The Los Angeles Lakers. Might not seem like much of a shocking, dangerous piece of news to many, given the Lakers just handed the Cavs their first home loss of the season, and completed a season series sweep of the Celtics earlier this week.But, the Celtics still have more wins, still are the defending champions, and still, in the minds of some, are the best team in the league.
Not in my mind. There's the obvious stuff, mentioned above. Clearly, beating a team like the Celtics twice (the second one coming on the back end of a back-to-back situation) is impressive. Then, ending a 23 game home winning streak for the season, in convincing fashion also is impressive.
But, what makes this team impressive is its depth. Adding Adam Morrison aside (check here to see why Vlad Rad got dealt, first sentence says it all), the Lakers have weapons for days. Andrew Bynum goes down again, no problem. Lamar Odom, the lost and forgotten player on this Lakers team, is averaging nearly 17 points and 11 rebounds in the four games since Andy Goes Down Pt. 2. Who would the Celtics have to step in if KG went down? Or, say, when he even goes out for a breather? How about if Mo Williams got hurt?
The answer is, no one. And that's no crime. Most teams in the league can't lose a guy averaging a near double-double and not miss much of a beat. Usually, only a few of the best teams in the league can. The Lakers, with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, have more than enough firepower to survive an injury.
And that is dangerous news.
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