NBA Playoffs: Why the Lakers Are Still the Favorites to Win It All

All season, the Lakers seemed to have been plagued by one downfall or another.  Andrew Bynum wasn't healthy.  The bench wasn't as strong as it used to be.  Ron Artest had regressed.  They dropped winnable game after winnable game.  They still can't beat the Bobcats.

But yesterday's dismantling of the league-best San Antonio Spurs should erase any doubt in anybody's mind: the Lakers are still the favorites to win it all for a third consecutive season. 

Begin Slideshow

...

About the Author