Friday, November 14, 2008
Peter Finney
I watched the Los Angeles Lakers win another one Wednesday night and was left with an obvious question: Who'll finish second in the Western Conference?
At the moment, the Hornets are in the process of an early-season tour of their highly competitive conference: Portland here tonight, at Houston on Saturday, followed by Sacramento next week at the Arena.
By that time, nothing will have changed.
Whether or not the Lakers will remain unbeaten, they'll remain a lock to win the West.
And the Hornets still will be grouped with the Rockets, Trail Blazers, Spurs and Jazz among those with the best shot to shout "We're No. 2" in April behind Kobe Bryant and Co.
On Wednesday, it wasn't Bryant who grabbed me as much as it was "And Co."
When talking about the company Bryant will be keeping this season, I'm talking mainly about the 7-foot twin towers roaming the paint, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
A year ago, a season-ending injury removed Bynum from the equation in January, but L.A. still managed to ride into the postseason at 57-25, one game in front of the Hornets, and into the Finals against the Celtics.
With Bynum and Gasol healthy for most of an 82-game grind, it should be smooth sailing for a team with quality depth, at least nine deep, and a top gunner who can be called on when needed.
By my count, Bryant had two "Wow" moments in Wednesday's 93-86 victory.
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