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"FacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Eastern Conference Sleeper\n\n The Milwaukee Bucks\n\n Strengths: The Bucks have overcome a lot to get to where they are now. Consider the albatross that is the semi-permanently disabled Michael Redd, injuries to former #1 pick Andrew Bogut (now the league's premier Australian player), and the ridicule at the hands of certain NCAA-happy analysts for drafting Brandon Jennings\u2014who's now sitting near the top of an unusually good class of rookie guards. They might have snuck up on you, but these guys can play. Jennings has left all Knicks fans wondering what could have been, bringing a new dynamic element to the Bucks. He can score, as evidenced by his 55 point game early this season. More importantly, he can run an offense. Bogut is as skilled as they come and centers a very good defensive team. Brilliant midseason acquisition John Salmons added a much needed scoring punch from the wing and role players like Carlos Delfino, Ersan Ilyasova and yes, even Luke Ridnour, round out a solid roster that could take down one of the top teams in the East.\n\n Weaknesses: Here's that experience thing again, and it comes down to Brandon Jennings. Congratulations are in order for leading a team to the playoffs as a rookie point guard, but a multi-game series is an entirely different animal. If a good defensive team figures him out, he's going to have to adjust or the Bucks will suffer. He's shown the ability to score along with the ability to miss a lot of shots. Which Jennings will show up when it matters most? It's not uncommon for even the best young point guards to lose sight of their role as facilitator. Jennings needs to be a veteran now; playing like a rookie point guard won't get the job done.\n\n X-Factor: A second round afterthought in the 2008 draft, Luc Mbah a Moute might now be the key to a possible series win for the Bucks. He won't dominate the box score but he stepped right into big minutes as a defensive stopper during his rookie campaign and hasn't looked back. He has the size to defend perimeter 4's, the quickness to defend smaller wings, and the hunger that all great defensive players possess. For the Bucks to beat Atlanta, Boston or Orlando, they'll need Mbah a Moute to shut down one of the top scorers, be it Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Vince Carter or Rashard Lewis. Someone who brings consistent defensive energy is an invaluable commodity in the half-court style that dominates the NBA playoffs, and Mbah a Moute will have many chances to prove his worth.\n\n Fearless Prediction: Bogut will average 20 and 10 and the Bucks will win in six, despite 30% shooting from Jennings. Fans of the losing team will openly wonder, \"Where the hell did John Salmons come from?\"\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Western Conference Wildcard\n\nThe Oklahoma City Thunder\n\n Strengths: Kevin Durant alone will make these playoffs worth watching. Longer than anyone, quick enough to stay in front of him, and quicker than anyone who can outmuscle him, Durant is one of the league's elite scorers. He'll get to show it on a national stage for the first time since his memorable freshman year at Texas, and look for him to shine. He anchors a young, athletic team that is hard to defend and fun to watch. Nobody expected them to be quite this good so soon, but this season saw them grow together and learn to win. Young legs and loose, fearless basketball make them a dangerous first round opponent for any team with home court advantage and maybe, just maybe, the NBA will see fit to televise some of their games next year.\n\n Weaknesses: History's not on their side. Successful playoff teams have experience, a strong frontcourt and a capable bench. OKC is more than-a-tad short on the first two and is relying on rookie James Harden to provide the third. (If only Mouhamed Saer Sene had fulfilled his destiny as the real life version of the guy from The Air Up There...) They'll have to prove they can grind out wins against superior opponents that understand what it takes to thrive in the playoffs. More than one key series has been won or lost based on a team keeping its composure after a hard foul, a few turnovers or poor officiating. Did I mention this team is young? Like really young?\n\n X-Factor: As consistently great as Durant has been, OKC wouldn't be here without newly minted under-the-radar star Russell Westbrook sharing the load. He's not the truest of point guards, but he's made the hugely difficult transition from raw athlete to real NBA player. The Western Conference is a minefield of great veteran point guards and an aggressive Westbrook will go a long way towards neutralizing whichever one the Thunder face in the first round. Win or lose, Westbrook is not long for his title as The NBA's Best Kept Secret.\n\n Fearless Prediction: Durant will have a 40-point game and Westbrook will have a triple-double, but the Thunder will lose the most entertaining first round series of 2010 in seven games.