http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/03/09/preview-and-chat-the-toronto-raptors-3/

To dismiss the team’s problems by saying the Heat and Magic games were there for the taking with just one or two more baskets invalidates the fact that the team lost all three games on a trip in which many were hoping to see them come out with renewed focus.

Using that type of logic, the Magic could see they were really no less a winner than the Lakers in 2009, since a made layup by Lee or a missed 3 by Fish were all that separated them from the trophy, too. Or Miami or the Kings or Bucks or Celtics could say they should have beaten L.A. earlier this year, since Kobe’s shots were just a point or two from a win or loss. It doesn’t work that way.

To write that “the Lakers still have the most talented collection of basketball players in the NBA” is subjective. Talent alone doesn’t win games; execution does, and this team has often been lacking in that category.

And the statement that “any of the other 29 teams to take home the Larry O’ Brien trophy (is) going to have to beat the Lakers four of seven times” is also false.

You’re writing that the title must come through the Lakers. For all we know, L.A. may not even come out of the west, let alone make the Finals. The west or east winner could potentially win a title without even facing the Lakers, depending upon how soon they flame out in the playoffs.

There are a lot of reasons for concern surrounding this team. I’m not declaring them dead by any means, but I also won’t call them a favorite, at least until they can start playing with efficiency and proving that they can beat the league’s better teams. We’ve not seen proof of that this year.

I believe we own the conference record (right now), so that means the split is in our favor should we end up tied.

Like I said, though, the most disappointing stat is that lack of a 5-game streak since December.

Go back and look at last year’s March/April – we finished with solid, several win streaks.

And to your point – that is streaking at the right time.

Truth be told, they should come out and win close to 70 games every season with a lineup like they have. Kobe is shooting too much but at the same time the bigs aren’t playing efficient offense and the rest of the team is standing around watching #24. All of that said is anybody really writing them off as the top contender? I think the best any sports writer can really (honestly) come up with would be something like, “the way the Lakers are playing right now isn’t the kind of basketball you have to play to repeat as champions.” Cleveland is really good and Orlando has gotten tougher but who out there is 100% sure they can beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

It is frusterating to watch more often than not lately. To those who stress out too much be like my dad and turn the channel if they don’t come out and play a strong 3rd quarter when they are down at the half. Bill Morris’s famous quote, “I’m not gonna watch that $H1T”.

In my opinion, which isn’t much other than that, the Lakers pick it up as a team come April. I don’t think they will roll through the playoffs though. It would be nice if someone can start hitting the threes and I can see that being Ronald. All in all I don’t see anyone knocking LA off on the way to the finals. Until then I suggest an alcoholic beverage to ease the anxiety of all Laker fans.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=15529

Let’s see if Bynum can show that the Bosh trade would have been a bad move on the front office’s part….keeping the fingers crossed on that one.

Lots always gets thrown around at this point, especially about the Cavs record, but remember last year, they had home-court throughout the playoffs, but it didn’t last long enough. While we may not catch them, it’s far from certain we’ll see them in the finals.

Writers need to write, don’t worry Laker fans, we’re alright. HC is great to have, can be overcome, and may not even play a part depending how the playoffs unfold.

Mar 9 Toronto W
Mar 12 @ Phoenix L
Mar 15 @ Golden St W
Mar 16 @ Sac L
Mar 19 Minn W
Mar 21 Washington W
Mar 24 @ SA L
Mar 26 @ OK City L
Mar 27 @ Houston W
Mar 29 @ NO W
Mar 31 @ Atlanta L
Apr 2 Utah W
Apr 4 SA W
Apr 8 @ Denver L
Apr 9 @ Minn W
Apr 11 Portland W
Apr 13 Sac W
Apr 14 @ LAC W

That gets us to: 58-24 (last year we got to 65 wins). Now take a look at Dallas’ schedule and while “anything” can happen – with their soft schedule, I think WCHCA is theirs for the taking. Sadly, the Lakers have only themselves to blame for their inconsistency and lack of effort…They haven’t had a 5-game winning streak since December 22nd…I found that astounding. Here’s to hoping I am proven wrong over then next 18 games.

BTW, last 2 teams to get to 50 wins first, won the title (BOS, LAL)…Cavs have done it this year…