| Updates : 19/04/03 : > Lakers To Face Timberwolves, 1st Round |
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The Lakers started the season poorly with a horrendous 0-4 first four game. The form improved, but the real play-off push came when Shaquille O'Neal returned from injury. The Center, who made the All NBA First Team was crucial in turning the team's fortunes around averaging 26.6PPG, 12RPG and 4.5APG, as well as a field goal % of 52. Kobe Bryant was a key backup, making the All NBA Second Team, with 26.6PPG. The much talked about role players did very well to, Samaki Walker was close to averaging a double double and Derek Fisher added 5.5APG, to over 10PPG. Robert Horry and Devean George will be valuable off the bench and you can see why this side is one of the favourites for the WWBL title. Could it be four in a row for Shaq, Kobe and co.?
Kevin Garnett and Shareef Abdur-Rahim provide a deadly combination at SF and PF, the Lakers two weakest positions, if the Timberwolves can exploit this then they may cause the upset. Although they have missed Gary Payton, Jason Terry has stepped in well with 14.3PPG and 7.9APG. Garnett, an All NBA First Team member averages 25.9PPG and over 10RPG as well as 4.5APG. Rahim has 20.1PPG and will be looking to keep up that scoring average throughout the post season and improve on his 8.3RPG. Doug Christie is a great defender and will hope to stop Kobe, to some extent. The problem comes in the match up against Shaq, both Marc Jackson and Rasho Nestorovic will be unable to content with the 7ft1in 380lbs big man and a double team may be needed. If this is the case, Fisher, Fox, Horry and of course Kobe, could be on hand to take the threes from the open spaces the double team is leaving.
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since the 5th February 2003