We are so confident in the Lakers we'll even throw out the number "70." As in the Lakers could win 70 games this season.
The Lakers are part of a five team block built to win it all this season. The other four teams in that category are the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics, the Orlando Magic, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With that being said why did we include the Portland Trail Blazers in our final four? To find the answer you'll have to read the rest of the article...
NBA Finals
Lakers defeat the Celtics, 4-0
The Lakers sweep a heroic Celtics team. The C's win a lot of hearts but they show their age and lack of depth against a much superior Lakers team.
Western Conference Finals
Lakers defeat the Trail Blazers, 4-1
Thanks to home court advantage and youth, the young Blazers find a way to get by the Spurs in dramatic, heart stopping fashion. However, the Blazers' inexperience is their undoing in the Western Conference Finals. With the exception of Greg Oden , the Lakers out play the Blazers at every position and advance to the NBA Finals with just one postseason loss.
Eastern Conference Finals
Celtics defeat the Cavs, 4-2
The Cavs acquired Shaquille O'Neal to play Dwight Howard but they never even see the Magic in the postseason. Instead, Boston's athleticism and length finishes off a Cleveland team that was pretty much a circus for the entire 2009-10 season. At least Shaq will get an early start to his reality show.
Western Conference Playoff teams
1. Lakers - Too talented, too deep and too experienced for every team in the NBA.
2. Trail Blazers - Point guard Andre Miller is perfect for this team. Oden has monster year. Roy moves into James, Bryant and Wade territory.
3. Spurs - Most pundits like the addition of Richard Jefferson. We love addition of DeJuan Blair. If they stay healthy they will be tough to beat.
4. Mavs - Shaun Marion will fit in nicely with this bunch of veterans. Mavs show they still have something in tank.
5. Nuggets - Denver proves that last year was a fluke. Nugs made nary a significant roster move in the offseason.
6. Jazz - If Jerry Sloan is coaching your team you have a chance to make the playoffs. Carlos Boozer is in contract year, he should play well.
7. Hornets - New Orleans grab the seventh spot thanks to one player, Chris Paul.
8. Thunder - We'd rather gamble on Kevin Durant than the injury-addled Rockets or the manic, defenseless Suns.
The Eastern Conference Playoff teams
1. Cavs - Any team with James is capable of winning 60 games and the conference's top seed.
2. Magic - New Magic, Vince Carter, is on the best team of his career. Meanwhile, Howard dominates all season with his improved offensive game.
3. Celtics - Injuries rear their ugly heads but not enough to derail the C's. Garnett is back. Wallace is productive. Rondo proves he's an elite point guard.
4. Hawks - If there is one lock for the 2009-10 season it's the Hawks are the fourth best team in Eastern Conference.
5. Bulls - Derrick Rose is the real deal but this team needs a big year from Luol Deng. They should get it.
6. 76'ers - Elton Brand is back and we love Andre Iguodala. Would have them at a higher seed but loss of Andre Miller is huge.
7. Raptors - They will score a lot of points but give up a lot of points too. Teams will have trouble with their size.
8. Heat - Heat get the final spot in East for sole reason of having Dwyane Wade on their roster.
MVP - LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
It's a cliché but what the heck. Even with Shaq, the Cavs need James to do a lot of heavy lifting.
Coach of the Year - Jay Triano, Toronto Raptors
Phil Jackson should win it, after all, the Lakers are going to have one of the best seasons of all time, but the powers that be will never give it to him. Instead, we think Triano taking the Raptors to the playoffs is a feat worthy of COY honors.
Most Improved - Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers
Oden will barely beat out Andrew Bynum for the award. Both big men will have excellent years and begin a personal rivalry that will last about a decade. Oden's defense is eventually the difference.
Rookie of the year - DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs
Call us crazy but we love Blair's game. With Griffin's injury and the Spurs expected to play in a lot of big games, we think Blair will do more than enough to earn the award.
Sixth Man of The Year - Rasheed Wallace, Boston Celtics
Since we have the Celtics and Lakers in the finals, we felt we had to pick either Wallace or Odom. However, in order for the C's to return to the Finals they will need a big year from Wallace, ergo he's the winner.
Defense Player Of Year - Dwight Howard, Orlando magic
No surprise here but we're not going to pick Kevin Garnett or Ron Artest just to be different. Keep an eye on Mickael Pietrus, we expect him to have a big year defensively. Also, James will be in the conversation too.
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