The Association | NBA 2K11

[RayAllen20]

1.



The Lakers Look for Three Peat

In the West, it seems as though the Lakers don't have much competition. The Suns lost Amare', the Spurs are falling off, the Mavs can't seem to do much in the playoffs, and then no one else in the West improved much. The only team that looks to compete for the Western Conference, now is the young Thunder.

With Kobe Bryant at the helm, the chances of getting to the Finals, and facing the Heat, Celtics, or Magic seems very likely. Bryant seemed to decline a little bit in the regular season, but when the playoffs came, Kobe proved to be the best player in the league. The Lake Show got through the Western Conference, then out battled the Celtics for their 2nd championship in a row.

While Bryant was fantastic, one could point at the length of the Lakers for the reason they are so successful. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are constantly out rebounding teams, and blocking/adjusting shots. Add Gasol's spectacular post game, and they form the best front court in the conference.

Derek Fisher was often criticized throughout the season,but like Bryant, in the post-season he was money. Fisher hit big shot after big shot, and although they signed guard Steve Blake, Fisher should still start.

Forget Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest is the key to the Lakers' success

Then, there's Ron Artest. The wildcard. He always defends well, and can contain any player in the league, but his offense is the big question mark. Will he play like he did earlier in the playoffs, when he chucked threes, and made some big mental mistakes? Or will he turn into the Artest that can hit those threes, like he did against the Celtics, and be a threat in the Triangle Offense? Those questions will most likely answer how this season goes for the Lakers.

They're the favorites in the West now, but with the Heat looming in the East, a three peat will be a daunting task.

[RayAllen20]

2.



The Young Guns Out West Look to Challenge the Lakers

Kevin Durant and the Thunder battled L.A. for six tough games. All of it as for nothing, when Pau Gasol had a tip-in at the buzzer in game 6, to advance. But the Thunder can now use that experience, in their battle to now compete this year in the West.

Durant, seems to be the favorite for MVP, especially after LeBron went down South to Miami. He is the best scorer in the NBA now, and has improved his passing and rebounding skills this summer with Team USA. He has proven he can win as the #1 option, and with the talent around him, he can take this team far.

Russell Westbrook, had the best summer of maybe anyone in the league. He was a wildcard to make Team USA, but when it was all said and done, he was the 2nd best player on the team, behind Durant. Westbrook is the engine that runs this team, and brings excitement to the game every time he touches the ball. The 1-2 punch of Durant and Westbrook can dominate teams, and teams like the Lakers will have to learn how to stop them.

These two make one of the most dynamic duos in all of the NBA.

Then there's Jeff Green who spreads the floor with his shooting, and Thabo Sefelosha, who is the Thunder's best defender. James Harden is the 6th man, and provides good scoring off the bench, and then Serge Ibaka, Nenad Krstic, and Cole Aldrich are all solid big men, who can rebound and defend. These role players compliment and Durant and Westbrook well, and it makes the Thunder a contender.

Still, the biggest weakness for the Thunder is no threat down low on offense. Green can score the ball at the power forward position, but he's more of a traditional small forward. Ibaka, Krstic, or Aldrich will have to become that man down low for the Thunder, or this team won't truly be in the championship hunt.

[RayAllen20]

3.



Is this the Breakout Year for the Blazers?

The West doesn't have the talent at the top anymore, although it is by far the deepest conference compared to the East. So, don't be surprised for the Blazers to jump from 6th to 3rd, and be a contender to overtake the Lakers.

Last year, was injury riddled year. Brandon Roy was hurt, Greg Oden, and other Blazers missed time. Now they are healthy (although Oden can never be considered healthy), and like the Thunder are one of the younger teams in the NBA. Roy might not be a great #1 option, but he can put the ball in the hoop. He has averaged over 20 ppg the last couple years, as teams now focus on him every night on defense.

Add Lamarcus Aldridge, who has proven he is one of the better big men in the league. When Roy was hurt, Aldridge carried the Blazers, even scoring 30 points in a big win over the Suns in a playoff game. His post game is one of the best, and he gives the Blazers a great threat inside. Then, there's rising star Nicolas Batum, who showed the great potential he has, when he played at the end of last year. Batum could easily be a star for this Blazer team eventually.

Nicolas Batum is a rising star in the NBA, and an important piece for the Blazers

The role players for this team also all have potential which scares the West. Andre Miller is a seasoned veteran at point guard, and Jerryd Bayless could become a solid starting point guard soon. Greg Oden hasn't been able to stay healthy, but is productive when he is on the court. If he can ever come back to the way he was in Ohio State, then the Blazers will be absolutely thrilled.

Also, the best news for the Blazers might be their trading pieces. Rudy Fernandez is very angry with management, and it could end up getting the Blazers a very talented player. With this, the Blazers have the potential to win the West.

[coreybronco1]

Man you always come up with the best ideas! I think I might do this too. Oh, and I will be following this

[CDelfino10]

Im Following you man

[inwhiterooms]

Good stuff so far. This sounds like it will take a lot of work, though.

[Buckeye]

Following man.