Count the Lakers out?
@chocl8starfish (113)
Philippines
April 11, 2011 7:17pm CST
The Los Angeles Lakers are recently on a five game losing slump. After starting the post all star break with an 18-1 slate, the Lakers have suddenly lost focus. Their 5 game losing streak is a manifestation of their complacency. But we all know what happened last season, the Lakers were also on a slump heading to the playoffs and yet they still won the NBA title.
Is it early to count the Los Angeles Lakers out of a possible three-peat this year?
1 response
@rencarl (620)
• Philippines
12 Apr 11
Like the spurs and celtics,we can't count the lakers out.they are the defending champs,and they are looking for a threepeat,a possibility that comes once in a blue moon.aside from that,kobe has a lot to prove to himself and to the basketball world as well.he will surely fight teeth-for-teeth for that.however,in my point of view,the lakers might just end up with just a two-peat.there are so many reasons why.notable among these is the fact that they already lost their homecourt advantage to other contenders.i shared some of the reasons in one of the discussions i started.hopefully you can find it and share your insights regarding it.
@chocl8starfish (113)
• Philippines
12 Apr 11
I'll borrow Rudy T.'s famous quote, "Never Underestimate a Heart of a Champion". At this point, whether the Lakers finish fourth, third, or second in the West, it doesn't matter. Yes, Home court advantage is very important and we all saw that last year when they beat the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. But the Lakers have shown that they can win wherever they play, whether at home or on the road. I guess, Phil Jackson and company knows that it will be harder this year because they're gonna play a lot of road games and I think they're starting to condition their selves that what's done is done, they can't turn back the regular season anymore, all they need to do is play hard each game in order to threepeat.
@rencarl (620)
• Philippines
12 Apr 11
I also agree on that.we can never underestimate the heart of a champion. I am sure the lakers are still the heavily favored team to win the championship this year. But going back to the discussion of having a home court advantage,in 2008 when the lakers lost to the celtics in the finals, boston had a home court advantage over the lakers.last year,when the lakers was down 3-2,phil was heard saying,'come one guys.don't worry.we are going home'.phil was glad with the idea that despite being down 2 games, they still have a great chance of winning because they will play at home. To put it simple,most of the calls will favor the home team. When asked why it happens, it just the way it is.referees' judgment is being influenced by the home crowd.
