[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Every season, the Lakers have struggles, it’s a long season.  They always get it together and go on with their regular season.  This season has been very different.  They have had struggles more this season than they have had in their most recent years.  They have already lost 19 games by the all-star break while only losing 17 and 25 games in total in 08-09 and 09-10 respectively.  They have two glaring inconsistencies and weakness at small forward and point guard. 

The Laker defense isn’t the Laker defense of the past.  Ranked 6th in 07-08 and 08-09 and 4th in 09-10.  They have now fallen to 10th, which isn’t all that bad in all reality, but their defense was their main strength in the last couple of seasons. 

Now here is my main concern and one that Laker fans should really think about.  The Lakers are the 3rd seed in the West.  The last two seasons, they’ve had SOME regular season struggles but they still had the #1 seed.  They had home court the last two seasons throughout the playoffs, including the Finals.  This season, one more struggling string of games and they could see themselves falling to the 4th seed, meaning they’ll only have home court in the first round of the playoffs while playing a tough Portland, New Orleans, or even Memphis team. 

Although, yes, they can easily beat Portland, New Orleans, and Memphis with home court, but what about OKC?  They’ll likely meet San Antonio in the 2nd round without home court.  What about then?  And even if they get passed the Spurs (unlikely), then they’ll have to go to Dallas or Oklahoma City. When playing in Oklahoma City they went (2-3) last season, including the playoffs, including an overtime win and a 1 point win, meaning they could have easily gone (1-5).  And now that OKC is a much improved team from last year, what about now?

Then, they’ll play Boston or Miami in the Finals, without home court.  They went (2-2) in Boston last year including a 1 point win, once again, they could have been (1-3).  And remember why they won the 2010 Finals?  Home court.  The Lakers won the final two games of the Finals, and where were they located?  Los Angeles.

I’m just sayin’… I’m just sayin’..

[KayjayParticipant]

Lakers are still the Lakers. So no matter what they will be in the playoffs. I think the real concern is will everything be ‘okay’ against a home-court advantage team like Dallas and the Spurs. Those teams are gunning for that number one spot, and I don’t think the Lakers can just roll over on them like they used to do everyone else.

[KayjayParticipant]

Lakers are still the Lakers. So no matter what they will be in the playoffs. I think the real concern is will everything be ‘okay’ against a home-court advantage team like Dallas and the Spurs. Those teams are gunning for that number one spot, and I don’t think the Lakers can just roll over on them like they used to do everyone else.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

maybe twice to get to the finals. I think Artest does not fit, and that PG spot is bad. They are still the favorite, but I think the Spurs and Mavs are looking a lot different than years past. Both teams seem to be single minded and very focused on"Championship"

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

maybe twice to get to the finals. I think Artest does not fit, and that PG spot is bad. They are still the favorite, but I think the Spurs and Mavs are looking a lot different than years past. Both teams seem to be single minded and very focused on"Championship"

[The lake show2]

Artest is good for the playoffs as far as defense since the game slows down and Barnes is gonna help alot

[The lake show2]

Artest is good for the playoffs as far as defense since the game slows down and Barnes is gonna help alot

[Author]

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