Los Angeles Lakers Tickets – Can last year’s 2010 NBA champions take the crown again?

The 2009 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2010 season as firm favorites to repeat as champions. Phil Jackson gets his 11th championship ring, while Kobe Bryant moves further away from Shaq and Duncan and closer to immortality with the likes of Magic and MJ. That was the plan! With the loss of Trevor Ariza, they acquired the services of the always entertaining Ron Artest. This brought a sense of anticipation and confusion to the minds of many in the league. The question that was raised a lot was; “Why fix what ain’t broken?”

The 2010 playoffs are here and yet the Los Angeles Lakers have looked pretty ordinary and out of place at times. We’ve had cases where they’ve been so brilliant and others where you wonder if they’d even make it past the first round of the playoffs. However, one thing we do know is that they have the best player in the world on their side, Kobe Bryant. He may not be the most athletically gifted right now nor may he have the legs that carried him when he was in his early 20s, but he has a repertoire loaded with shots and moves that really set him apart. His basketball IQ is also second to none. Now we will look at some of the Western Conference teams that will face the Lakers in the 2010 playoffs.

Western Conference:

Round One: Portland Pioneers

The Portland Trailblazers have been to the Lakers what Kryptonite is to Superman in recent years. Here’s a team that has the youth, speed and skills to really test the Lakers. Led by Brandon Roy, whom Kobe holds in high regard, the Trailblazers have been a real test for the Lakers. The problem that has plagued the Trailblazers, however, has been injuring especially the number one pick in the 2008 draft, Greg Oden. Though I doubt the Trailblazers will give the Lakers too much trouble in a seven-game series. The X Factor: Lamar Odom (Lakers at 5)

Second Round: Denver Nuggets

This will be the first real test for the Lakers. The Lakers have no match for Denver PG’s Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson. Aaron Afflalo is also someone who could have given Kobe problems. If Ron Artest can bother Carmelo Anthony, who scores at will, the Lakers would be in a good position to end the series early. There will be a good duel between Centers, Nene and Bynum. The X Factor: Pau Gasol. (Lakers in 6)

Western Conference Finals: Dallas Mavericks

After the Mavericks acquired Butler and Haywood, they really established themselves as serious contenders for the 2010 NBA title. There are juicy matchups all over the court and this one will go all the way. I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be blowouts and overtime on the show. The X Factor: Kobe Bryant (Lakers at 7)

Although we can’t wait to see how the Lakers playoffs will turn out, it seems like an even bigger issue during these troubled NBA times is where to get tickets. Check out http://www.barrystickets.com/tickets.php?EID=Los-Angeles-Lakers – for years I’ve counted on them for decent seats at prices that won’t choke me.