I think the Magic have the most concerns - if the Celtics and Lakers are healthy for the playoffs. The Magic don't have the same team chemistry or swagger as the Celtics, Lakers and Cavs. They also lack a solid closer guy like Kobe, Pierce, or Lebron. Dwight Howard is a monster, but he seems to struggle against the top teams like the Celtics. I'll be watching to see how Howard does against the Cavs next week.
The Lakers primary goal since the start of the season has been to have the overall number 1 spot in the league (NOT JUST THE WEST). Thats all they have been working toward. As Phil Jackson said, this is turning into a serious issue. The second unit coming off the bench and losing leads is becoming a regular problem.
The starters put them up 24-14, but instead of extending the lead the bench came in a blew it...again. The Lakers are NOTORIOUS for keeping games close against weaker teams and not having the same intensity in those games. I don't know why, but their sense of urgency just fades sometimes against these weaker teams.
Trust me, the Lakers care a lot about this. This issue of intesity, urgency, and poor bench play is at the top of Phil Jacksons list.
Oh, and the player that forgot to use a foul against Iggy was Trevor Ariza.
hno:
The starters put them up 24-14, but instead of extending the lead the bench came in a blew it...again. The Lakers are NOTORIOUS for keeping games close against weaker teams and not having the same intensity in those games. I don't know why, but their sense of urgency just fades sometimes against these weaker teams.
Trust me, the Lakers care a lot about this. This issue of intesity, urgency, and poor bench play is at the top of Phil Jacksons list.
Oh, and the player that forgot to use a foul against Iggy was Trevor Ariza.
hno:If you compare anyone to Jordan it would be Kobe Bryant. I don't put Lebron in the same category as those two. I would compare Lebron more to Dr. J, Magic, Dominique Wilkins, or Clyde Drexler. I think all these comparisons are premature, Lebron didn't even pick it up defensively until this season(after he saw Kobe's dedication to defense with team USA). Lebron definitely has the potential to rival Jordan and Kobe, but his overall basketball game is below those guys - right now. Lebron rely's on his pure strenghth, athleticism, and power to dominate opponents. What is going to happen when he wears down in the years to come and loses some of that.
Lebron is not the best player in the NBA right now. Any basketball fan/analyst who is unbiased (not a Lebron fan, or Kobe hater) will tell you that Kobe is the best in the world right now. EVEN LEBRON WILL TELL YOU THAT.
I think we need at least 2-4 years to really see where Lebron stands against Jordan and Kobe. Will Lebron remain dominant after losing some of his athleticism/speed? Will he continue to improve his game like Kobe? Will he come through in the clutch? Will he win some rings?
Lebron is not the best player in the NBA right now. Any basketball fan/analyst who is unbiased (not a Lebron fan, or Kobe hater) will tell you that Kobe is the best in the world right now. EVEN LEBRON WILL TELL YOU THAT.
I think we need at least 2-4 years to really see where Lebron stands against Jordan and Kobe. Will Lebron remain dominant after losing some of his athleticism/speed? Will he continue to improve his game like Kobe? Will he come through in the clutch? Will he win some rings?
WHAAAHH, I tailed someone else and lost, WHAAAH.:cryingcry
Man up and take responsibility for your own actions Bavaro. You can only blame yourself.
I tailed that Nets over yesterday and lost as well. But, you don't hear me complaining about it. Venom has made a lot of great picks, but I don't blindly tail every pick he or anyone else puts up. I use it as a reference for my picks. I've tailed 8 of Venom's picks in the last month or so and I've come out 6-2. I am VERY pleased with his picks and hope he continues posting them.
Man up and take responsibility for your own actions Bavaro. You can only blame yourself.
I tailed that Nets over yesterday and lost as well. But, you don't hear me complaining about it. Venom has made a lot of great picks, but I don't blindly tail every pick he or anyone else puts up. I use it as a reference for my picks. I've tailed 8 of Venom's picks in the last month or so and I've come out 6-2. I am VERY pleased with his picks and hope he continues posting them.
