Legacy Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 Very rusty article, wrote this one right before my final today. http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/225/040/144266625_crop_650x440.jpg?1337020593 It's been a while since the Los Angeles Lakers have actually been considered the "underdog" in a playoff series, but this year, that is exactly what they are against the young Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Durant, one of the best players in the league, will not be the only concern of the Lakers. They also have to deal with the explosive Russell Westbrook, the finesse sixth man James Harden and even the tough interior presence of Kendrick Perkins. A shorter season also favors the younger team, which the Thunder are against an older Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. This, however, does not mean they will lose. Here are five reasons why the Lakers can pull off an upset against the Thunder. 5. MomentumSure, the Nuggets gave the Lakers a run for their money by making the series go all the way. But winning Game 7 means a lot to Los Angeles. This gives them not only an emotional win, but a strong one to advance to the next round. They currently have a lot of momentum riding into Game 1 tonight in OKC. The Thunder, on the other hand, swept the defending champs. They have had over 10 days of rest, but sometimes too much rest is not a good thing. They will start off the series rusty, while the Lakers have the advantage of playing 48 hours ago, going with the flow and using their momentum to their advantage. 4. X-FactorsMetta World Peace is back. He shut down Danilo Gallinari in the pivotal Game 7 versus Denver and looks to do the same against the Thunder. Getting a harsh suspension from the league after the elbow to Harden will motivate the defensive star. Unlike Barnes, World Peace will take the open three and be more aggressive with it, resulting in more opportunities for him to prove himself on the offensive end. Steve Blake played well for the Lakers in the last series and is looking solid for them of off the bench. If he keeps up his stellar play, and if Ramon Sessions shows a little bit more experience, the Lakers' "X" factors will also help them upset the Thunder. 3. ExperienceThe Lakers lost Derek Fisher to the same Thunder that they will be facing, but they still have much more experience. Kobe Bryant has five championship rings and over hundreds of playoff game experience. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum have a couple of rings of their own. Although he is no Phil Jackson, Mike Brown coached the Cleveland Cavaliers deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs and even into the finals. Matt Barnes has been in the playoffs several times, along with other players on the Lakers roster. The Thunder are still relatively new to the postseason, though, and they will likely show their lack of experience at times, which will hurt them. 2. Kobe BryantYes, Kobe Bryant is still one of the best players in the NBA today. Having him on your team alone gives you a fighting chance. This man single-handedly almost beat the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs when his starters included Smush Parker and Kwame Brown. He showed in Game 7 against Denver that he did not need to score for the Lakers to win, and he can go into his play-making mode to help the team win. On defense, Bryant can guard either Durant, Westbrook or Harden. Watch for any of those possible matchups. When needed, Bryant can score at will and hit clutch shots. OKC will have to be on their top defensive game to make Kobe struggle. 1. SizeAndrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are the best frontcourt in the NBA when they want to be. If and when both are motivated and playing at their best, the Lakers are virtually unbeatable. In the crucial Game 7 against Denver, they combined for 20 offensive rebounds and 10 blocks, and they each added over 15 points. They can handle the paint. While Perkins has held his own against Bynum in the past, he looks like another type of player this season when he plays to his full potential. Serge Ibaka will have a tough time guarding Gasol when he gets down low in the paint. Defensively, Bynum and Gasol should have no problem guarding Perkins and Ibaka with their non-factor offensive games. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1182951-5-reasons-why-the-la-lakers-can-upset-the-oklahoma-city-thunder 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkinDerozan Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 I like your reasons. I think this is going to be one of the best series of the playoffs, and whoever wins this one will probably go to the finals imo. I still think OKC comes out on top though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 (edited) Durant is a pretty mediocre playoff performer so far in his career, and Artest locked his ass down last time they met in the playoffs. If Durant is content shooting 18 foot step backs all series, LA should have a good shot in this series. Kobe is going to need to make sure his big men are happy and getting lots of touches against OKC. Try