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The East's First Contender\n\n The Boston Celtics\n\n Strengths: When they're good, the Celtics can hang with any team in the NBA. They're still committed to playing elite defense (or trying to), they're finally healthy for the first time all year, and they've shown glimpses of championship basketball recently. On any given night, one of the Big Three can channel their younger selves and take over a game. Rajon Rondo does something every game that makes your jaw drop, and has become a respectable offensive option despite poor outside shooting. He makes the team go, and coach Doc Rivers can rarely afford to have him on the bench. GM Danny Ainge couldn't quite strike the home run deadline deal he was looking for, but he still found ways to improve the team. Nate Robinson and Michael Finley have solidified a bench that struggled to score throughout the season, while Glen \"don't call me Big Baby\" Davis is inching closer to 2009 playoff form. The major components of the championship team are still here, and the Celtics will do everything they can to get back to the Finals.\n\n Weaknesses: The Celtics are the anti-Thunder. Too often this season they have looked old, sluggish and unathletic\u2014especially on defense. They've had many come from ahead losses this season, playing inspired basketball for a half before wilting down the stretch. The team's strong road record rings hollow in the face of 14 home losses (they only had six in each of the last two seasons), including one to the historically awful Nets. The next clutch three pointer that Rasheed Wallace makes will be the first; he's shooting 28% from outside on the year. Between Wallace, a physically limited KG, a solid but unspectacular Perkins, and a hard-working but undersized Davis, the Celtics don't rebound or defend the post well enough. This season, the Big Three have become easier to defend and Rondo can be stopped if he's forced to shoot jumpers all night. They have as much upside as any team, but a lot has to go right for the Celtics to win another title.\n\n X-Factor: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. Each one of the Big Three has spent parts of this season injured or ineffective. KG isn't the defensive monster he used to be, Allen is finding it harder and harder to get open, and Pierce is no guarantee to stay healthy during a potential run. That said, how many playoff teams have a trio of future Hall of Famers on their roster? As long as these three have anything left in the tank, the Celtics will be hard to beat.\n\n Fearless Prediction: As a wise man once said, \"ANYTHING IS POSSIBLLLLLLLLLLE.\" And we guess that means anything. A first round exit or a run to the Finals are not out of the question. If they can avoid Milwaukee, they'll find themselves in the second round. Based on the regular season, the Celtics don't have enough complete 48-minute games in them to make it any farther than that.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Big Sleeper in the West\n\n Phoenix Suns\n\n Strengths: With their ill-advised experiment in the half-court offense a thing of the past, Phoenix is once again a team to be reckoned with. The Suns score more and shoot better than any team in the league, and it all starts with Canadian hero Steve Nash. He's a master of finding open spaces on the court and moving defenders as he pleases. His 50-percent FG and 42-percent 3PT don't hurt the cause, either. Amar'e Stoudemire probably scores more easy points than anyone in the league because of Nash's ability as a distributor\u2014and he's another guy with a future max contract on his mind. Grant Hill is still ticking somehow, doing a little bit of everything. The roster is filled with lights-out shooters like Nash, Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley. Even the team's \"center\" Channing Frye spends most of his time knocking down shots behind the arc. The Suns will set a fast pace, stick to it, and dare their opponents to keep up.\n\n Weaknesses: Phoenix's weakness is well known, and it's a pretty important one: defense. Defense just doesn't fit in with the team philosophy. They don't want to play defense and everybody, including the Suns themselves, knows it. Phoenix opponents score almost 106 points per game. Put another way, any given team facing the Suns will play like they are the 4th best offense in the league. It's truly a testament to their offense that they manage to win so many games. Among teams that give up at least 100 ppg (half the league, sadly), the Suns are one of only two with a positive point differential. They have to find a way to maintain their up-tempo style in the playoffs, where better defenses clamp down and points and opportunities to run are harder to come by.\n\n X-Factor: They don't really have one. Robin Lopez is a possibility, as he's the only Sun capable of establishing a consistent presence in the paint. He's injured and his return is questionable, so that thought's on the backburner. The one thing that will make the difference between victory and defeat in the playoffs will be the Suns' opponents. It sounds obvious, and it pretty much is.