Lakers are a playoff team. The Mavericks shot out the gates. Pop! Injuries. Boston shot out the gates. Pop! Injuries. The team you have to watch is the Spurs. They are winning while Tim Duncan is on cruise control at 30 minutes a game. That's a dangerous team. Miami's dangerous also. They're gelling with a young superstar core; plus they are playing terrific defense.
The Lakers destiny this season lie with Andrew Bynum. If he is at 90-100% then the Lakers will 3-peat; 80-90% maybe; less than 80% they would not 3-peat. They limped their way to the title last year but it ain't happening this year.
The five title favorites in the NBA this season are the Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks, Celtics and Heat. The most healthy team will win the NBA. No questions asked.
The Lakers strategy in the meantime is to allow Andrew Bynum to get his stride while the rest of the team reserve some fuel in their tank for later on in the season and the playoffs.
The Lakers will not play championship intensity basketball mid-way into the season. They will win enough games to maintain a top four seeding in the West. They will not run the risk of picking up an injury to one of their big three for instance (Kobe, Pau or Odom). Therefore this will explain their lack of intensity against (and losses to) running and gunning younger teams such as the Grizzlies, Heat and Bucks.
Add the Zen Master into the mix, with a healthy Andrew Bynum and all will be well in LaLa Land.
