench is very deep. Don't give Shaq too much credit...he's not an automatic championship. Shaq would've never won it without Kobe, and Kobe would've never won it without Shaq.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Hoping for 40-44 wins is realistic but expecting 50-55 wins </div> They're just being optimistic, having a little faith in thier team. I'm guessing 47-35 record. They are still head over heels over most East teams (yes, including Miami) but they have a lot of challenges in the West. The season hasn't played out yet so we all dont have a clue how they are going to do but I'm liking this team. They are kind of like the Denver Nuggets of last year with a run-and-gun system only they have a better go-to guy in Kobe. I'm guessing 5th to 7th seed. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> As DA said you NEVER trade Shaquille O'Neal, It just shouldn't ever happen. </div> Well, he got traded. And now he's fussing over it and claiming "a player like me shouldn't be traded." Talk about egotistical issues. Yes, you are great Shaq but I think you're extremely overconfident and it will end up backfiring on you, more then Kobe. You promised a championship in Miami, and have more expectations. Everyone knows the Lakers won't win a championship in a while so if anything, no one expects this team to win and that's when the surprises will play in for L.A. I still find it hilarious that Shaq thinks he can get past Detriot in the East with a trio of him/Wade and Jones when he couldn't do it with the team that won the Western Conference last year. Good luck Shaq, you'll eat your words. but knowing you, you'll probably end up blaming your teammates soon enough when you start losing a couple. Glad we got rid of him. Less wins....but less drama and a fresh start....As well as no more of "let me touch the ball 9 times on every posession or else I'll complain about it after the game's over, even if we win"
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting boogielew:</div><div class="quote_post">38-44 battling down at the bottom with the suns and hornets....but not the very bottom.... sonics shaq's loss will be felt for years..... though the team does have more depth than in past years..... the west has simply gotten better to a team... wolves improved/stayed the same.... spurs-- addition of barry is huge for them... nuggets - most improved team again back to back years kings - still a great regular season team - with bobby jackson back healthy mavs - now with the best big man in the west- will be solid houston - the beginning of the mcgrady era... not sure on this one warriors - vastly improved as mullin continues to improve a young team grizzlies - really didnt do much in the off season - the secret is out... probably wont see last year's performance hornet, sonics, suns, clips and lakers bringing up the rear unless Kobe makes some drastic changes to his game..... and starts sharing the ball.... the lakers will be left standing around watching him win the scoring title and not much else... if the banks trade is true they will certainly have some interesting pieces to a future puzzle but for this year, not enough game. But i think all the Payton bashing though deserved will be forgotten once the Chucky Atkins bashing begins.</div> i disagree with you, kobe is one of the best players in the league being able to score 20 points in the 4th, imagina what he can do if he is and will be the main man taking the shots thro out the hole game and not relying on shaq to score his 30 in the 1st 3 and kobe to pull it thro with a big 4th. also this year they brought in maturing players like Odom, Butler, and Mihm. With veterans like Vlade and Grant with the experience the players like Kobe, George, and Slava over the last 5 years winning championships and there losses and wins will really help bring there new maturing teammates into good basketball players that can really help there team become a Championship contender. So i think they will do good next year, but probably need to loose a season to really get that team spirit and team unity and than once they get that 1 key ingredient which is team bonds and just thinking for the team and winning a championship for the lakers, not themselves, for there team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">I pretty much disagree with everything you said. The Mavs don't have the best big man in the West for one, unless they somehow picked up Tim Duncan, and last I knew, the Spurs didn't trade away their franchise. The Grizzlies won't be a one year wonder, they'll be just as good this year. Jerry West and company have built a great young team down there that will be good for a while now I think. The Kings are losing their step. Webber isn't the impact player he once was and the team is now building more around a duo of Peja and Bibby, but, the key is still Webber, and he's not as good anymore. The addition of Brent Barry isn't as big as you think. All it does is give them a vet and it gives them another shooter, but it's not as big as I think you make it. The Warriors, last I knew, didn't do anything to improve. Granted I haven't paid much attention to the team, I don't believe they've done anything significant aside from drafting Biedrins and picking up Fisher, and Biedrins is not going to be making an impact yet. Plus, they lost Cardinal, so that's a huge shot in the foot to their bench. I'm not sure about Houston. I think they could be very good with the addition of McGrady, all depends on the chemsitry on the team and how TMac and JVG get along. I do agree that the Nuggets could be the most improved team again this year, it's a good possibility. I think they could contend for home court, at least in the first round. But, the Lakers won't be nearly as bad as you say. I don't see how. The team has a ton of talent this year, it's a much different Laker squad then in years past. The