By: Naman "Tiny" Buch
Everyone says that Los Angeles is going to get upset. They said that Memphis shouldn't have given up at the end and could have stole the #7 seed and was going to upset the Lakers. They said the Lakers aren't clicking and should change the rotation and Phil Jackson doesn't know what he's doing and is losing is coaching touch. Last year when the Lakers came into the playoffs losing their last 7 out of 10 games they responded by winning the title. The same thing occurred this year when the Lakers lost 5 out of their last 8 games. This however, isn't true whatsoever. The Lakers can turn it on and off and I believe should have no problem once again having a deep playoff run. The Hornets on the other side are struggling without David West, who tore his ACL and will be out for the playoff run. This team seems destined to start rebuilding with the NBA's support and I believe Chris Paul and David West should and will leave after the season ends.
Keys for the Hornets to win the series
The Hornets obviously need CP3 to give a crap for one last time as a Hornet and attempt to give them an opportunity to steal a couple of games. CP3 is their #1 option and will look to burn by Derrick Fisher and look to get to the free throw line. The mid-season trade of Marcus Thornton for Carl Landry seemed to be a bit lopsided. I thought that Marco Belinelli was a lot worse than Thornton and of course Thornton proved that he can play by putting up big numbers for Sacramento. However, after the West injury, Carl Landry is capable to handle the post down low but obviously no West, but should look to get looks in the post. The Hornets defense will have to be on point in order to stop the Lakers offense. Trevor Ariza, will look to lock down former teammate Kobe Bryant, and of course Chris Paul will look to get his steals in the playoffs as well. Emeka Okafor should be in the post as well looking for his shots especially to test Andrew Bynum's injury and try to take advantage if he isn't 100%.
Keys for the Lakers to win the series
The Lakers have been the champions for the past 2 years and have the same team and coach that has made everything so successful for them. Phil Jackson will lead the Lakers again and look to win his 12th championship. Of course he is a big reason why the Lakers are the Lakers. Kobe Bryant. There isn't much to say about the Lakers leader. He should have no problem getting his shots and the ball will be in his hands during the big moments of any game during the playoffs. What I want to see is Andrew Bynum get his shots and if he is healthy and contributing then the Lakers are the most dangerous team in the playoffs. Bynum obviously didn't need to get many looks as last year he only averaged around 8 ppg and 8 rpg. A big component of the Lakers is the man who never seems to get any credit. Everyone talks about Pau being Kobe's #2 and providing big shots down the stretch, but I'm talking about this year's 6th man of the year (in my opinion) Lamar Odom. Odom has provided a big spark off the Lakers bench these past 3 years and will do the same again this year. Odom is 6'10 and handles the rock like a point guard. He is a nightmare matchup for any team and especially for the Hornets with their limited size. The bench has improved over the last year with the Lakers adding defensive stud Matt Barnes, and a breakout year for Shannon Brown who has improved his shot a lot and still provides the Lakers highlight reel dunks.
The Lakers should have no problem with the Hornets and will silence the critics once again for saying they had a bad final stretch heading into the playoffs. I expect this series to be CP3's last series as a Hornet. After this series I believe he will look to join a powerhouse to form another dominate duo/trio. The Hornets should be able to grab a game just because of Paul's abilities but nothing more.
Prediction: Lakers in 5 games
Rating: 1.5/5 (This seems like the most boring 1st round series, and looks to be a halfcourt struggle if neither team can get out and run)
Game 1: Sunday April 17 New Orleans @ Los Angeles, 3:30 EST ABC
Seize the day people.
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