Experts Say the League Will Protect Kobe
In a special article for Rant Sports written today [April 5], expert Greg Higgins expressed that the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason bid will likely be anticlimactic, as the NBA wants them in the playoffs and their appearance would guarantee ratings. The implication here is that the NBA has virtually given the Lakers a free pass and an armed escort into the playoffs.
The Lakers are a team with top honors; in league history they have been the recipients of 16 championships, second only to the Boston Celtics, who have garnered 17 championships. What’s more, upon acquiring Dwight Howard and Steve Nash — two perennial all-stars — the Lakers’ shot at a championship increased exponentially.
Super center Dwight Howard brings with him greater potential for scoring in the paint. Last season Howard averaged 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Whether playing offensively or defensively, as long as he’s healthy, a beast like Howard should help to bring about a terrific season; he should have been the top acquisition of the season.
Steve Nash, even in his late 30s, is still averaging 12.5 points, 3 boards and 10.7 assists. Many thought that with the presence of the two-time MVP, the Lakers’ lack of firepower in the backcourt had been solved.
The Lakers are in possession of a formidable lineup of power players: Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace. How loaded is this team with spectacular athletes? And yet, they are presently sitting at the eighth spot in the western conference with a record of 39 wins, 36 losses.* At such a critical juncture, the Lakers are quite obviously not doing well. At one point the playoffs weren’t even on Kobe’s mind. Yet, when asked about a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors, Kobe was very tentative and is quoted as saying, “I’m really worried.”
Concerns about Last-Minute Turnaround by Jazz and Mavericks
With the current state of the Lakers franchise, it’s going to be an uphill battle if they want to overtake the Houston Rockets and the Warriors; at the same time, they’ll have to worry about comebacks from the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks. At present the Jazz and Mavericks are currently sitting on 39-37 and 36-38 records, respectively, both only a step behind the Lakers.** Considering this, along with the fact that the Lakers won a hugely decisive victory against a loveless Minnesota Timberwolves franchise only to lose inexplicably to the Milwaukee Bucks, not to mention the fact that they still have to face the Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, one little slip-up means that the Jazz and Mavericks could come in and take their playoff spot.
Expert’s Verdict: No Cause For Concern, League Will Protect Lakers
Based on the above analysis, it looks like the Lakers’ playoffs run will be filled with suspense, but in sports expert Greg Higgins’ opinion, there’s no need for everyone to act like the sky is falling. The Lakers’ entrance into the playoffs is backed by “unwritten rules.”
There are doubters out there who question this Lakers season and the team’s prospects, but in all likelihood the league isn’t breaking a sweat. They are extremely clear about one thing: A postseason with the Lakers and one without are two entirely different scenarios. Think about it. A first round head-to-head match-up of the Jazz and Spurs will leave most people cold, while a potential match-up of the Spurs, with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, and Lakers, with Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash, in a knock-down-drag-out series will undoubtedly attract fans’ attention.
Regardless of who wins and who loses, ratings will be massive; as long as there are stars to take the floor, there will be no shortage of discussion. It’s a sure bet that the NBA itself secretly hopes that this Lakers team ultimately makes the playoffs.
*NBA playoff standings reflect the April 5, 2013 original publishing date of the article.
**NBA win/loss records reflect the April 5, 2013 original publishing date of the article.
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