The Los Angeles Lakers were the team to beat coming into this season after winning their second consecutive title in June. At first it seemed as though the Lakers only threats were the Celtics and the Heat. Although even Miami had never played a game with their new line-up, they were still considered capable of knocking off the Lakers. As for the Celtics they just came off a Game 7 loss, so it was clear that they were ready to avenge their letdown.
However, as the season progressed more and more teams began to emerge as serious threats to the Lakers chances of a three-peat. From the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference, there are several teams that are adept enough to take the crown from the Lakers.
Next: Eastern Conference Contenders
Boston Celtics
The main reason for the Celtics’ latest success is the All-Star caliber play of young point guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo has a knack for finding his teammates for open baskets, and he is having a historic season with incredible assist numbers.
Although Boston is a very old team, its veteran leadership and experience will be a boon come playoff time. However, the loss of Kendrick Perkins will eventually lead to the demise of the Celtics. The Celtics’ chances of winning a championship greatly diminished after losing their starting center.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat had an unforgettable off-season, and their roster was completely changed over night. The Heat went from a mediocre Eastern Conference team to a legitimate title contender thanks to LeBron James’ “Decision.” Although James and Chris Bosh were lambasted by critics for their decision, James and Bosh had created a new dynasty in the NBA.
The Heat struggled early on in the season as the players were still trying to figure out their roles and positions in the system. However, as time moved on the Heat players became more accustomed to playing with a multitude of stars. This change in team chemistry was evident when the Heat dominated the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day.
The Heat is also a very underrated defensive team, and their defensive intensity exceeds that of the Lakers. Albeit the Heat’s “Big Three” has never played a playoff series, they are still capable of beating any team four times out-of-seven.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have been the biggest surprise in the NBA this season, and point guard Derrick Rose is an MVP candidate. Rose has been carrying the Bulls on his shoulders for the entire season, and despite his placid demeanor, he is fierce on the court. The Bulls may not have many prolific scorers, but they play as a cohesive unit with great team chemistry.
Along with the signing of Carlos Boozer, the Bulls hired defensive minded coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau turned the Bulls turned into a defensive juggernaut, and a team that is able to shut down an opponent on any given night. Chicago is currently second in the NBA in terms of opponent field goal percentage (.431), trailing only the Miami Heat (.426). If the Bulls remain healthy and Derrick Rose continues his MVP-like play, the Bulls may slip into the NBA Finals.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic faced-off with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Finals, and many people believed the team would be a threat for years to come. The seemingly innocuous Dwight Howards is an impeccable defender who has the ability to thwart opponents from penetrating to the basket.
However, the Magic have been a big disappointment this season and the team’s title chances are long gone. In seasons prior, the Magic was known for its deadly three-point shooting and high octane offense. Now, the Magic are lacking three-point shooters and opponents have figured out a way to defend Dwight Howard.
Although the Magic have Hedo Turkoglu and Gilbert Arenas, the team is still not on the same level as the Celtics or Heat.
New York Knicks
Nevertheless, shortly after the All-Star break the Knicks traded for All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. The team now has three legitimate stars, and has become an Eastern Conference contender. Whenever a team has two prolific scorers such as Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, they will always be title hopeful.
Although this new Knicks team has only played one game, their potential has yet to be seen. The Lakers should be cautious of the Knicks, since they do not know how good the Knicks can be.
Next: Western Conference Contenders
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs seemed like an archaic team in October, but they are emerging as a serious threat to the two-time defending champions. San Antonio is relying on the play of their three stars, but also on their new young talent.
Instead of the slow defensive oriented style of play, the Spurs now play an up-tempo and more offensive minded set. The Lakers and Spurs have faced-off in the playoffs many times, and it seems inevitable that the two best teams in the West will see each other once again.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder surprised the world last year when they took the Lakers to the brink of elimination. The Thunder used its speed and youth to force the Lakers into a transactional, up-tempo game. This season the Thunder has used its performance in last season’s playoffs to grab a top seed in the Western Conference. According to several analysts, the Thunder are the Lakers’ biggest threat, and their style of play will be serious problem for the aging Lakers.
In addition, the Thunder acquired big man Kendrick Perkins from the Boston Celtics prior to the trading deadline. With Perkins dominating the paint, the Thunder now have another body to match-up against the Lakers.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are having another solid regular season; however, their success is very limited in the playoffs. The Mavs usually grab a top seed for the first 82 games, but they are unable to win four games in April.
The Lakers should not fear the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs, and they will most likely take care of the Mavericks in five or six games. The Mavericks are considered a regular season team—not a playoff team.