Full article inside link.Is it L.A.'s turn again?
Yes, it is, according to about half of our panel of 25 ESPN writers, editors and contributors.
Just as they have been throughout most of NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers are a force again -- and now the preseason favorites to win NBA title No. 15.
Of course, that means 13 members of our panel predicted the Lakers will not win the 2008-09 NBA championship, and the top challenger in our voting will surprise some: the up-and-coming New Orleans Hornets, not the Boston Celtics.
And, don't forget, the Lakers were also favored going into the Finals in June, and we all saw how the Celtics fed on the skepticism about their chances.
But the difficulty of repeating, especially with an older lineup, is reflected in the voting results below: Only 16 percent of our panel sees the C's going back-to-back.
To register your opinion, click here.
For the full results, including the surging expectations for the Hornets and the dark-horse candidacies of the Rockets and Cavaliers, see below:
2008-09 PREDICTIONS: NBA CHAMPS
RANK TEAM PREDICTED RECORD VOTES
1 Los Angeles Lakers 55-27 (.671) 12
2 New Orleans Hornets 54-28 (.659) 6
3 Boston Celtics 55-27 (.671) 4
4 Houston Rockets 53-29 (.646) 2
5 Cleveland Cavaliers 50-32 (.610) 1
The Lakers might win the 2008-09 NBA title if ...
• The most famous pinkie in the history of hoops holds up. We've been hearing about Bryant's finger since February, and now he has opted against surgery because he doesn't want to miss any time this season with the team. Maybe this change of heart will lead to a quieter training camp for the Lakers … or not.
• Andrew Bynum regains last season's form. The Lakers were good enough to reach the NBA Finals last season and that was without their rapidly improving big man. Bynum injured his left knee eight months ago, but now says he is 100 percent healthy. If that's the case, watch out.
• The bench mob -- minus Ronny Turiaf, who is now in Golden State -- once again provides quality minutes.
The Lakers might not win the 2008-09 NBA title if ...
• Kobe gets too weary during the next nine months after the Lakers' deep playoff run and his Olympic commitment. Also, if his finger forces him to miss time, that will mean trouble in Lakerland.
• The frontcourt gets too crowded. After Pau Gasol was acquired midseason, he performed well in the frontcourt with Lamar Odom. How will Bynum fit in?
• Derek Fisher shows signs of aging and Jordan Farmar isn't ready to fill the void.
ESPN Summer Forecast: Who Will Win The NBA Title?
#1
Guest_Chicano_*
Posted September 11, 2008 - 10:21 PM
#2
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- 4,722 posts
BACK 2 BACK NBA CHAMPIONS
- Joined: Jul 25, 2008
- Location:Singapore
- Fan Since:1999 (But reminiscent all the way back till 1960s, even 1948)
- Fav. Laker:Kobe Bryant & Wilt Chamberlain
Posted September 11, 2008 - 10:30 PM
#3
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- 5,263 posts
Filipindian
- Joined: Aug 04, 2008
- Name:Ryan
- Fan Since:1996
- Fav. Laker:Kobe Bryant
Posted September 11, 2008 - 10:33 PM
"To whom much is given much is tested."
#4
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Rookie
- Joined: Jul 24, 2008
Posted September 12, 2008 - 01:36 AM
I agree with them, the Lakers will win it all.
#5
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- 600 posts
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Posted September 12, 2008 - 05:56 AM
#6
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Basketball Immortality
- Joined: Jun 29, 2008
- Location:Tarzana, California
- Name:Kam Pashai
- Fan Since:1997
- Fav. Laker:Kobe Bryant
Posted September 12, 2008 - 09:18 AM
#7
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A firm disbeliever in your punch clock promise
- Joined: Sep 01, 2008
- Location:UCLA
- Fav. Laker:Andrew Bynum
Posted September 12, 2008 - 10:22 AM
For some reason, I don't like being favored.
#8
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Posted September 12, 2008 - 02:04 PM
Yea, we were a huge favorite last year......For some reason, I don't like being favored.
I don't care though. This year bring it on. After the finals loss I know none of the team is gonna look at these predictions and let it get to their heads. I think this could be a historic year (if no one gets injured... please).
#9
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TLN Rep: New York
- Joined: Jul 26, 2008
- Location:New York City
- Name:Tom
- Fan Since:2000
- Fav. Laker:Kobe Bryant
Posted September 12, 2008 - 02:12 PM
#10
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Pump Up The Fruit
- Joined: Jul 25, 2008
- Location:San Daygo
- Name:Jerry
- Fan Since:Forever
- Fav. Laker:コービーブライアント
Posted September 12, 2008 - 04:00 PM
Team Farmar
United we stand. Divided we fall.
#11
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Posted September 12, 2008 - 04:49 PM
Oh yea they need to stop making predictions cuz the pressure will make the Lakers lose.They need to stop doing these predictions. Putting too much pressure and it will lead to our downfall.
Makes mucho senso
#12
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Pump Up The Fruit
- Joined: Jul 25, 2008
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- Name:Jerry
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Posted September 12, 2008 - 05:37 PM
Yeh the end of the world will happen if they predict that.Oh yea they need to stop making predictions cuz the pressure will make the Lakers lose.
Makes mucho senso
Obviously they won't lose, I just wanted to make a sarcastic comment. 
Team Farmar
United we stand. Divided we fall.
#13
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- 4,722 posts
BACK 2 BACK NBA CHAMPIONS
- Joined: Jul 25, 2008
- Location:Singapore
- Fan Since:1999 (But reminiscent all the way back till 1960s, even 1948)
- Fav. Laker:Kobe Bryant & Wilt Chamberlain
Posted September 13, 2008 - 01:32 AM
#14
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Rookie
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- Fav. Laker:Kobe Bryant
Posted September 13, 2008 - 10:51 AM
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