Does Any Team in the West Really Pose a Threat To the LA Lakers?

August 25th, 2010 by Hadarii Jones Leave a reply »
The Los Angeles Lakers are heavy favorites to clinch their 4th consecutive Western Conference championship, and although the conference is known for parity, the Lakers seem to defy that logic.

The Lakers upgraded their roster during the offseason, and the difficult task of unseating them became a little more complicated in the process, because in 2010-11 the Lakers will be deeper, and presumably more healthy.

The additions of Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff will help improve an already great defensive squad, and Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum's injuries should be fully healed when the 2010-11 season commences.

On paper the Lakers should plow through a conference that will have a much different look next season, but it is likely at least one team will step up and prove to be a test for the two-time defending champions.

But, who will assume that role?

The teams most likely to challenge the Lakers in the West are the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs.

Some observers feel the Thunder are a strong dark horse pick to upset the Lakers, but u ...

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