Western Conference First Round#1 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17) vs. #8 Utah Jazz (48-34)
The Los Angeles Lakers begin their march to righting the wrongs of last year with a First Round meeting against the Utah Jazz. This is a rematch of last year's Western Conference Semi-Final Round, which the Lakers took out the Jazz in 6 games. The Jazz gave the Lakers all they could handle in that series last year but things figure to be a little easier for the Lakers this time around.
Firstly, they will have C Andrew Bynum in the playoffs. Bynum missed last year's playoffs and is widely considered the main reason the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Bynum was out for a few months this season but came back last week and is slowly working himself back in to game shape. Secondly, the Jazz come into the playoffs reeling. They have lost 7 of 9 which caused them to tumble to the 8th spot and have the unenviable task of meeting the Lakers. The Lakers took the season series 2-1, including a win last night against the Jazz at Staples Center.
The Jazz are led by PG Deron Williams (19.4 points per game, 10.7 assists per game), and PF Carlos Boozer, who played in just 37 games this year. Picking up the slack during Boozer's absence was C Mehmet Okur, who finished second on the team in scoring with 17 points per game. The biggest threat on the glass for the Jazz is PF Paul Millsap who led the team with 8.6 rebounds per game. SG Ronnie Brewer is another scoring threat but also disappears in games quite a bit. SF C.J. Miles has shown promise as an undrafted free agent, averaging 9 points per game. SG Kyle Korver is a three point specialist, shooting 39 percent from three point land this season.
Of course when you think of the Lakers you think of Kobe Bryant. Despite his scoring being slightly down this year Bryant had another outstanding season and is once again garnering MVP consideration. Bryant led the Lakers in scoring and assists (26.8 points per game, 4.9 assists per game). Pau Gasol had an outstanding season in his first full season with Lakers, averaging 18.9 points per game, and leading the team in rebounding with 9.6 a game. The Lakers will have a major advantage on the glass against the Jazz, not only is Gasol a rebounding machine but so are Bynum (8 rebounds per game), and PF Lamar Odom (8.2 rebounds per game). PG Derek Fisher still has it, especially from three point land, shooting 40 percent from there this season. The Lakers also have a deep bench, receiving contributions from SF Trevor Ariza, SG Sasha Vujacic, PG Jordan Farmar, and SF Luke Walton.
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan basically admitted last night that the chances for his team taking this series are bleak. When even a coach has little faith in his team, how will the public have faith in them? The Lakers are better offensively and defensively. Bryant had great games against the Jazz this year, averaging 31 points per game against them. I think the Lakers are primed for a sweep.
Prediction: Lakers over Jazz, 4-0
No comments:
Post a Comment