Friday, October 24, 2008

Lakers 2008-09

So far I have managed to watch three preseason games.  Typically Sarah and I made a tradition out of catching the game that is in Vegas every year.  We didn't go this year.  We were blessed with the birth of Cole.
This was what I looked like towards the end of last years title run.  Needless to say, it was a tough series to watch.  I'm happy for KG but that's about it.  I don't care for anyone else on the team.  
This years Laker squad is almost identical to last year with the exception of Turiaf being traded to the Warriors.  I liked Turiaf, but like most PF/SF out of college, he was too slow to play SF and too small to play PF.  I liked his energy.  Sarah and I caught him outside after a preseason Laker game here and he was kind of an A-hole to us.  That turned me off a little bit.  Not nearly as much as it did Sarah, but it was disappointing.  I agree with the Lakers not matching the Warriors offer.  The squad is stacked with forwards so he won't be missed all that much.  The major addition to this years squad is Bynum.  He showed major promise in the few games he played last year.  Pair him with Gasol at the 4 and you have a monster front court.  This may present some concerns in terms of spacing.  That will be discussed in the coming months.  The talk right now is bringing Odom off the bench.  WTF?  Odom is one of the most versatile players in the league.  I believe he can play all 5 positions if need be.  Maybe that's his downside.  Jack of all trades, master of none.  That will make this years team that much more dangerous.  NBA champs?  Maybe, but its still too early.  I think winning the Pacific should be a lock.  My preseason predictions for the playoffs are:

1.  Lakers
2.  Hornets
3.  Jazz
4.  Rockets
5.  Spurs
6.  Dallas
7.  Suns
8.  Blazers

   

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