Before the season began i predicted the Lakers to be in the top ten at the end of the season. So far, the Lakers are 7-3 and getting better. Granted there are plenty of teams better than the Lakers right now, but few have as much potential. If the Lakers can stay healthy, they will be one tough team to deal with in the postseason.
The Lakers, in my opinion, made a smart move in acquiring Trevor Ariza for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans. Cook was a shooter but overall expendable. Maurice is an athletic defender with occassional explosive offense whose contract was up at the end of the year. So most likely he would leave after this year to seek more playing time. The Lakers actually added depth to their roster in this move. Trevor Ariza has talent and must meet expectations in order for this trade to be successful in the long run. Ariza gives the lakers even more length and presence on the defensive end along with Odom and Bynum.
Biggest thing for Kobe right now is to have patience. Hopefully now he realizes he is a lot better off then he thought. In two years Kobe could have an unbelievable supporting cast. By then Bynum could and should be a dominating force in the middle. I see bits and pieces of Tony Parkers game in Jordan Farmar. He has speed and capabilities on offense that could be All Star caliber if seen on a consistant basis. Odom will continue to fill up the stat sheet in points, rebounds and assists like few in the league can.
Basically, in two years the Lakers can be a title contender if a few things are done. They must find another guard to take place of the aging Derek Fisher(Javaris Crittenton could be the answer). Also, Chris Mihm is no longer the same after his injury and Kwame has horrible hands. So a back up for Bynum will also be needed. We 'll just have to wait and see.
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