Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, Fanhuddle.com as a NY Knicks and Wizards correspondent, and his own blog, Hoops Haven.
The LA Lakers are a very talented team that made some changes to their roster this offseason in an attempt to repeat as World Champions. They will undoubtedly encounter a few obstacles in their quest to win their 16th NBA title. While they proved to have unquestioned supreme talent by winning it all last year, this is a new season and they will have to prove themselves against the league’s elite teams once again. Here are a few reasons for and against the Lakers in ’09-’10:
Top 5 Reasons for concern:
1) Andrew Bynum’s knees – Can Bynum fulfill his immense potential or be hindered by reoccuring injuries? Before his most recent knee injury last January, he averaged 26.2 pts, 13.8 rebs, and 3.2 blocks. When he returned for the Lakers playoff run he averaged 6.4 pts and 3.7 rebs by playing in only 19 mins/gm because of foul problems. LA will need Bynum at or near full strength to anchor their 1st team defense against likely playoff opponents like Oden, Duncan, O’Neal, and Howard.
2)Kobe’s desire to “Be Like Mike” – We all know Kobe is arguably the most competitive player on the planet. His desire to one day be in the same conversation as MJ, with his 6 NBA titles and 5 MVP awards, may sometimes influence his judgment on the court. I’m sure Phil Jackson would rather have him distribute just a little more within the triangle offense. Also, on the Shaq-Kobe front, each may be trying to be the first to capture title #5.
3)Ron-Ron’s control of his emotions – Artest can be an imposing defensive force. Does he sometimes go to far, in a Rodman sort of way? Yes. While this is both a gift and a curse, a out of control Artest can do more harm than good. His recent comical re-enaction on youtube to “The Brawl” from a few years ago has me worried it could happen again.
4)Pau Gasol’s finger – Gasol, without complications, should resume basketball activities by Sept. 1st. One positive on a negative situation is that the injury is to his non shooting hand. Many LA fans are holding their breath since he plans to rejoin his native Spain in Eurobasket play by Sept. 7th,
5)Who will replace the Zenmaster when and if he retires – Phil Jackson is an impulsive spirit as they come. Jackson himself has had some nagging health issues. Who will succeed Jackson? Kareem? Brian Shaw? And when? Do these rumors creep into the players and coaches minds and attempt to derail “Showtime” in LA? Doubtful, but the rumors have started already.
Please read the Top 5 Reasons the Lakers will Repeat in Part Two tomorrow.
