Trail Blazers fans have been expecting their team to take the proverbial ‘next step’ for several years now, but the team has continuously been hindered by unfortunate injuries. Los Angeles, on the other hand, has won two consecutive championships and are poised to make a run at a third. While in the grand scheme of things this one game on a Sunday night in November might not mean much, it is still fun to speculate and look ahead to the expectations facing both teams.
“For Portland I think the goal is to take it one step further than last year,” Eggers stated. “Nate (McMillan) said before the season that their goal was to make the playoffs and win a series, perhaps more than one. If (Portland) can stay healthy, especially (Greg) Oden and (Joel) Pryzbilla, they can do it.”
Obviously the expectations for each team are different, as everyone associated with the Lakers knows that anything less than a third straight championships will be considered a colossal disappointment. But, if things fall into place come April or May there is certainly a chance that we see these two teams matched up once again in the post-season, and if so we may be in for some fireworks.
“I don’t necessarily think Portland is quite ready to beat the Lakers in a series yet. I think the Lakers are better than they were last year, and just like most people I think it will be Lakers and Heat in the Finals. Could Portland beat Los Angeles in a series? Sure. But I don’t think many people would expect them to.”
So from there we decided to discuss tonight’s game between the Lakers and Trail Blazers, and Eggers looked into his crystal ball to determine a winner for tonight’s game.
“Portland is playing the second night of a back to back while the Lakers had Saturday night off. I think that will be a key. Portland and Los Angeles regularly play competitive games, so I wouldn’t expect anything different in this one”
In the style of a true politician, Eggers wouldn’t predict a score. Not that anybody around here will blame him. There is no doubt that this has become one of the toughest games for the Lakers each year, and tonight should be no different. Tune in to see the Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers in this rivalry renewed.
I would also like to thank Kerry Eggers for taking the time to talk shop and give his take on tonight’s game. For those of you interested in reading more of Mr. Eggers work check out the Portland Tribune Sports page.