to let RW take over when Durant is clanking 20 foot step backs, and just get everyone on OKC pissed off. Honestly I think the key comes down to the Durant-Artest matchup. You can probably take a solid guess at the production everywhere else (other than maybe Kobe/Bynum), but if Durant is content taking those tough step back jumpers, this team could be in serious jeopardy. I think Harden is going to have to step up this series to be honest with you. And if LA won, I wouldn't call it an "upset" at all. I honestly think LA is still one of the best teams in the NBA when they are clicking on all cylinders. And if Bynum is as motivated as he is making himself sound, then things could get interesting. We will see I guess. Edited May 14, 2012 by Check my Stats 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemon Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 I agree with most points except for your 5th. Lakers have just won only 1 out of their last 3 games and 2 of their last 5. In comparison, Thunder took an all time high confidence that can propel them throughout the playoffs by sweeping the defending champs. Also, Denver took Bynum out of the series by doubling on the catch and denying him the ball. It'll be interesting to see how he'll bounce back. Which brings me to your #1 and #4 point. Bynum is the Laker's biggest X-factor. Perkins can cover him by himself, but we all know how easily Bynum gets frustrated. If he's not playing his offense, he won't have his head in the game. With the exception of game 1, Bynum wasn't playing at an all-star level. To compete with the Thunder's potent big 3, Bynum needs to bounce back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YugoRocketsFan Posted May 15, 2012 Report Share Posted May 15, 2012 1 reason the Thunder will beat the Lakers They are just way better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted May 15, 2012 Report Share Posted May 15, 2012 I'm sorry, Yama. You may come up with 50 reasons but... the Lakers won't upset the Thunder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lkr Posted May 15, 2012 Report Share Posted May 15, 2012 I'm sorry, Yama. You may come up with 50 reasons but... the Lakers won't upset the Thunder.at least there are 50 possible reasons unlike the 0 reasons why the Clippers will upset the Spurs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted May 16, 2012 Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 (edited) at least there are 50 possible reasons unlike the 0 reasons why the Clippers will upset the Spurs I never said there were any, 'wise guy'. And I'm sensing someone's a bit butthurt... Edited May 16, 2012 by Sħãlïq̵' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lkr Posted May 16, 2012 Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 I never said there were any, 'wise guy'. And I'm sensing someone's a bit butthurt...not really, just pointing out the fact that at least we have a shot in our series Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) not really, just pointing out the fact that at least we have a shot in our seriesNo one will give a damn 2 months weeks from now. "#2 is not a winner, and #3 nobody remembers..." Edited May 24, 2012 by Sħãlïq̵' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lkr Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 No one will give a damn 2 months weeks from now. "#2 is not a winner, and #3 nobody remembers..."ok? i think people remember 18-1 perfectly well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomarFachix Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 No one will give a damn 2 months weeks from now. "#2 is not a winner, and #3 nobody remembers..."A healthy 'Lob Angeles Clippers' team can prevail in a 7-game series against either one of the East's elite. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) Of course, a healthy 'Lob Angeles Clippers' team can prevail in a 7-game series against either one of the East's elite. That's with Chauncey being healthy too, 'hyper-sleuth'. Edited May 24, 2012 by Sħãlïq̵' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) ok? i think people remember 18-1 perfectly well.I said no one will care about the fact that your Lakers had 'a shot' in a Second Round series where they lost in five. And yes, I know at least the Lakers won a game, and didn't get swept. Ask Kobe if he cares about that lone win... he'll probably wanna kill you. Edited June 5, 2012 by Sħãlïq̵' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomarFachix Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Of course, a healthy 'Lob Angeles Clippers' team can prevail in a 7-game series against either one of the East's elite. That's with Chauncey being healthy too, 'hyper-sleuth'.FALSE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 TRUE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomarFachix Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 TRUE.FALSE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenneral Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 ^ reasons this forum is going to shit 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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