NBA Season Preview: LA Lakers

The Lakers failed at the final hurdle after being heavily favoured against the Celtics. Have kept the core group together and with the addition of a healthy Bynum the Lakers will make a lot of noise.

Last Season 57-25

Ins:

Sun Yue (Draft)

Joe Crawford (Draft)

Josh Powell (Free Agent)

Outs:

Ronny Turiaf (Free Agent Signed with Warriors)

Best Player: This is a no brainer, Kobe had an outstanding regular season. He was roundly acclaimed for his effectiveness in the triangle offence. This past season combined with his teammates like never before. Is currently the best player in basketball and helped lead the US to Olympic gold in the summer. Once again will be a hot favourite to take home another MVP award.

Offence: Could this be the most exciting offensive unit we have seen? Their front line reads 7-1, 7-0 and 6-10, are all multi-talented and skilled. This team will easily average over 100 ppg. Gasol has found his niche as Robin to Kobe's Batman.

Defence: Perimeter defence is always going to be a problem for the Lakers when they play that big line-up. Kobe is a A-grade defender but outside of him they have no stoppers. Trevor Ariza is a talent but has been inconsistent. If Ariza steps up he could be the answer to the Lakers prayers.

Play Maker: The traditional point guard position is redundant in the triangle, so this team will again rely solely on each player knowing their role in the system. The high post player is crucial in getting the Lakers into their offence. You would have to say Gasol is the ideal big man to play in this system.What’s Missing: Toughness. This team go out hustled and pushed around by the Celtics in the finals. There are question marks over Gasol's physical game. Bynum will definitely help in this department but at 21 years old he may require more play-off hardening.

Who's Underrated?: Nobody. The Lakers get so much publicity their players are far to well advertised and sometimes overrated. Sasha Vujacic got a big contract this summer. For a spot up shooter he is solid, but his defence is’nt always committed, Think back to a 33 year old Ray Allen driving past him like he was nailed to the floor in the finals.

Prognosis: 82 games from Bynum and this team will win 60+. They have all the ingredients to be great and only failed at the last hurdle. Although the west is going to be even tougher this year and Houston have improved significantly. My other concern is once again this team really lacks blue collar toughness. An Odom for Artest trade would have put them over the top in my opinion.

Predication: Loose in Western Conference Finals.