The Los Angeles Lakers have resurged to become the favorites out of the west to make it to the finals. Las Vegas has them as the favorite to win the whole thing this year. Pretty amazing since at this time last year the team seemed destined to implode. So one year later the Lakers have a lot to prove.
The Los Angeles Lakers – The team has to prove that they are a Chanpionship caliber team. They made it to the Finals but were easily defeated by the Boston Celtics. The Lakers must jell together it’s uniquely talented roster and truly believe that defense wins championships to become Champions.
Mitch Kupchak – That this Laker squad did not need retooling over the off season. Most Laker fans believe that the finals outcome would have been a different story if Andrew Bynum had been there. Many believe that a healthy Bynum and Trevor Ariza are the same as adding any of this off-seasons top notch free agents from this last summer.
Phil Jackson – That he is the greatest Coach in NBA history. With nine championship rings to match the Late Red Auerbachs, Phil has a chance to try to get ring number 10 and solidify himself as the greatest NBA coach ever.
Kurt Rambis – Phil Jackson has handed over defensive responsibility to Kurt. Since that was the biggest problem of last years team and undeniably led to their defeat by Boston, Kurt has to come up with a defensive scheme that everyone buys into and that works.
Kobe Bryant – Kobe has to prove that he can make it physically through this season. Kobe just played in the Summer Olympics to bring the Gold back home to the U.S. By doing so he has shortened his chance to rest his body and mind for another long haul. He also decided to hold off on surgery of his ligament torn pinkie.
Pau Gasol – Like Kobe, Pau has to prove that he can make it through this season after he brought the Silver home for Spain. Unlike Kobe, Pau is more injury-prone, making his resting time very crucial.
Lamar Odom – That he can be a great sixth man for the Lakers. It isn’t certain that he will come off the bench but Lamar needs to prove that he will do whatever it takes to help this team win a championship, coming off the bench or starting.
Derek Fisher – That he still has the legs to be the starting guard for a championship team. At 34 years old he isn’t a spring chicken anymore but he is an integral part to this team by adding Veteran Leadership.
Vladimir Radmonivic – He has to prove that he can bring more to the Lakers than just a three point game. Although that is very important in stretching the defense for the Lakers, Vladi has to do more like play his heart out on both ends of the floor.
Jordan Farmar – That he can be a starting guard in this league. If he keeps working on his ability to see the court and keeps attacking the rim, it’s a certainty.
Trevor Ariza – That he is the defensive stopper that the Lakers desperately need. His athleticism and speed also add showtime excitement to this team. And that becomes contagious. Look for some thrilling high lights from Ariza this year.
Chirs Mihn – That he can still play at an NBA level after major Ankle surgery. So far he looks physically good, a bit rusty from his time off but if he can get his body working the skills will come back.
Sasha Vujacic – That he is the Machine when it comes to being an outside threat. Does the Slovenian Kid still have his wicked range?
Luke Walton – That his ankles won’t be his downfall like his fathers. And more importantly can he still be a part of the rotation for the Lakers?
Andrew Bynum – That he is the futre for the lakers. The kid has a lot on his shoulders to carry but if he returns to his February form, this team could be the best Laker squad since the Lakers of the 80′s.
