From: ism1@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (IAN SETH MILLER)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.pro
Subject: Re: Underestimating the Lakers, again
Date: 2 Oct 92 04:22:05 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University

In article <1992Oct01.135949.9430@brtph560.bnr.ca>, markham@brtph600.bnr.ca (And
rew Markham P205) writes:
>In article <1992Oct1.004731.19148@cs.ucla.edu> lange@lanai.cs.ucla.edu (Trent L
ange) writes:
>>Everybody keeps saying "Even with Magic back, the Lakers won't go anywhere."
>>
>>We've heard it all before.  Since 1986 we've been hearing it.
>>
>>The Lakers won't win the Pacific Division.  Big deal.  But when it comes
>>playoff time, they will be very serious contenders.  If Magic and
>>most of the rest of the team remains healthy, more likely than not,
>>you can look for them in the Finals.
>
>I would have to say that I would be more than a little amazed to see the
>Lakers back in the finals, especially considering the Suns, Blazers, and Jazz.
>The Lakers will, without a doubt, be a much improved team over last year's,
>but there are a number of possible problems with the Lakers, that should be
>given consideration.
>
I think the point is the Lakers will once again be quite formidable opponents
for anyone in the West. I would not be amazed to see them in the Finals and
they do have a realistic possibilty, although definately not a probability.

>1) Worthy and Scott are getting a little long in the tooth and are thusly
>   becoming much less effective than in years past.
>
>2) The Lakers seem to be lacking in shooting and depth.

This is the deepest Laker team in years.  Worthy is still a top rated forward
and A.C. Green and hopefully Elden Campbell can develop into strong reserves
for the aged Worthy and Perkins.  As for Scott at this point I would start
Threatt at the 2 guard and Peeler should develop to eventually take Scott out
of the picture.
>
>>The may not be able to get past the Bulls, but you can bet the farm
>>they'll get past Portland.  Magic and the Lakers have always had their
>>number.
>
>Magic and the Lakers may have always had Portland's number, but that was
>back when they had a better team.  I'm not convinced they have a better team
>any more.
>
We'll have to see if a lot of experience can compensate for the age.

>>The new Suns may be a wildcard, but there's no history of winning
>>there, either.
>
>To gloss over the Suns because *there's no history of winning there* is
>a bit silly considering the off-season acquisition of Charles Barkley.
>The Lakers won't be walking all over the Suns this year, you can bet on
>that.
>
Agreed. The Suns especially with Charles Barkley are a very good team.

>>People simply don't realize how potentially strong this team is.
>
>"Potentially strong", interesting use of words when one considers how
>you expect them bak in the finals...
>
Once again the finals may be pushing it, but they do have the capabilities of
being "potentially strong".

>>With Magic back to kick his ass and get him the ball, Vlade goes from
>>being an inconsistent and mediocre center to being one of the top-flight
>>centers in the league (see Conference Finals and Finals, 1991) -- and
>>certainly one of the best centers on a serious championship contender.
>
>Divac is overrated.  He's a decent center, and never was, nor is, one
>of the top-flight centers in the league.  The only time he really looks
>good is when Worthy/Perkins are playing well (thusly making the job on
>the inside much easier).  Magic will certainly make him better, but
>top-flight?  Don't make me laugh.
>
If I'm not mistaken Divac was runner up to Robinson for Rookie Of the Year.
He's young and does pocess good skills for a 7 footer.  This is a man who has
potential (a steal at where the Lakers drafted him) and Magic has the
capability of bringing out the potential in young players like Divac and
hopefully Peeler as well.

>>Sedale Threatt provides the one major thing the 1991 team was missing:
>>a very solid backup for Magic.
>
>Agreed.
>
>>The key is whether Worthy can come back to his pre-injury form, and
>>if everybody can remain reasonably healthy.
>
>Pretty big 'ifs'.
>
>>
What in life doesn't have 'ifs'?

If so, watch out come June.
>
>I can see the Lakers making the Conference Finals, but seriously doubt
>they will be in THE Finals.  Phoenix will provide some interesting mis-
>matches with the Lakers (in the form of K.J. and Barkley) as will Utah.
>
Once again no one expected them to beat Portland.  That was a different
situation, but we'll see what happens.

Ian
>