Breaking Down the NBA’s Newest Rivalry

Daniel Buerge
8 Min Read

Written by: Alan Ni

It shouldn’t be a mystery which team is coming out the West.

In my mind, the team that is going to give the Lakers some problems is the young and upstart Oklahoma City Thunder. We all saw what they could do in last year’s playoffs. If you let them go off on you in the beginning, it’ll be hard to fight back. Especially in that ocean of fans.

But, with a healthy Kobe Bryant (just turned 32, happy birthday Mamba), and the new additions of Steve Blake and a very hungry Matt Barnes, the Thunder shouldn’t be that much of a problem. Not to mention that the Lakers still have their core.

I’ve punched a ticket for the Lakers winning the West for the fourth time in a row already, but on paper, their biggest nemesis is the Miami Heat. Will Miami’s so-called “Superfriends” ruin the 3-peat? Let’s take a closer look.

Next: Upgrading an Already Potent Roster

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Daniel is the former Managing Editor of LakersNation. He has also written for SLAM, ESPN and other various publications. Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielbuergeLA
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