Lakers": the calm before the storm

As such, in sezone-2013/14 task, "Lakers" is simple: protect the health and luring a couple of superstars. Along the way you can in the playoffs to play.

Los Angeles Lakers:

The American basketball team:

Founded in 1946. Former names: "Detroit James", "Minneapolis Lakers." Home Arena: Staples Centre (accommodates 18,997 spectators). farm club in the D-League: "Los Angeles D-Fenders. " Achievements: NBL champion (1948), champion of the ABA / NBA (1949, 1950, 1952-1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000-2002, 2009, 2010), the champion conference (1949, 1950, 1952-1954, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968-1970, 1972, 1973, 1980, 1982-1985, 1987-1989, 1991, 2000-2002, 2004, 2008-2010) , division champion (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971-1974, 1977, 1980, 1982-1990, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008-2010). Immortalized Rooms: number 13 - Wilt Chamberlain, № 22 - Elgin Baylor, № 25 - Gail Goodrich, № 32 - Magic Johnson, № 33 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, № 34 - Shaquille O'Neal, № 42 - James Worthy, № 44 - Jerry West, № 52 - Jamal Wilkes, № 17 - Jim Pollard and John Kundla (both - the head coaches), № 99 - George Maiko, № 19 - Vern Mikkelsen, № 22 - Slater Martin, Chick Hearn (commentator). Colors Team: purple, gold and white. official website: lakers.com Owner: Jerry Buss Family Trust General Manager: Mitch Kapchak. Squad in sezone-2013/14: - point guards: number 5 - Steve Nash, № 1 - Jordan Farmar, number 5 - Steve Blake; - Shooting guard: number 24 - Kobe Bryant, № 0 - Nick Young, № 11 - Wesley JOHNSON, № 20 - Jody MIX; - Small forward: number 7 - Xavier HENRY, № 14 - Marcus Landry number 2 - Elias HARRIS; - heavy forwards: number 4 - Ryan Kelley, № 3 - Sean Williams, № 16 - Pau Gasol; - pivot: number 27 - Jordan HILL, № 9 - Chris Kaman, № 50 - Robert Saqr. Chief Coach: Mike D'Antoni. Losses: Andrew Gudlok, Darius Morris, Devin Ebanks, Antoine Jamison, Earl Clark, Metta World Peace, Chris Dyuhon, Dwight Howard. Acquisitions: Jordan Farmar, Xavier Henry, Nick Young, Wesley Johnson, Marcus Landry Elias Harris, Sean Williams, Chris Kaman, Ryan Kelly (draft). Approximate starting five: Nash, Bryant, Henry, Gasol, Kaman. WHAT WAS - 45 wins in 82 games - third place in the Pacific Division - 7th place in the Western Conference - Departure in the first round of the playoffs. Only lazy before last season did not prove that the "Lakers" are among the top contenders for the title. A few skeptics, as you know, enough to gloat after the fact. As a result, starting five star incredible Nash-Bryant-World Peace-Gasol-Howard brought the fans of bitterness and disappointment. By Steve and could not get out of the hospital, Howard also frequently flew out of the cage - and even Bryant is not always cope alone. About changing the head coach at the beginning of the season and is not suitable for such a composition style of Mike D'Antoni and do not want to talk. in the playoffs, as you may recall, the team leaked a miracle. Many believe that it is not without the tacit assistance of the David Stern . Be that as it may, the endgame "regular season" had five victories in a row, which made ​​it possible to get to the matches on a start from seventh place in the conference. they say, it would be better not come out. Perhaps if it were not for TV ratings, "the Lakers' really would have played four matches on less. Californians in the first round predictably moved dump called "San Antonio Spurs" and Kobe Bryant in addition to all the miseries tore the Achilles tendon. WHAT IS There prospect. No need to have any illusions: so rich and great in all respects club long will stay out of the race for the championship. Such periods happen at all, but certainly for anyone, but for "the Lakers' experience is not necessary. Trying leadership, "Zastrow" around the next dominant centering failed. Dwight Howard is now in the "Houston," but not in a hurry to sigh again for Superman: a so- whether it was needed? And anyway, what players need in the Mike D'Antoni? 's not quite clear why the role of the coach is invited expert. After all, how would the composition nor its disposal squad, with total absence of playing defense is not something you can not fight for that title - for the finals of the conference. It is clear that the Bass family will wait until next off-season, when the market will be a lot of superstar free agents. It was then that they tempt one, or maybe a couple, in aid of his main character. meantime, without exaggeration, the whole world is waiting for the return of Bryant to the floor, "Lakers" have collected quite a good composition. Note, not good, but it was not bad. Nick Young and Xavier Henry are very fast and technically skilled guys, experienced Kaman will assist in the "paint", young Kelly and Harris have every chance of progressing. About a stunning art pass Captain Canada and universalism Gasol, Sr., and so you have heard. WHAT in certain hands, "Lakers" can once again get into the playoffs. All members of the team, starting and ending with the functionaries of the players in one voice broadcasting, which is not going to "merge" absolutely hopeless season. Stupid? Well, perhaps. But it's just not their style: bright spotlight, numerous fans and attention of national television cameras (and the planet) oblige beat in every season, even a priori unsuccessful. But then it can be a good otovaritsya on the market. Indeed, why should grow stars for many years of boring, if they can be easily purchased? Fortunately, the money from the purple-and-gold enough. So, if the club is looking forward to getting into the playoffs, you must fulfill several conditions. First, leaders, veterans need to stay in good health. Secondly, Kobe should be back very soon and play again for 30-40 minutes per game. Third, Nick Young (and even some of the potential "engines") should be issued from the bench, or in the "trash", the "Lakers" will play even a team of cleaners, "Charlotte Bobcats." Many people think that would not hurt, and coach change. But, apparently, Kapchak will persist until the end of next season. Curiously, would look like under the command of, say, Lionel Hollins or Stan Van Gundy ? You can still fall on your knees and bow to the floor Phil Jackson . You'll see, the heart of the Zen master will melt, and it will come down to return to the most famous basketball club of the world. Prediction: 43 wins, 39 defeats, the third place in the division, the first round of the playoffs.