This 2011 season and post season journey for the LA Lakers were somewhat very disappointing for me. During the season they had their ups and downs with somewhat a one time winning streak and more importantly a painful to watch several losing streak. When they were losing during the season, I thought and said to myself they will kick it up a notch in the playoff. Unfortunately, the teams habit of losing carried off in the playoff.
So I was happy how the playoff matches turned out because Lakers didn't have to face the Portland because they were a very good big team. So Lakers got New Orleans and I thought it would be an easy match because the opposing team were missing a very good key player David West. Once again the Lakers showed how inconsistent they were in the defensive end and struggled guarding Chris Paul. Fortunately for them, they were too big for the NO to handle and advanced to face the Dallas Mavericks in the second series. The team would eventually lose.
Now here's the reason why I thought they lose the series. Pau Gasol didn't perform his best in this series. Speed kills in any type of sports. Defensively, Derick Fischer or the other guards just can't keep up with the quicker Dallas guards. There were too much and too easy penetration in the paint for the Mavs guards. The team also have a history and trouble guarding the pick and roll. What I didn't understand is why the team let the Mavs beat them on the 3point type offense throughout the series. Obviously, the Mavs have a high percentage shooting the 3's so why not let the Mavs beat the team in a 2-point offense system throughout a whole game. If that means letting Dirk make all the shot attempts, so be it, just don't leave the Mavs guards make wide open 3's. Defense wins a game most of the time.
Lastly, the changes for the 2011-2012 season. I wouldn't mind trading Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom for Orlandos center Dwight Howard if that's possible to execute. Most importantly, the team needs an athletic guard that has quickness and vertical jumping ability. A Derick Rose or Russell Westbrook type of guard. Tony Parker would also be an acceptable candidate for me because he has the ability to make plays with his quickness and scoring ability in the paint. . Derick Fischer can still be the backup point guard. Steve Blake was good and all but I never saw him make a convincing plays for the rest of the guys because he doesn't have the explosiveness to go inside. In fact, I don't remember seeing him attempt a lay up at all. Shannon Brown has that vertical but I don't think he has that quickness. This potential guard for next season would mean that Kobe don't have to exert a lot of energy attacking the paint and making plays for everybody.
So this is what the changes I want to see from the Lakers next season. Let me know what you guys think or your opinions.
