They look the BEST ON PAPER. A couple of key injuies and their prospects can change real fast.
I'm sure of one thing, a lot of folks think the same thing now, and the lines will reflect that the anticipited view that all the Lakers have to do now is just show up in their uniforms and they'll win every game by 25 points.
I'm sure of one thing, a lot of folks think the same thing now, and the lines will reflect that the anticipited view that all the Lakers have to do now is just show up in their uniforms and they'll win every game by 25 points.
Other than GP, who is going to play defense, Rick Fox? Kobe and Malone have lost interest in being defenders and Shaq needs guys to come at him and challenge him to be effectively defensively (and he needs to avoid fouls). I think they might win 52-57 games, but a lot of 108-102 type scores so bet overs and watch them collapse in the playoffs at some point when people realize defense, not having 4 go to guys, is what wins championships. Say what you want about Horry, Fox, Fisher, George, etc...but those guys play good defense that frustrates a lot of opponents. Seems to me this Lakers team is saying lets get into gunslinging matches with the Mavs and Kings, not focusing on being the strong defensive teams they were before with the two stars giving them enough offense to win. Strange strategic decision, I would have been much more worried if they got PJ Brown or Zo to play power forward, their one weak spot on the floor. Fisher wasn't an all-star, but he was more than sufficient especially with all his flopping. I think Payton is the weak link here, his defense is good, but his offense just doesn't fit this team at all. Malone is a nice upgrade, but he is going to get upset not getting the ball at the end of the game because the world knows Kobe doesn't pass the ball at the end of a game.
I DONT CARE WHAT MALONE SAYS NOW,WHEN THE SEASON STARTS AND THAT BALL STARTS GETTING DISHED THE OTHER DIRECTION, SOMETHING HE HAS NEVER SEEN IN HIS 18 YEARS, THERE WILL BE TURMOIL......
THERE ARENT ENOUGH "BALLS" ON THAT TEAM TO GO AROUND, AND IT WONT BE AS EASY AS IT LOOKS....
THAT BEING SAID, THEY ARE THE BEST ON PAPER, BUT LIKE GENERAL SAID, EVERY LINE ON EVERY GAME WILL REFLECT THAT, AND THEY WILL BE GOOD FADE MATERIAL......
I DONT THINK THEY WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR....SEEMS TOO EASY.....LOOK FOR A TEAM THAT HAS COME CLOSE TO GET THERE, LIKE SACRAMENTO, DALLAS, OR THE PACERS....
THERE ARENT ENOUGH "BALLS" ON THAT TEAM TO GO AROUND, AND IT WONT BE AS EASY AS IT LOOKS....
THAT BEING SAID, THEY ARE THE BEST ON PAPER, BUT LIKE GENERAL SAID, EVERY LINE ON EVERY GAME WILL REFLECT THAT, AND THEY WILL BE GOOD FADE MATERIAL......
I DONT THINK THEY WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR....SEEMS TOO EASY.....LOOK FOR A TEAM THAT HAS COME CLOSE TO GET THERE, LIKE SACRAMENTO, DALLAS, OR THE PACERS....
As much as I cant stand the Lakers, they will win it next year. Payton and Malone may be in their latter years, but they still have a couple solid ones left and they will contribute quite a bit. Big mistake if they let Robert Horry go though.
I would never tie my money up on a 2-1 future bet, but I still say they will win it next year. Not just because of the additions of Malone and Payton, but Shaq and Kobe will have the "eye of the tiger" once again after not reaching the finals this year.
Truthteller, those 3 were all at the very end of the road. Shaq and Kobe are still young, and Malone and Payton both have still been solid last couple years and still have more left. Dont get me wrong, I as much as anyone else who dislikes the Lakers hope they fail.......but they wont.
Does anybody think the NETs have a serious shot with Zo? They're pretty pumped down here about bringing in Zo & resigning Kidd ...
... but I can't help but thing that Zo is ALWAYS going to have severe problems with his kidney condition. I like Zo, but it's going to be extremely tough for the guy to make it through the season IMO.
... but I can't help but thing that Zo is ALWAYS going to have severe problems with his kidney condition. I like Zo, but it's going to be extremely tough for the guy to make it through the season IMO.