\n\n Fearless Prediction: Phoenix will lose to the first team that plays some defense and slows them down. It could be San Antonio in the first round; Nash has never beaten the Spurs in the playoffs. In eight total playoff appearances, Nash's teams have been eliminated by them five times. If, however, the final standings work out in their favor, there are scenarios that could certainly find them in the Conference Finals. At the moment, playing Oklahoma City in the first and Denver (and maybe Dallas) in the second looks like a very plausible road to a WCF matchup with L.A. They just have to hope everything shakes out that way.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: Another Contender in the East\n\n Atlanta Hawks\n\n Strengths: These are not your older brother's Atlanta Hawks. Their record has improved every season under Mike Woodson. They pushed the eventual NBA Champion Celtics to seven games two seasons ago, and have since matured into one of the best the Eastern Conference has to offer. Joe Johnson is the team's quiet leader; he can score from anywhere on the court and serves as the primary ball-handler and go-to guy in late game situations. Hawks fans worldwide have rejoiced this season at Josh Smith's commitment to removing the three pointer from his arsenal. He's always been a world-class athlete, and his basketball IQ is finally catching up. He and Al Horford are eager shot-blockers and rebounders, and are constantly active in the paint. Mike Bibby is a steady veteran influence with some serious playoff experience from his days with Sacramento. And while Smith may not be a perimeter threat, Bibby, Johnson and Jamal Crawford ensure that any slow-rotating defense will get burned.\n\n Weaknesses: None of the team's primary ball-handlers are elite passers (though the Hawks do average the fewest turnovers per game in the league). Marvin Williams is still more potential than production, and can disappear for quarters, halves, and even entire games at a time. Horford and Smith are a smallish frontcourt and need every bit of their toughness and athleticism to make up for it. And at times the Hawks settle for too many jumpers with better options available. Josh Smith's free-throw shooting is poor enough to warrant a mention here; don't be surprised to see hack-a-Josh employed if an opponent needs his 62% from the line to get back into a game. Finally, the Hawks tend to play down to the level of their opponents, something that could be a problem in the first round.\n\n X-Factor: One of the best bench scorers in the league has to keep it up come playoff time. Last season, Jamal Crawford was traded by two of the worst teams in the NBA, sticking in Atlanta after Golden State dealt him for expiring contracts. Nobody questioned his ability, though nobody was eager to keep him around. This season he's found his niche, shooting at percentages well over his career averages. He hasn't changed a thing about his game, but a gunner with no conscience looks a lot better if he's coming off the bench for a winning team. Crawford will be a 6th man unlike any other in the Eastern Conference playoffs.\n\n Fearless Prediction: The Hawks aren't the adorable young upstarts anymore. Look for them to pull together for a convincing first round win. Unfortunately, they will not get to play against their punching bags in Boston in the second round. They have to hope for an upset elsewhere, as they will not be consistent enough to take down Orlando or Cleveland in the second round.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The West's First Contender\n\n Utah Jazz\n\n Strengths: Back to the playoffs for Jerry Sloan and the Jazz. Yawn. Despite the fact that we've gotten used to this in recent years, there are a few stars worth watching. Deron Williams has the strength, speed, and skill to break down any defense. He's a relentless attacker and a strong outside shooter who finds his own offense and gets his teammates involved equally well. The best of those teammates is Carlos Boozer, a scoring threat inside the paint and out; the power forward is one of many soon-to-be free agents in the playoffs who will be motivated by the next big contract. Together, he and Williams are one of the league's best pick and roll pairings\u2014doing serious damage on a nightly basis. Mehmet Okur and Kyle Korver spread the floor well (37% and 55% 3pt, respectively), leaving space for Williams, Boozer and Paul Millsap to operate in the paint. The Jazz bring with them a versatile offense that averages 104 points per game, good for 4th in the NBA. Seven players average 9 ppg or better and the Jazz shoot 49% from the field as a team, second best in the league.\n\n Weaknesses: The Jazz have the third best point differential in the NBA\u2014but playing .500 ball in their division and on the road have hampered their overall record. Swingmen CJ Miles and Wes Matthews have filled in fairly well for cap casualty Ronnie Brewer. But if there is a weakness on this Jazz roster, it is at the wing, especially if Andrei Kirilenko's calf doesn't heal. Miles and Matthews are young and athletic, but inconsistent. Boozer, Okur and Millsap are not the most menacing defensive trio around and can be exposed. In each of the last three seasons, the Jazz have been sent home by the eventual Western Conference Champion. Have they improved enough to win an eventual match-up with the Lakers this time around?