1st in the Western Conference. It feels right. This is what the Lakers organization is about. This is where we are supposed to be. Now to finish the deal.
It looks like we'll be facing Dallas or Denver in the first round. We went 6-1 against those teams combined going 3-0 over Denver and 3-1 over Dallas (though all games seem to be a battle at the end).
I have never really been the kind of fan to prefer to meet one team over another. By so saying, it indicates a fear of the less preferred team. I do not like fear. I like to think, nay, I know we can beat any team in the league in a seven game series. Perhaps I'm blinded by the Purple and Gold, but if so let me remain in that manner.
My main concerns going into these playoffs:
- Consistency: Save for last night's undressing of the Kings (which five years ago would have been a victory to be relished), the Lakers have shown a tendency in the second half of the season of building big leads and losing big leads by crunch time in the fourth quarter. That cannot continue.
- Health: Both Kobe and Fish are playing through injuries with Luke Walton and Pau coming off recent injuries. Though we are a deep team, we must be weary of the injury situation. Add to that no timeline for the return of Baby Boy Bynum or Trevor Ariza, and our health concerns are not minor.
- Lastly, assuming Baby Boy Bynum comes back, jelling and working him into the offense during the playoffs could be a tricky scenario. Combining that with not knowing how the young man will react or play (aggressiveness still there?) after his first major injury poses some logistical questions for the Lake Show
In any case, getting out of the first round is a must, plain and simple. The 48 - 17 finish means nothing if we get goosed in the first round. The Pau Gasol acquisition means nothing. And the number one seed means nothing. Perhaps a regular season conference crown is big for the Hornets, or Rockets. But to teams like the Lakers or Spurs (yes a measure of respect is being granted here), conference championships are but a sidenote to the title.
No comments:
Post a Comment