Heres my
I have never liked webber. He can play yes, but in order for the kings to stay successful, they need to make Peja the #1 look. Not webber. There season will depend on how and if webber will react to being option # 2. If he accepts the role, they could be devastating.
I truly believe in character and desire. If Malone is healthy, he and the Glove want the title too badly not to fight for it like theres no tomorrow. The ego brothers, Kobe and Shaq should hop on their coat tails and show some anger and play. I watched them against Houston the other night and they dont care right now. The lakers need this line up healthy and angry to win:
Payton at point bringing up the ball.
Kobe off gaurd
Malone power forward
Shaq
Fox - only if he is 100% at small forward to match up on defence
I understand chemistry is important and too many guys wanting the ball can be detrimental, but this squad could work and i think the catalyst is Malone. Hes mean, sometimes dirty but his work ethic and motivation for the title is probably bar none right now.
The other team out of the west that could cause trouble is the Timberwolves. The addition of spreewell and cassell put them over the hump. With a healthy Zcerbiak along for the ride this could pose problems for the west.
In the east, Jersey is still the team to beat. Kidd appears to be playing much better since Scott got canned. But they are still missing that big guy and the experiment with ZO did not work.
This is again the wests year for the title. Will the Lakers show some guts?
Will KG validate his role as MVP by getting farther into the playoffs?
Will Webber realize what needs to be done for them to beat the Lakers?
It will be fun to watch!
