That seems like a safe and sensible statement from S^2. The Lakers are really good, and will be even better once Phil Jackson starts figuring out how to best utilize the unholy troika of Gasol, Odom and Bynum - or invents a quadrangle offense. Meanwhile, the rest of Western teams are all equally flawed pockets of brilliance seemingly ill equipped to unseat the Juggernaut.
But think about it for a second. Is there a good time to face the Lakers? Presumably, broadcasters are assuming instant death for the Lakers first round opponent. But, this isn't the top-heavy East, where the first three seeds are playing a truly different brand of hoops of numbes six through eight, and where any team who makes it to the finals is going to face a steadily increasing degree of difficulty.
In the West, it's the Lakers and seven teams that are startlingly equal in their deficiency. So, I have to ask, if you're two through seven in the West, why wouldn't you want to face the Lakers as soon as possible?
Chances are, the Lakers are only going to gain momentum throughout the playoffs as the troika figures things out, while you're just going to start accumulate the bruises and scars of a difficult path to the finals. I'm speaking specifically about the Hornets, who, if healthy, are L.A.'s most worthy opponent. Assuming Peja and Posey can start contributing like they do in my dreams and Chandler gets healthy; that's a match up that should give the Lakers some heartburn. It also works for Portland or Houston as well, who are are gathering momentum as the season closes. Portland's home dominance of the Lakers is certainly still fresh in the memories and Houston, well ... who knows what would become of Yao Ming after a long playoff slog.
Typically, the most important sub-plot of the play-offs is the kind of momentum it could give up and comers for next year. Especially in the East. In the West though, with so much parrity one through eight, simply making it to the show is instantly legitimizing. Plus, there's no '07 Hawks in this group. These are mostly established teams, even the Blazers fanbase wouldn't be emboldened by advancing just one round. Advancing to the finals shouldn't mean shit this year in the West. Unless you beat the Lakers, you're just another face in the crowd of unwashed masses.
Tanking for ping-pong balls or to skirt a first round playoff opponent is vile and degrading, but doing it to prematurely summon the storm? Seems almost noble.
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