2009-10 LA Lakers Predictions

Written October 22, 2009 by Jack Jones

The LA Lakers come into this season with a huge target on their backs. Not only did they win the NBA Finals last season, but they are also stacked with talent and favored to bring home the hardware again next June. This team could be even better with Ron Artest replacing Trevor Ariza and with Andrew Bynum once again healthy to start the season. The question marks are if Bynum can stay healthy and if Artest can fit in. The NBA odds makers obviously think so as the Lakers are -3000 favorites to win the Pacific Division, 1-to-1 to win the West, and 2-to-1 to repeat as World Champions. Oh yeah, they also have a season win total over/under posted of 62.5, a hefty mark. If you are going to do any NBA betting this season, make sure you take advantage of the $500 in FREE bonus money BetUS offers our readers.

Backcourt

I’ll take Kobe Bryant on my team any time and he has to be the most feared player in the game come crunch time. His numbers are in a slight decline over recent years, but that’s more to do with him distributing to teammates rather than going down with age. Last year he played in every single game, scored 26.8 ppg, grabbed 5.2 rebounds, and dished out 4.9 assists. He’s joined in the backcourt by Derek Fisher. He is known more for his leadership and outside shooting, but he’s now 35 and showing his years. Backing him up will be Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. Sasha Vujacic needs a bounce back season after going ice cold down the stretch a year ago.

Frontcourt

Artest should bring this team a defensive stopper and add toughness to a team many believe to be soft. He also shoots 40% from behind the arc, dishes out 3.3 assists per game, grabs 5.2 boards, and scores 17.1 ppg. You have to expect his numbers to go down with so many more weapons around him though. Pau Gasol is a great compliment to Bryant as he is a great passer and rebounder, running the floor at 7-feet better than many smaller guys do. It’s up to Bynum to take those over down low. He needs to stay healthy and he needs to stay on his feet instead of getting into foul trouble so easily. Lamar Odom can fit in anywhere, but he needs to keep focused every night instead of going through the peaks and valleys. Coming off the bench is Luke Walton, Josh Powell, and DJ Mbenga.

Summary

Many teams you have to worry about having a post-championship hangover, but I just can’t see that happening with Kobe Bryant and company. With my NBA predictions I’m taking them to win the West, and I don’t really see the Spurs, Nuggets, or Blazers being strong enough to wrestle away the trip to the Finals.

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