\n\n X-Factor: You know you're getting 20 and 10 from Williams and Boozer. You know what Millsap and Okur are going to give you. What is unknown, however\u2014and maybe necessary for a long playoff run\u2014is the collective contribution of the wing players. Matthews has been a pleasant surprise as an undrafted rookie and Miles is a decent slasher, but the Jazz need Kirilenko. When healthy, he brings a unique dimension to the Jazz as a good rebounder, solid passer and big defender. The two young guys are good, but they don't pose the same matchup problem as the 6'9\" Kirilenko. His shot-blocking ability is needed on this team that lacks a dominant inside presence. They need him at full strength.\n\n Fearless Prediction*: The Jazz will lose to the Lakers...again. It might be in the second round, it might be in the third round. Either way, it's definitely happening. Maybe if Bynum isn't healthy, and Odom pulls a disappearing act and...no, no, it doesn't matter\u2014the Lakers will beat the Jazz again.\n\n *Disclaimer: Soon after predicting a series win for the Bucks behind much awesomeness from Andrew Bogut, we were devastated to learn that he broke his hand, sprained his wrist and dislocated his elbow during Saturday night's game. A disappointing end to his season and a disappointing beginning to prediction season.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Defending Eastern Conference Champs\n\n Orlando Magic\n\n Strengths: After last season's surprise appearance in the Finals, GM Otis Smith decided to go all in. He replaced Hedo Turkoglu with Vince Carter, surprisingly matched the offer sheet for backup center Marcin Gortat, and signed free agents Matt Barnes and Brandon Bass. As a result, the Magic project to be over the salary cap through 2013. Fortunately for Smith, all that money has built one of the strongest, deepest teams in the league. Dwight Howard can dictate a game without a single play being run for him. His offensive arsenal isn't a finished product, but he has improved to the point where Orlando can comfortably go to him to score. The Magic feature one of the league's best defenses (95 ppg against), mostly thanks to Howard. Carter is an extra ball-handler like Turkoglu was for the Magic, but is a much more dynamic scorer who still has game-changing ability in his \"old age.\" Last season, Rashard Lewis' perimeter shooting was too much for Cleveland. His scoring is slightly down this year, as Carter has siphoned some opportunities away from him this season\u2014but regardless, Lewis is still one of the league's biggest matchup problems, as are the Magic as a whole. They have slashers, outside shooters (J.J. Redick!), and the most dominant big man in the NBA. That was enough to reach the Finals last season\u2014and improvements from Howard and the bench this season make returning a strong possibility.\n\n Weaknesses: Jameer Nelson has not been able to match his injury-shortened career year in 2008-09. He's down from 50% to 44% from the field, and 45% to 36% from 3-point range. He's never been an elite distributor, so finding last year's shooting touch would be a huge boost to the Magic. Sometimes, the Magic forget they have Dwight Howard sitting in the paint. Too often, they're willing to ignore him in their offensive sets, leaving him without a shot for long stretches of time. Then again, maybe they're just making sure teams don't get the chance to put him at the free throw line where he shoots just 60%. But remember: this is a team that played in the NBA Finals just a year ago. Whatever other small weaknesses they have, it will take a strong opponent playing really well to take them down.\n\n X-Factor: Mickael Pietrus was Orlando's x-factor last season and he will be again this season. The athletic 6'6\" swingman spends most of his time on offense standing in the corner, taking threes when they come to him. Like Luc Mbah a Moute of the Bucks, the defensive end is where Pietrus makes his money. He's a tough, long defender who spent the 2009 playoffs giving Lebron as much trouble as possible, even holding him under 50% from the field at times. Nobody can truly stop LeBron, but a guy like Pietrus who can occasionally stay in front of the juggernaut and bother his jumper is a necessity for any East team with championship aspirations. If Pietrus duplicates last spring's performance, Orlando might just duplicate their upset of Cleveland.\n\n Fearless Prediction: Boston or Atlanta would have to play their best basketball of the season to win a series against Orlando. It won't happen, as Orlando is destined to face Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals once again. Both teams look better than last year, so who takes it home? LeBron is on a mission, but we thought he was on a mission last year before Orlando shocked the basketball world. This time, however, the Magic won't be taking anyone by surprise. Missed free throws and questionable officiating will play a key role in at least two Orlando defeats and they will lose Game 7 in Cleveland.