So the Lakers just came within two wins of an NBA title and they’re supposed to blow this thing up? Gimme a break. Even though it was more like a 6 game sweep in terms of Boston’s domination, the Lakers still MADE the Finals. Isnt’t that something? Umm yes it is. Especially considering the expectations heading into the season so spare me and everyone else the absurd over-reaction please.
Of course all of their flaws were made painstakingly clear as a result of Boston’s once a decade type defense, but if they want to get back to the Finals and fare better it will take some minor tweaks. Lets not forget Andrew Bynum will be back, though it is unclear just how far along he’ll be coming off his injury. Question marks aside, the Lakers could certainly stand to upgrade at a few positions. Most glaring would have to be in the middle, where the more physical Celtics manhandled them. Pau can shoulder some of that blame, but it was also his talent that allowed for them to be the Westtern Conference champs. The Lakers need some more muscle and should use the lame Radmanovic as bait. You might wonder, “Who would take that soft non factor of a Euro?” I would wonder the same thing except that teams are always looking for shooters and half the GM’s appear to be clueless. Too bad Isiah isn’t in New York anymore.
It’s tempting to consider unloading Odom because of his consistent inconsistency, but that would be a mistake. As inconsistent as Odom was all year, he also accounted for the scoring and rebounding punch they needed when Kobe and Pau couldn’t carry the load. Those three make for a pretty good core. Add the budding Bynum to that group and lets call them untouchable.
So who else can go? Although Walton played the Finals and majority of the playoffs like he was imbibing a Grateful Dead show, he happens to be a perfect facilitator in the triangle offense and has proven as much over the last couple of years. Jordan Farmar seems like he could be a starter, possibly next season. After that, the Lakers should consider packaging some of their other young talent for some guts and brawn. Clearly, the Lakers cannot stand pat, especially in the West where the top teams promise to get better save for maybe the aging Spurs. The Hornets, Blazers (who add Greg ‘Old Lebron’ Oden) and Utah Jazz are very young and project to be more formidable foes next season.
After the sting of a 39 point blowout heals, Lakers fans reflect on a pretty remarkable season and start looking to the bounty that awaits in 2009. Go ahead and leave it to the GM of the Year this time. Even Kobe is.
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