Los Angeles Lakers go into game 4 with a 2-1 lead over the Orlando Magic tonight. In order for my friend Lawrence to get all of his NBA playoff predictions right, the Lakers need a win tonight. The latest from his predictions on his webpage:
Do I need to even say it at this point? Just in case you didn’t notice, not only did I pick the winners of the conference finals, I got the number of games correct for each series. It’s too easy.
My finals prediction is easily the most biased, most subjective, and most likely to be incorrect. It’ll go against my usual thought process and analysis. But here it is:
Lakers over Orlando – Would you have expected anything else here? After watching Orlando [expletive] Cleveland tonight, its fairly obvious how tough it is to match up
against them. Dwight is a beast, with a decent array of low post moves (he has more than none). Pietrus, Rashard, Hedo can all hit their three’s with consistency, and let’s not forget about the randoms of Rafer, JJ and Johnson. Even Gortat is a decent player – definitely the DJ Mbenga of the eastern conference (aka the best 10th man). Dominant big man + great jump shooters = recipe for success.
I think the best way for LA to win is to simply outscore them. On the four, Rashard/Hedo have no chance of guarding Pau. The physicality of Bynum has the potential to get Dwight into foul trouble. And if need be, we’ve got some serviceable big men in Powell and Mbenga to muscle around the D-man. I say start off games packing it in. If the 3′s fall, we guard Dwight straight up. I have a good feeling about Bynum doing a decent job.
Orlando beat LA 2-0 in the season series. Bad omen? How about no Jameer Nelson, who averaged over 27 points against us.
Can it be done? Is the impossible possible? Can I go 15 for 15 in my predictions?
By the way, I think the Lakers will win in 5. Take it to the bank.
Let’s go Lakers!
You can read more about his predictions HERE.
Being up in Santa Cruz, there are a lot of Laker haters. Many people call them “team Kobe”. Douche bags are just jealous I guess. Although, I do see the Lakers pulling away with a ‘W’ tonight, I personally think the only team that can beat the Lakers is the Lakers; that is, if they are off or if they are doing silly things defensively.
