Los Angeles Lakers: 30 Team Previews In 30 Days

2009-10 Statistics

Finished 57-25, first in Pacific Division, first in Western Conference

Postseason

First Round: Defeated Oklahoma City Thunder 4-2

Second Round: Defeated Utah Jazz 4-0

Conference Finals: Defeated Phoenix Suns 4-3

NBA Finals: Defeated Boston Celtics 4-3

Additions and Re-Signings

Matt Barnes via free agency, Steve Blake via free agency, Theo Ratliff via free agency, Shannon Brown via re-signing, Derek Caracter via draft, and Devin Ebanks via draft.

Losses

Jordan Farmar via free agency and Josh Powell via free agency.

Revenge has never felt so good for the Los Angeles Lakers. After being ousted in six games in the 2007 NBA Finals by the Boston Celtics, the Lakers made it back to the NBA Finals to gain redemption against the team that had embarrassed them two years prior.

They can still boast arguably one of the top duos in the league between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, but the road to a third consecutive championship will be much more difficult than the previous two with teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets all in heavy contention to topple them as the Western Conference team to beat.

Not to mention, they'll still have to worry about the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, or Orlando Magic if they do make it to the NBA Finals, which could happen for a fourth consecutive year after the impressive offseason the Lakers have had.

By adding reliable role players in Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff to the bench, the Lakers can now not only claim one of most well-rounded starting lineups, but one of the deepest benches as well, now that they have added more quality shooters and a shot blocker.

Steve Blake adds a dangerous three-point shot to an already volatile bench. Blake has averaged 39% shooting from the bench over his seven-year car...

About the Author