duncan228
08-27-2009, 02:59 PM
15 things the Lakers need to repeat as champs (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-title-whether-2540307-nba)
Keeping Odom happy, Bynum healthy and Artest out of trouble is just the start
By Janis Carr
The Orange County Register
Winning championships never is easy for any sports team, whether it's the Super Bowl trophy, NCAA title or NBA title. It takes hard work, determination and sometimes a stroke of luck.
But for the Lakers to repeat as NBA champions there are many factors that need to happen this season, such as Andrew Bynum staying off crutches and Derek Fisher refusing to blow out any more birthday candles.
Can the Lakers stay healthy and avoid the new-and-improved contenders, not only in the Western Conference, but the east as well? Time and games will tell whether the Lakers are destined for title No. 11.
Bryant's Health: For the Lakers to have a chance at winning a second NBA title, they need a healthy Kobe Bryant -- and that means from head to fingers to knees and toes. Staying out of the training room will be a challenge for the newly turned 31-year-old.
A 3-Point Threat: Now that Trevor Ariza is in Houston, the Lakers are going to need to find someone reliable to hit 3-pointers, not only in clutch situations (i.e. Derek Fisher).
Sasha Vujacic: After last season's dip in offense, a minor knee injury and getting kicked off the Slovenian National team, Sasha Vujacic will need a healthy boost of confidence to be effective for the Lakers.
Jackson's Health: The Lakers success will rely heavily on Phil Jackson's health and interest after winning his record 10th title. What will be his motivation now that he has put Red Auerbach to rest for good.
Gasol Summer Training: Pau Gasol's extra time in the weight room last season resulted in the Lakers muscling their way to the NBA title. Hopefully. the Spaniard has lifted a weight or two during the summer to stay in shape. It will makes holding two trophies that much easier.
The Bench: The Bench Mob will need to learn how to maintain leads late if the Lakers are going to have a chance at winning back-to-back titles.
A Happy Odom: Much of Lamar Odom's success (and happiness) last season was a result of his increased playing time when Andrew Bynum went down with an injury. The Lakers will need to find him enough minutes -- not just candy -- to keep him smiling.
Rambis Replacement: The good times could be over if the Lakers don't find someone to handle Kurt Rambis' duties, which included the team's defense. Can Phil Jackson go it alone? Will Brian Shaw or Frank Hamblen be chanting "D-fense!" from the bench?
Fisher's Leadership: Having Derek Fisher's experience and leadership around would make the Lakers' chances of a repeat much greater. Maybe the Lakers should look into cyrogenics.
An Eastern Brawl: The Lakers need the Eastern powers to beat up on each other during the regular season so they won't be much of a factor. Boston, Cleveland and Orlando all added key free agents, which could prove a tough task for the Lakers.
A Trade: Eeny Meeny Miney Mo -- which of these reserves should be the first to go? The Lakers should trade one, maybe more of their bench players for a quicker point guard. Someone needs to take over for Derek Fisher.
Bynum For A Whole Season: The Lakers would repeat handily if Andrew Bynum first stays injury-free and then produces double-doubles on a regular basis.
Focused Artest: The Lakers are going to need Ron Artest (TruwarierQB) to focus his energies on basketball instead of Twitter once the season begins. The mercurial guard also needs to stay out of trouble.
Take Denver Seriously: Chris Andersen re-signed with Denver, making the Nuggets once again a formidable opponent for the Lakers in the playoffs.
Watch Out For Spurs: WIth the addition of Richard Jefferson, the San Antonio Spurs once again will be contenders and tough opponents in the Western Conference. Nothing will come easy for the Lakers this season.
Keeping Odom happy, Bynum healthy and Artest out of trouble is just the start
By Janis Carr
The Orange County Register
Winning championships never is easy for any sports team, whether it's the Super Bowl trophy, NCAA title or NBA title. It takes hard work, determination and sometimes a stroke of luck.
But for the Lakers to repeat as NBA champions there are many factors that need to happen this season, such as Andrew Bynum staying off crutches and Derek Fisher refusing to blow out any more birthday candles.
Can the Lakers stay healthy and avoid the new-and-improved contenders, not only in the Western Conference, but the east as well? Time and games will tell whether the Lakers are destined for title No. 11.
Bryant's Health: For the Lakers to have a chance at winning a second NBA title, they need a healthy Kobe Bryant -- and that means from head to fingers to knees and toes. Staying out of the training room will be a challenge for the newly turned 31-year-old.
A 3-Point Threat: Now that Trevor Ariza is in Houston, the Lakers are going to need to find someone reliable to hit 3-pointers, not only in clutch situations (i.e. Derek Fisher).
Sasha Vujacic: After last season's dip in offense, a minor knee injury and getting kicked off the Slovenian National team, Sasha Vujacic will need a healthy boost of confidence to be effective for the Lakers.
Jackson's Health: The Lakers success will rely heavily on Phil Jackson's health and interest after winning his record 10th title. What will be his motivation now that he has put Red Auerbach to rest for good.
Gasol Summer Training: Pau Gasol's extra time in the weight room last season resulted in the Lakers muscling their way to the NBA title. Hopefully. the Spaniard has lifted a weight or two during the summer to stay in shape. It will makes holding two trophies that much easier.
The Bench: The Bench Mob will need to learn how to maintain leads late if the Lakers are going to have a chance at winning back-to-back titles.
A Happy Odom: Much of Lamar Odom's success (and happiness) last season was a result of his increased playing time when Andrew Bynum went down with an injury. The Lakers will need to find him enough minutes -- not just candy -- to keep him smiling.
Rambis Replacement: The good times could be over if the Lakers don't find someone to handle Kurt Rambis' duties, which included the team's defense. Can Phil Jackson go it alone? Will Brian Shaw or Frank Hamblen be chanting "D-fense!" from the bench?
Fisher's Leadership: Having Derek Fisher's experience and leadership around would make the Lakers' chances of a repeat much greater. Maybe the Lakers should look into cyrogenics.
An Eastern Brawl: The Lakers need the Eastern powers to beat up on each other during the regular season so they won't be much of a factor. Boston, Cleveland and Orlando all added key free agents, which could prove a tough task for the Lakers.
A Trade: Eeny Meeny Miney Mo -- which of these reserves should be the first to go? The Lakers should trade one, maybe more of their bench players for a quicker point guard. Someone needs to take over for Derek Fisher.
Bynum For A Whole Season: The Lakers would repeat handily if Andrew Bynum first stays injury-free and then produces double-doubles on a regular basis.
Focused Artest: The Lakers are going to need Ron Artest (TruwarierQB) to focus his energies on basketball instead of Twitter once the season begins. The mercurial guard also needs to stay out of trouble.
Take Denver Seriously: Chris Andersen re-signed with Denver, making the Nuggets once again a formidable opponent for the Lakers in the playoffs.
Watch Out For Spurs: WIth the addition of Richard Jefferson, the San Antonio Spurs once again will be contenders and tough opponents in the Western Conference. Nothing will come easy for the Lakers this season.