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Team That Could Take Down The Champs\n\n Dallas Mavericks\n\n Strengths: If the Mavericks make a deep run in the playoffs, they will have expiring contracts and Gilbert Arenas to thank. When Arenas turned cowboy and the Wizards officially opened up the fire sale, Dallas became one of the biggest beneficiaries, acquiring Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood for four expiring deals. The move sparked a 13-game winning streak that launched them into the Western Conference elite (which might actually include all eight playoff teams). Dirk Nowitzki is a unique player in the NBA\u2014a seven footer who plays more like a guard. His height gets him over defenders and his ball skills get him around them. Plus, Nowitzki is strong and crafty, and knows how to get to the free throw line. He's averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds in the playoffs, and there's no reason to think he won't match those numbers this year. Jason Kidd somehow remains an elite point guard, and nobody still believes the Kidd/Devin Harris swap was a mistake for Dallas. Sparkplug Jason Terry scores 17 ppg off the bench and Haywood and Erick Dampier aren't scoring options but are both solid rebounders and post defenders. Butler and Shawn Marion give the Mavs size, scoring and defense at the wings. The bottom line is that this is a very talented Mavericks team that can beat anybody if they can get hot at the right time.\n\n Weaknesses: The Mavericks are not a great defensive team, and at times can be a really bad one. Kidd gets his steals and rebounds (1.8 and 5.5 per game, respectively) but can no longer stay in front of most point guards. For all of his considerable offensive talent, Nowitzki does not give a lot back on defense. A smart offense will attack him all game and make him work on both ends. He doesn't want foul trouble and isn't as aggressive as he could be, and consequently, the Mavs could run into some trouble with a starting five that is light on outside shooting. Nowitzki and Kidd are snipers, but Marion and Butler are most effective when they're not taking jumpers, so opponents would do well to keep them outside. Luckily for Dallas, they can bring in Terry for big minutes when they don't have enough perimeter threats on the court.\n\n X-Factor: Defense. The post-trade winning streak began with five straight games where they held opponents under 100 points and they have to rediscover that magic. The Mavericks do have some components of an adequate defensive team. Butler and Marion have great size for their positions, and some quickness, strength and athleticism to accompany it, but they have to slow down the likes of Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony to win. It will be on Nowitzki, Kidd, and Terry to help the more defensive-minded players and contribute on both ends. If they can accomplish that, Dallas has a chance to do something special.\n\n Fearless Prediction: If everything comes together for the Mavs, they could challenge the Lakers for the conference title, but that's as far as they'll go.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Eastern Conference Favorite\n\n Cleveland Cavaliers\n\n Strengths: Danny Ferry has spent every minute of the LeBron James Era trying to gather the right complementary pieces to bring a title to Cleveland. The Cavs did reach the Finals in 2007, but even LeBron couldn't carry the likes of Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden past a superior San Antonio team. Two consecutive ECF losses later, and Ferry might have finally perfected the recipe. It includes knockdown shooters like Mo Williams and Anthony Parker (42.7% and 41.5% 3-pt FG) and a couple big men to spread the floor in the newly acquired Antawn Jamison and the recently re-acquired Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Shaquille O'Neal, if healthy, can still be a presence inside while Anderson Varejao has irritated opponents with his nonstop energy all season. As Ferry has frantically collected this talent over the last couple years, LeBron has done nothing but get better\u2014regardless of who plays with him. His three-point shot still isn't up to par with the rest of his game, but 29.7 points, 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game are numbers befitting a nearly-perfect basketball player. There has never been a player/human being in all of history with LeBron's combination of size, strength, speed, and skill. Whether you root for the Cavs or not, it is imperative that every fan of the NBA appreciate what LeBron James does every single night on a basketball court.\n\n Weaknesses: The team with the NBA's best record isn't going to have many weaknesses, but the Cavs do have some. Shaq is too slow on defense and clogs the paint on offense. They might be better off without him, considering J.J. Hickson's vast improvement this season. The Cleveland offense outside of LeBron depends heavily on perimeter shooting, so the Cavs can struggle if the guards go cold. Jamison is a nice offensive fit, though a defensive liability. But fortunately for Cleveland, these weaknesses can often be overlooked (and overcome) since LeBron plays almost every minute of every game and never gets tired.