team is a lot younger and have gotten a lot more perimeter players now. Plus, I believe that Divac and Mihm will be able to fill the center position for the Lakers, not how Shaq did, but, they'll be sufficient. Plus, you may bash Kobe, but he's still the best overall player in the league. You seem to forget that Kobe, for the last 4 seasons, has led that team in assists. I think that he's going to change his philosophy at least a little and share the ball with others. Plus, he's got a very good running mate now with Lamar Odom. Speaking of Odom, pending where he plays, he'll also allow the Lakers to stretch out the defense with his shooting ability. But, you really seem to underrate this team. They're going to be fairly deep and they're going to have a ton of talent with people like Kobe, Odom, Butler, etc. I think the Lakers will surprise everyone and make a run for the division title. I don't believe they're going to be nearly as bad as your projecting.</div> Moo... dampier is the best big man in the west....last time i checked that fella duncan you mentioned plays the four and nesterovic was the five.. grizzlies....i am not thinking one year wonder...i just think teams have improved and their addition of cardinal doesnt really improve them and teams like the nugs and jazz surpass them the kings are healthy and i disagree....i think webber comes back strong....finally healthy and the kings as usual have one of the best regular season records..... the spurs..... with barry they finally have someone who can back up and play along side parker.... and the best three point shooter in the league.... wow the jazz look solid ..... houston....i agree with you ....could be really a tough team kobe leading the team in assists is not exactly a surprise.... they have not had a point guard since kobe has been there....d-fish is more a spot up combo guard.... he never broke the defense down or set people up.... and kobe has the ball in his hands more than any other player on the court...i didnt say he wasnt a great talent.... just not a team player.... and that he will achieve his personal goals of a scoring title, maybe even season mvp.... but i doubt that will translate into a true team and wins..... especially this first season...and i dont see this great depth of talent you see..... odom yes..... kobe and that is about it..... no other all stars..... and really no one with even all star potential....granted most teams dont have two all stars..... kobe is not the best over all player in the league...kevin garnett is
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting boogielew:</div><div class="quote_post">Moo... dampier is the best big man in the west....last time i checked that fella duncan you mentioned plays the four and nesterovic was the five.. grizzlies....i am not thinking one year wonder...i just think teams have improved and their addition of cardinal doesnt really improve them and teams like the nugs and jazz surpass them the kings are healthy and i disagree....i think webber comes back strong....finally healthy and the kings as usual have one of the best regular season records..... the spurs..... with barry they finally have someone who can back up and play along side parker.... and the best three point shooter in the league.... wow the jazz look solid ..... houston....i agree with you ....could be really a tough team kobe leading the team in assists is not exactly a surprise.... they have not had a point guard since kobe has been there....d-fish is more a spot up combo guard.... he never broke the defense down or set people up.... and kobe has the ball in his hands more than any other player on the court...i didnt say he wasnt a great talent.... just not a team player.... and that he will achieve his personal goals of a scoring title, maybe even season mvp.... but i doubt that will translate into a true team and wins..... especially this first season...and i dont see this great depth of talent you see..... odom yes..... kobe and that is about it..... no other all stars..... and really no one with even all star potential....granted most teams dont have two all stars..... kobe is not the best over all player in the league...kevin garnett is</div> Ok, apparently my def of a big man is different than yours cause I consider them to play the 4 or the 5. Either, Yao is better than Damp if you want to go there, granted it is my opinion, Yao keeps getting better and better and he's going to be better than Damp this year. The Jazz, to me, really didn't upgrade much. Sure, they got Boozer, but, what's he going to do in the West? Have you ever stopped to think that he is a 6'7" PF? He's extremely undersized to play that position, especially with people like Duncan in the West. So, I really don't see how they improved that much. I do believe the Nugs are good, but, that's on paper. They haven't proven anything on the court. Same with the Rockets. It doesn't matter how good you look on paper, and the Lakers proved that last year. About Kobe...I really don't know what else I can say. The guy leads the team in assists year in and year out, he is the best clutch player in the league, he, in my opinion, is the best overall player in the league, I don't know what else to say. He's the difference maker for the Lakers this year. I think he's going to mature and lead them to a good record. He knows what he's getting in to, he knows he HAS to be the leader, and I think he'll realize this, and he'll do whatever is necessary to win. Whether it be him shooting, passing, playing tough "d", whatever, I think he'll do it. He's got the competetive nature to him that doesn't want to lose, and he will do whatever he can to win. Really, aside from what I've already said, I suppose I can't say anything else. I just believe that the Lakers will win this year. I think the team is good enough, Kobe will learn how to be a leader, and he'll lead them to a good record.
