The Los Angeles Lakers have won the past two NBA championships and cruised through the Western Conference since their acquisition of Pau Gasol in 2008. This year’s Lakers team has been without starting center Andrew Bynum but is still off to a 7-0 start and appears to be superior to previous Lakers teams . They are -200 to again represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals (Just to let everyone know, the best value on the board right now is the San Antonio Spurs at +1400). If you read a preseason NBA prediction column that didn’t have the Lakers winning the West, the author was likely purposefully contrarian for the attention, a complete idiot, a gigantic homer from the state of Oregon (this is Greg Oden’s year!) or Bill Simmons. This doesn’t mean that no one can challenge the Lakers in the Western playoffs, only that the Lakers’ best will easily win the West (and probably the Finals, too) and that a number of things have to fall in place for any other team to take the next step toward being a legitimate contender. Individually, each team faces long odds (as SportsBook correctly notes) but collectively, it is possible, perhaps even probable, that one or two teams will get lucky this season and have the chance to extend the Lakers in a playoff series next May.
The Thunder, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Mavericks,
Most of the questions center on the health of the prospective challengers, or more specifically, the lack thereof. Greg Oden has no timetable on his return but what if this is his year? Or perhaps the perpetually injured center to finally find his way onto the court for consistent minutes is Yao Ming in Houston. Maybe San Antonio reverses the aging process and goes on a run reminiscent of their championship years. Can the Thunder party like its 2012 and arrive earlier than anticipated? Call me crazy but that Darko guy seems like manna from heaven and the Timberwolves might really be able to turn things around this year. Who knows what havoc they could wreak in the playoffs if they snuck into the eighth spot? They do have eight lottery picks on their roster! (Free Kevin Love)
The Eastern Conference has more elite teams but most of the drama should remain out West, as it is the superior conference (16-8 vs. East so far) and has greater overall depth while maintaining room for potential growth (Warriors, Kings, Grizzlies). That being the case, it will take a great effort for any of these teams to reach the Western Conference finals and every franchise's fan base would likely be satisfied with that result. Of course, even emerging from the balanced middle of the Western Conference may not mean anything in terms of influencing the outcome of the NBA championship. The Lakers still loom.
“You guys are pros. The best. I'm sure you can make it out of the casino. Of course, lest we forget, once you're out the front door, you're still in the middle of the fucking desert!” Reuben from Ocean’s Eleven
Bear in mind, the ability to finish near the top of the Western Conference does not necessarily mean a greater chance of defeating the Lakers in a series. The Hornets are currently undefeated and have beaten the Heat and Spurs in impressive fashion. But the interior size of the Lakers will swallow up the frontcourt of David West and (a rejuvenated) Emeka Okafor like Kobayashi swallows hot dogs (disgustingly often and in rapid succession). In lieu of a season preview, I will (maybe) take the time over the next few weeks to look at the contenders and assess their chances at making the playoffs (and, once there, knocking off the Lakers). First up is my preseason favorite, the 1-win Houston Rockets! Clearly not doing a season preview was a smart idea.
