Lakers-Spurs: A Preview

A lot has changed since 2004. The Lakers have gone from on top of the world with 4 all-stars and a chance at the finals to a lottery team. Now they have come full circle, the Lakers are back in the Western Conference Finals, a place they have not been since 2004 when Derek Fisher’s shot with .4 seconds left changed the course of the series. The Spurs have been the model of consistency, winning the title in 2005 and then again in 2007. The Spurs have 4 championships in 9 years and are looking for their first repeat. They are the defending champs, however at times during the year they have looked old, however they have survived the first two rounds of the playoffs, and are coming to Los Angeles tonight on very little rest. While a lot has changed for the Lakers the Spurs have stayed the same. Tonight they will open their series, and the new-look Lakers are led by familiar faces, Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher. These two will try to lead the Lakers back to the NBA finals. In terms of match-ups it should be a very interesting series. Both have low post threats in Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan, and both have swingman who can create havoc in Kobe Bryant and Manu Ginobili. Both teams also have a load of good shooters in Michael Finley, Brent Barry, Robert Horry, Sasha Vujacic, Derek Fisher, Vladimir Radmonivic. The teams are very similar in many regards however the series will be dependent on two x-factors. For the spurs it will be Tony Parker, if he can get into the lane and create havoc for the Laker defense, then the Spurs will have a great chance to win. For the Lakers that x-factor will probably be Lamar Odom, if he can take the slower Spur defenders of the dribble the Lakers will have an excellent chance to win. Overall, the Lakers are better equipped to slow down Tony Parker then the Spurs are to slow down Lamar Odom. In addition the Lakers have the greatest X-factor in Kobe Bryant, as no matter how good the defense is he is still able to score. This will be a tough series in the toughest conference in NBA history.