5. Portland Trail Blazers- 28-38 (2011-12)
The Portland Trail Blazers have always been a tough opponent for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Rose Garden is one of the best venues in all of basketball. The Blazers are constantly fighting for playoff seeding, but this season may see an end to that battle.
The Blazers do not have a very strong team and they are beginning to lose their usual toughness. LaMarcus Aldridge is really the only star player on the team, but he cannot carry the burden of winning on his shoulders every night. Aldridge is a very capable player, but there is no way he is at a level to carry a franchise.
Portland will have a possible Rookie of the Year candidate in Damian Lillard to look forward to, and there will be times in the season when he will guide this team to victory. The upside on this young guard is impressive, but it is not enough to lead the Blazers to the playoffs.
Key Players: LaMarcus Aldridge
Key Additions: Damian Lillard
Key Losses: Raymond Felton, Jamal Crawford
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrnqOCFXiCQ
