The Lakers are known for their size and veteran leadership, which have been the key ingredients for the past two seasons. The front court of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, when healthy, are virtually unstoppable.
The team has an uncanny knack for playing defense, which always leads to deep playoff runs. More defensive minded players have been added to the roster, and opposing teams will find it very difficult to score baskets against the Lakers.
In some games, the team’s defense may not be on-point, and the Lakers may play stagnant offensively. If a game does come down to the wire, the Lakers have the ultimate luxury in Kobe Bryant.
“When Bryant is on his game, the Lakers are really tough to beat,” Pincus said. “Bryant has proven that he can hit big shots down the stretch of a game. Nine times out of ten, Kobe will hit the game winning shot.”
Early on in the season, the Lakers will face many injury problems, which can lead to a slow start. “I don’t think LA will shoot especially well as a team until they’re fully healthy,” said Pincus. “There are a lot of newcomers and the triangle will sputter here and there.”
Kobe Bryant will not be 100% for the first few weeks, and Andrew Bynum will not return until November. Even the new guys will be confused in the early parts of the season, as they will still be learning the Triangle Offense. Matt Barnes has already expressed his difficulties handling the Triangle Offseason.
“This is the most thinking I’ve had to do about playing,” Barnes told the Los Angeles Times. “I feel like a robot sometimes because I don’t really want to do something wrong.”
Last season, the Lakers sometimes took games off, and seemed to be “bored.” This team has played extended seasons in the past three years, and that kind of play is inevitable. “It is possible that the Lakers may be complacent at some point, because they are the two-time defending champs,” said Mark Medina. “The NBA season is a grind, and it is hard to stay motivated.”
Perhaps the biggest weakens the Lakers will face, is how the team will face the pressure of three-peating. As Medina put it, “There is a lot of pressure the Lakers are facing, they are still the team to beat.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a three-peat run. They will face may obstacles in their way, from injuries to tough opponents.
However, whenever Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant and a stacked team are working together, anything can happen.
Lakers Nation, get ready for a fun-filled, championship season.
NBA TV weighs in on the Lakers’s upcoming season.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMEE8PE_MEY