Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant will make the new-look Los Angeles Lakers a heavy favorite to not only win the Western Conference but the NBA crown as well. However, being overlooked are the defending West champs – Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder have remained in tact, re-signed Serge Ibaka, and after a long march in the playoffs last season, they continued to develop more team chemistry which should also make them the favorites next season. And San Antonio Spurs' Danny Green agrees.
Green feels the Thunder are still the favorites despite the Lakers' offseason moves and says next season's Spurs squad will be better.
Green believes that this year the San Antonio Spurs will be better than in 2011 and will be contenders for the championship, but says Oklahoma is a big favorite over Los Angeles Lakers.
Green noted that the Lakers have made a great team in the offseason, but still have to see them on the court.
He is pretty much on point. There is no doubt L.A. made a huge splash in the offseason but there is something to be said about team chemistry – something OKC has and L.A. doesn't. Moreover, Howard will be out of action for most of the season (back surgery). Also, how will he adjust from being the main guy to being a role player with the Lakers? Nash, Bryant, Gasol and Howard will need a few months to get to know each other on the court while the Thunder will have a huge chip on their shoulders considering they are being overlooked in the West. On paper the Lakers look formidable… on paper.
As for the Spurs, they will have their hands full without having the size to contend with OKC and L.A. The team did stock up on guards but it won't be enough to take down OKC or L.A. unless they address the hole on the middle.
As for Team U.S.A. and their march to gold, Green says it would be a dream to represent the U.S. in Rio and could see himself playing in Spain after his time in the NBA is done.
What do you think Spurs fans? Do you agree or disagree with Green's thoughts on OKC vs. L.A.?