\n\n X-Factor: With an elite running mate for LeBron, the Cavs might already have a ring or two. And they'd probably be a lock for another this year. Instead, LeBron's second fiddles have been players who should be third or fourth fiddles. His teammates just didn't play well enough to beat San Antonio three years ago, Boston the year after, or Orlando last season. Each member of the supporting cast needs to elevate his game, because history has shown that even the best man can't do it alone. There may be added pressure as well, given the possibility that King James will take his services elsewhere after this season. Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, J.J. Hickson, and Anderson Varejao: you guys need to show up.\n\n Fearless Prediction: Alright, free agency talk aside, LeBron James looks ready to triple-double his way through the playoffs. He doesn't have a Pippen or an in-his-prime Shaq, or even a Pau Gasol to help him\u2014but he might not need it. Cleveland has been the best team in the NBA all year, and LeBron the best player. As long as they can ignore the talk about the soon-to-be Free Agent to End All Free Agents, no team in the East will keep the Cavs from reaching the Finals.\n\nFacebookPinterest\n\nThe NBA Playoffs: The Defending Champs\n\n Los Angeles Lakers\n\n Strengths: The Lakers will return to the playoffs with most of last season's title-winning roster intact. Kobe Bryant leads a talented and versatile starting five and hasn't slowed down a bit\u2014averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He's had a knack for game-winners at the buzzer this year, and gives the Lakers an edge in any close game. His feisty defense is just a bonus. Pau Gasol is one of the league's most skilled big men. He shoots a good mid-range jumper with both hands and has a nice touch around the rim. Last season, he finally shed the dreaded \"soft\" label, and he's a better player for it. At the center position, Andrew Bynum has begun to fulfill his potential, shooting 57% and doing much of the dirty work for L.A. He's been out since March with a strained Achilles, but is looking to return for the playoffs. The Lakers will need him up to speed in order to maintain the winning formula of Gasol at the 4 and Lamar Odom as the 30-mpg pseudo-starter off the bench. The Lakers replaced Trevor Ariza with Ron Artest, with mid results. Artest's offensive production has slipped, but he still shoots threes at a respectable 36% and his defense is invaluable to the Lakers. They'll need his solid 260-pound frame to shut down the top wings in the West\u2014and the East, if it comes to that. The Lakers are long and athletic at every position besides point guard (where it matters least), making them tough to handle on both ends of the court.\n\n Weaknesses: Just like their top-seeded counterparts from the East, the defending champs do not have an abundance of weaknesses. Though at this point in his career, Derek Fisher is one of the worst starting point guards in the league. That being said, the Lakers don't need him to run the offense or really do anything besides stand at the arc and hit some threes. On defense, Fisher is wily enough\u2014and his teammates are talented enough\u2014to cover for the fact that he can't stay in front of anyone. Additionally, the bench is inconsistent\u2014something that is true of most NBA teams. The Lakers just aren't very deep and Phil Jackson keeps the rotation short out of necessity; they can't afford an injured or ineffective Bynum. If Odom is forced into the starting lineup, the bench (Luke Walton! Adam Morrison!) becomes flat-out terrible. There is some potential for failure, but the ingredients for a championship are still there.\n\n X-Factor: It seems as though Lamar Odom has been the Lakers' x-factor forever. At 6'10\", he has a skill-set that occasionally makes him the best player on the court. At other times (most of the 2008 Finals, for example), he turns into a complete ghost. L.A.'s title hopes aren't completely in Odom's hands by any means, but if he lacks the necessary energy and focus, the starting five will have to pick up some serious slack. If, however, he can be a consistent positive presence on the court, it will be that much easier for the Lakers to reach the Finals for a third consecutive season.\n\n Fearless Prediction: The Lakers have crawled to the finish line, but fans shouldn't be worried. They've had the top seed in the West locked up since the first game of the season, while many recent opponents have been fighting to improve their playoff position. The struggles will cease once the games matter again. They'll have home court advantage, plenty of experience, and Kobe Bryant. The Western Conference Playoffs have a chance to be the best we've ever seen, but the Lakers will still stand tallest. The world thought Kobe vs. LeBron would happen last season. This time around, ABC and everyone who stands to profit from the NBA Finals will get their wish."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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