i'd say 29-53, not to be pessimistic or anything just my gut feeling that Odom and Butler wouldn't easily buy into Kobe's leadership but i do hope they'll finish with 50+ wins as some people here projected....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting boogielew:</div><div class="quote_post"> dampier is the best big man in the west....last time i checked that fella duncan you mentioned plays the four and nesterovic was the five.. the kings are healthy and i disagree....i think webber comes back strong....finally healthy and the kings as usual have one of the best regular season records..... the spurs..... with barry they finally have someone who can back up and play along side parker.... and the best three point shooter in the league.... wow the jazz look solid ..... houston....i agree with you ....could be really a tough team kobe leading the team in assists is not exactly a surprise.... they have not had a point guard since kobe has been there....d-fish is more a spot up combo guard.... he never broke the defense down or set people up.... and kobe has the ball in his hands more than any other player on the court...i didnt say he wasnt a great talent.... just not a team player.... and that he will achieve his personal goals of a scoring title, maybe even season mvp.... but i doubt that will translate into a true team and wins..... especially this first season...and i dont see this great depth of talent you see..... odom yes..... kobe and that is about it..... no other all stars..... and really no one with even all star potential....granted most teams dont have two all stars..... kobe is not the best over all player in the league...kevin garnett is</div> Yao Ming, Jamaal Magloire, and Brad Miller are three true centers that are better than Erick Dampier in the West. Just because a player is healthy doesn't mean he'll stay healthy. Ask Grant Hill and Jamal Mashburn. Yes, the Spurs are a threat...but once again, Shaq was in foul trouble and there was NO center to replace him. Also, almost every single point from Parker was scored over Shaq's extended arm last season, as a result of a drive to the hoop. Shaq should be blocking everything that comes near him, if he's the best in the league... The Jazz look solid, but they have no bench and their backcourt is overrated. Arroyo looked great in the Olympics, but won't do as much when he returns to the league. Boozer is a bit overrated, also. Houston could be tough...but only if we don't have Malone by the start of the season. With Malone and Odom, rebounds will be pulled down, and that's the only thing the Lakers would have trouble with against Houston. Kobe will be there to take care of McGrady...everything else depends on the big men, because Yao Ming is only getting better. Grab more rebounds, and you win against the Rockets next season. Okay about your "All-Star" theory...most teams don't have two all-stars, and that's true. Miami didn't last year. The Spurs have Duncan...Parker and Ginobili have potential, but they aren't all-stars. Garnett, on the other hand, has Cassell...that's two. The Lakers have Kobe, and Odom has potential, just maybe not a West All-Star yet. What's the point? The Chicago Bulls, one of the greatest teams in the history of the NBA, had two all-star players in Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. When they got Rodman, it changed somewhat...but having all-stars on your roster doesn't automatically give you a title. Butler has yet to receive a chance to make it big. Walton did wonders for LA in Game 2 against the Pistons...and he's only a second year player this season. You're really underrating the Lakers.
