NBA JAM: L.A. LAKERS

In our continuing rundown on the NBA season, Neate looks at the Pacific Division, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers.

Last season: 45-37, 7th in Western Conference, lost 4-3 to Phoenix in first round of playoffs
Coach: Phil Jackson
New faces: Vladimir Radmanovic, Shammond Williams, Jordan Farmar
Funny-looking white guy: Luke Walton
Blogs: Lakers Topbuzz, L.A. Times Lakers Blog (surprisingly, there's very few Laker bloggers, but then again, most people who go to their games are just there to see and be seen)

The Lakers are no longer supposed to be all about a certain shooting guard, a gunner without conscience who we won't mention by name, but who put up 81 points in a game against the Raptors last season.

In Jackson's scheming, Lamar Odom's supposed to become the Pippen-esque complement to you know who, but it hasn't happened yet. Until that happens, the Lakers will only go as high or as low as You Know Who will take them. That's why L.A. Times basketball writer Mark Heisler has dug a 10th-place grave for the Lakers.

Along with the fact Odom hasn't been able to be as effective as the Lakers need him to be thanks to a certain someone's refusal to share the ball (or play defence), L.A. is deficient at point guard and in the post. In the latter area, Andrew Bynum is a game but raw teenager and Kwame Brown still needs to refine his offensive game.

The Lakers could still squeak into the playoffs, but if there's another Northwest team besides Denver who's serious about playing in the post-season, then L.A. might be the odd team out. Of course, You Know Who could save them, or go into a pout like he did in Game 7 against Phoenix.

Also in Pacific Division: Golden State Warriors, L.A. Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings
That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.