THE WEST
LA LAKERS (1) vs.
Been there, done that. But that was seven years ago when the Lakers were still led by the unstoppable Shaquille O’Neal. Now it is Kobe Bryant’s time to be unstoppable. The Lakers are favored again to take the West and in the process win their 15th NBA Title. Gaining a year of experience playing under Phil Jackson, expect Pau Gasol to Lord it over his counterparts as the Lakers number 2 guy will be a big factor in the paint. A big factor in the rise of the Lakers is a healthy Andrew Bynum who is also counted on to provide muscle and heft inside the paint. The Utah Jazz, although they are a formidable team with Carlos Boozer, Derron Williams and Memo Okur coming together, I believe they wont pose a problem for the offensive onslaught that the Lakers will give them. There won’t be enough discussion here, Lakers in 5.
Just one major addition and the Nuggets suddenly become contenders. The arrival of Chauncy Billups has literally given this team the direction they need and the veteran leadership that its young guns are aching to have. Remember, Billups was the finals MVP of the 2005 NBA Finals when the Detroit Pistons shocked the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. Carmelo Anthony has gone 4-20 in his past five playoff series appearances which all resulted in first round exits. This year, for the first time in his career his team has the home court advantage which went 33-8 and his supporting cast shows that the mile high team does not only have a well oiled offensive machine but has renewed their commitment to defense. The Nuggets are second in the NBA for blocks per game and third in steals per game which gives you and idea on how to attack them.
The exciting match up here is the Chauncey Billups vs. Chris Paul match up which promises to be a great one. The one thing going for the Nuggets is that they are healthy and ready to bring it on while the Hornets are quite coming back form injuries specially with Peja Stojakovic. I believe for the first time in 6 years the Nuggets will experience how it is to play in the second round.
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