Background: The Lakers won three consecutive championships from 2001-03. In 2004, the Lakers advanced to the Finals but were stunned by the Detroit Pistons. And last year, with Shaquille O’Neal gone, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994. Now, the seventh-seeded Lakers are back in the playoffs, facing the second-seeded Phoenix Suns. Game 1 is this afternoon in Phoenix. The Lakers are 1-3 against Phoenix this season.
“We’re going optimistically toward what we hope is going to be a great playoff run,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.
What’s up: When O’Neal was with the Lakers, Bryant yearned to be the leader of this franchise. In his first season in that role, Los Angeles didn’t make the playoffs. Now, the NBA most valuable player candidate is back in the playoffs for the first time without O’Neal. Bryant averaged 42.5 points in four games against the Suns this season, including 51 in a 107-96 loss at Phoenix on April 7. He shot 45.8 percent from the field in the season series. Keep an eye on Bryant’s growing rivalry with gritty Suns guard Raja Bell. Phoenix averaged 108.4 points against the Lakers. Whether Los Angeles can keep pace is a big question.
“The team has to score 100 points, at least, to beat Phoenix,” Jackson said. “You’re not going to keep Phoenix from scoring points. If you’re relying on one guy to do that, it’s going to be difficult. Kobe has not shot a high percentage against this team during the course of the (season).”
What’s next: Winning in the first round of the playoffs is usually a given for the Lakers. The last time Los Angeles lost in the first round was 1996. The Lakers have advanced to at least the second round in the past seven playoff appearances. Jackson has never lost in the first round in his illustrious coaching career, which includes nine NBA titles.
“I think we have the experience at key spots,” Jackson said. “Phoenix is perhaps not a team that is as strong as they were last year. Once we adjust to what they provide or present as an opponent every night, we can start gathering them in. But that’s yet to be seen. It’s just our belief.”
Spears’ take: Don’t be surprised if Bryant comes close to or breaks some individual playoff scoring records. But don’t be surprised if the Suns run away from the Lakers, led by Steve Nash.
