Most Laker fans making plans for June and an anticipated Finals match-up with LeBron James and the Miami Heat. On paper and 2K13, it definitely seems like a foregone conclusion. The Lakers have not only added Dwight Howard, they also acquired Steve Nash, Antwan Jamison, and Jodie Meeks. All of this, and they didn't get rid of Pau Gasol. Those moves give them their strongest roster in years. However, the actual NBA season isn't played on paper or 2K13. Here are a few reasons why I think we should slow down on making our parade floats.
1. Dwight's Back- Dwight Howard suffered a herniated disk that required surgery. He is optimistically saying that he will be ready for the start of the regular season, but that may not be the case. How do we know that coming back from such a serious injury, he will be the Dwight Howard that we remember on the court? Will the explosion and quickness still be there? That is how he has made his bacon in the league. He is far from a skillful player, which means he depends on his athleticism. Modern medicine has been able to fix a lot, but until Howard returns, assuming he will return the same as he did before his surgery is dangerous.
2. Chemistry Project- It has been proven in the past that Kobe doesn't play well with other "alpha dogs". See the Shaquille O'Neal years if you need a reminder. Dwight Howard has said himself he doesn't want to play with another superstar. That he wants to be a go-to guy, and the one a team leans on offensively. You're telling me after the season of immaturity he has shown that his mind has changed on that? That line of thinking is naive and irrational. Kobe told him that if he came to L.A., he'll be the third option. Kobe doesn't play games, or deal well with goofy behavior. Those things describe Dwight Howard. Those are just the off the court chemistry problems. On the court, it will be interesting to see how the team's chemistry works. Everyone keeps screaming, pick and roll between Nash and Howard, but where does that leave Pau Gasol? What are they going to do when Metta World Peace decides he's not getting enough shots and starts jacking? We know Kobe is going to get his shots, but trying to figure out how to keep all the other dogs happy is going to be a tough task for Steve Nash. He plays point guard like a chemist, but there may be too many combustible elements for even him to deal with on this project.
3. OKC's Not Going Away- To make it to the NBA Finals, the Lakers will have to knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder. I'm sorry, but this isn't going to be an automatic win for the Lake Show. Dwight Howard has said himself, the center that gives him the most trouble is Kendrick Perkins. The last time I checked, Perkins is still on the Thunder's roster. Steve Nash couldn't guard Russell Westbrook in his prime. Why do we think he'll be able to even contain him when he's in the twilight of his career? James Harden is still a threat coming off the bench, despite the fact that he played like a buster in the Finals against Miami. Serge Ibaka is great on the defensive end, and serviceable on offense. This is without mentioning arguably the best scorer in the world, Kevin Durant. This is the same team that put the Lakers out last season. They will be just as hungry as the Lakers are after their loss in the Finals. So, before we pencil the Lakers into the Finals, let's remember they will have a classic battle on their hands with OKC.
I'm sure that this will be seen as "hate", as any dissenting opinion about what the masses think to be true is. The Lakers have made significant upgrades to their roster, and are a definite title contender. However, it is not wise to think a Championship is a guarantee. There is plenty of basketball to be played before a championship parade in the end of June. Consider this blog the voice of reason in case the Lakers do not perform how you expect next season. For that my friends, you're welcome.
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