We decided to ask our beloved Lakers Nation staff members one question to start the New Year, “What do you expect from our Los Angeles Lakers in 2008?” This is what they had to say…
Creators
hZm (Co-Creator): Its hard to say what can be expected from this team come 2008. We’re playing some of our best basketball since the days of Kobe – Shaq, but yet this still seems like too young of a team to have serious success in the Playoffs. Its a tough call, but like any hopeful fan, I think we have a chance to go deep this year and let the entire league know that we’re back. I don’t expect us to make any moves because as of now, we don’t look like we need it. All in all, I see a (hopefully) successful year for the L.A. Lakers.
LD2k (Co-Creator): After a wild summer which included interning for Kobe’s marketing company, I had my nervous moments as a fan. I never would’ve thought with all the drama that the team would come together under Kobe this quickly. Bynum is establishing himself as the dominant back-to-basket center in the league and Kobe is developing a chemistry with him and the rest of the squad. I believe the Lakers are going to make some noise in the league this year and the addition of Derek Fisher is key. I expect the Lakers to make it to the WCF’s this season, and remain healthy. Their depth has proven to be the best among the best in the league. Anything is possible with Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant on this team; never forget that. Lastly, look for some more of my videos this upcoming season. You guys, the best fans in the world, make me proud to be able to showcase my talents. Thank you for all of your support. We follow because we believe.
The Nugget (Co-Creator): When the season started, I didn’t expect anything from this team, with the Kobe drama fresh in our minds and the Lakers, I stupidly thought that this team would fail knowing that Kobe himself didn’t even want part of this organization. However, after watching the last 25 plus games, I’ve came to following conclusion, anything is possible. From getting Jason Kidd to wear a Lakers jersey to winning an NBA Championship. However, several things are for sure… great moments will happen, terrible moments always happen, and an unexpected moments will make us believe.
Staff
Steve Avery (Post-Game): The Lakers will get out of the first round this year. This team has the perfect mix of veteran leadership to complement the young talent. Kobe is growing more as a leader each game and young Andrew is maturing right before our eyes. If the Lakers can limit the turnovers, the sky is the limit (as long as we don’t run into Boston).
DBricks (Writer): The Lakers are playing good ball. What we Laker fans expect a healthy Laker team to do. Last year we had a multitude of injuries including Lamar, Radmanovic, Luke, Kwame, Mihm, etc. Now everybody’s healthy and we are currently 4 th in the west and only a few back of the best record in the conference. That being said I think we need one more piece. One more piece at the trading deadline to solidify this team as a true contender. No, I’m not talking Jason Kidd or Jermaine O’Neal, I’m talking just one more solid player that can be consistent for us night in and night out. If we go get that one extra piece, I think this puzzle is complete and we can compete for a NBA Championship in June.
Davey Da (Writer): The Lakers will not make a major trade before the deadline this year. Their gold is maturing, and they know that. We will watch Bynum continue to mature and Crittenton begin to get some time. The Lakers will be a dangerous force this year. As Bynum’s offensive game continues to solidify, over this year and next, buckle in. It’s going to be a short, quick ride back to Laker dominance.
nyla (MySpace): At the rate were going and seeing our improvement, I expect the Lakers to end the season no lower than the 6th best record in the west. Sure, we have flaws on our defense and we haven’t finished games a few games like we should, but it will come as our young guys continue to grow and as we grow and gel more as a team. Our defense will be a little better once Kobe’s at full strength and once we get Kwame back, too. I really think the leadership of Derek Fisher and the maturing of Kobe will help us as the season goes on and keep us from falling apart like the end of last season as well. Injuries were only half the mess last year.
I have a good feeling about this year. It will certainly depend on who we’re playing in the first round of the playoffs, but I believe we can get to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since Shaq got traded.
Enjoy the season. So far its shaping up to be a good one (One thing to look for is the month of February. With only 3 home games all month, we’ll find out who the Lakers really are.).
Brady McElveney (LakerTube): After the disappointing end to last season, and the uncertainty of Kobe’s status with the team this past summer, it was real easy to rip this team apart & over analyze it to death. Now just a couple months into this new season, and to the surprise of many, the Lakers are playing at a high level, with their deep bench becoming their identity. Strong chemistry on and off the court will only continue to help steer this Laker ship in the right direction. Barring any serious injuries, they have a legitimate chance at a 5 or 6 seed in the West, with best case scenario reaching the 4th spot. If this team stays together, remains healthy & focused, & continues to play hard D, they will do some damage in the playoffs no matter where they end up.
Now we ask you fellow TLN readers, what do you expect from our Los Angeles Lakers in 2008? Sound-0ff in the comments and tell us how you feel!
Happy New Year from the Lakers Nation staff.
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