As the Los Angeles Lakers blew-out the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were short All-Star Kevin Love, 104-85, the Lakers are looking better than many think.
Coming off 27 points in the All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant led the way with 31 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, double-double, contributed solid games as well. The Lakers’ bench, in particular Matt Barnes, Troy Murphy, and Steve Blake, came thru with a nice performance. And, the Timberwolves’ bench was incredibly productive, led by Michael Beasley, Martell Webster, and Anthony Randolph.
Half way thru the season, the Lakers have reportedly been pursuing trades, but even without one their playoff hopes are still alive. In fact, the Lakers could make a good playoff run as currently constructed. While they may not be championship caliber right now, they are ready for a decent run.
The Lakers are close to overtaking the Los Angeles Clippers for the 3rd spot in the West.
At the All-Star break, the Lakers were 6th and the Clippers were 3rd. This would be a dream scenario first round series for the Lakers. It would be a tough-fought series, and both teams would have home court. But, after the loss of Chauncey Billups to injury, the Clippers have not been the same team. With a healthy Kobe Bryant, the Lakers could make it past them.
Whether the Lakers beat the Clippers or pass them, they look like they will be matched up with an old foe, the San Antonio Spurs. This would be another fantastic series as Bryant has a reputation as a Spurs-killer.
Even in their last playoff matchup when the Lakers were considered the underdog, the Lakers surprisingly pistol-whipped the Spurs.
Kobe’s Amazing Game 5:
That is about as much as the Lakers should really hope for with this roster. Even if they were to somehow beat the Spurs, it does not seem like the Lakers are ready for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Lakers were favored and the Thunder still gave them quite a series.
Lakers v Thunder Game 6:
The best part of the season for the Lakers has been that Coach Mike Brown’s defense has made the Lakers one of the best defensive teams in the NBA as the Lakers both outrebound their opponents and block more shots
Although the Lakers need a point guard or center the most, the talk of trading for Michael Beasley for some picks would be a nice pick-up for the Lakers. He’s a talented wing player; he’s a very athletic, good finisher on the break. It’s not going to solve all their problems, but perhaps he could help to bolster their bench.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
