Coach Mike D’Antoni’s dream turned into a nightmare. The roster he is presently coaching has on it the youngest player in history to reach the 30 000 plateau, a former 2 time NBA MVP award winner, 3 time defensive player of the year, 4 time rebounding champion, players who have made the all-star team a multitude of times, and multiple members who won at least 1 NBA title.
Kobe Bryant is scoring 28.6 points a game. Steve Nash has been hurt. Dwight Howard is scoring 18.4 points and 11.7 rebounds a game. Pau Gasol is scoring 12.6 and 8.8 rebounds a game. Gasol has been put on injury list due to knee tendinitis.
Despite the injuries, there is enough talent on the team to win most nights. What is wrong? Howard doesn’t have a post game, which means the perimeter players are not getting open 3’s. Gasol should be the number one post option because he can score with his back to the basket and is a good passer.
The Lakers’ defense, which is anchored by Howard, World Peace, and Bryant, hasn’t been good. The team defense has been atrocious. They never replaced Matt Barnes or Trevor Ariza, who can defend against quick players on the wing on a nightly basis and hit a three-point shot when necessary.
The Los Angeles Lakers would be making a huge mistake if they traded Gasol to the Raptors for players who have never won anything in the NBA (Andrea Barganni and Jose Calderon). A healthy Gasol and Nash will help the Lakers dangerous in the playoffs.
I have no doubt that the Lakers will make the playoffs.
Will the Lakers win a playoff round?
Enjoy your day!
The Gambit 