Lakers vs Mavericks (Round 2) Predictions

[LakersFan_33]

I think the Lakers should win this series in 6 games, but I think Dallas is an excellent and underrated team. I don't know how we are going to guard a "playoff-mode" Dirk (a lot of people should love the Nowitzki/Gasol match-up), and I know the Mav's will have a chip on their shoulder for being called out as perennial playoff chokers.

The biggest concerns besides Nowitzki for the Lakers won't necessarily be Jason Terry. Their X-factors are Marion and Stojakovic. Marion (who plays great defense on Kobe) has a runner that seems to go in 70% of the time, and Peja has been one of the best trade-deadline pickups in the league, with a deadly 3-point shot. I see them winning games by making a lot of three's; I also see them winning by baiting Kobe into taking contested and difficult jump shots (or to bait anyone else into taking jump shots, which is done by the Lakers out of cockiness and laziness), and getting quick rebounds/steals and producing transition points. Transition defense is a weakness for the Lakers, except when a more mobile Odom is in the game.

The only thing for the Mav's, though, is that I don't see their home court as a huge advantage. They have some good fans, but I just don't see that arena as a huge threat. Another weakness for them is their toughness. They are maybe even softer than the Lakers, if that is possible. I saw some rebounding issues yesterday against a small Portland team, so if they don't address that issue, they'll be in some trouble.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Dallas in 5.

[Drucci]

L.A in 6, Nowitzki is the only reliable player on the Mavs, his teammates are too inconsistent and always fail him especially when the pressure is high.

[OsirusCeltics]

Dallas in 5 or 6

All of the problems Lakers had with the Hornets would maximize 10 fold.
Dirk would be an entire new animal for Gasol to guard

[Kane3387]

Gasol can not guard Dirk but Dirk will likewise have issues guarding him. Dallas can beat La but they need big series from Haywood and Chandler. I think LA wins in 7.

[j804]

LA in 6

[hpantazo]

Dallas has what they need on paper to win the series, but they are perennial playoff chokers. Lakers in 6. Lakers vs Thunder WCFs. Perk better step up for that one.

[RMO]

I've always found Dallas to be a mentally weak team.  I think lakers in five.

[Fred Roberts]

Dallas is hoping to get Caron Butler tough juice on the court, but even then, I'm not sure they have enough to take more than a couple games. Lakers are picking up a head of steam. Artest and Odom will be tough matchups for Dirk.

That being said, this is the best / most complete Dallas team that Dirk has had .... so there is a chance!!

[PosImpos]

Lakers will comfortably win the first two.  Dallas will pull out a win in game 3, then lose a close game 4.  The Lakers will win game 5 in a blowout.

Only chance Dallas has is if they somehow steal game 1 the way the Hornets did and then hold serve on their home court and close the series in 6.  I don't see that happening.  The only way a team will beat the Lakers is if they have a fast, offensively talented point guard and a strong defensive front-court.  The Mavs don't have enough speed or size in their back-court, and Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood can't contain Pau and Bynum on their own (especially since only one can be on the court at a time).

One thing is for sure, there won't be much scoring from the SFs in this matchup.

[Rondo_is_better]

Lakers in 2.

[Celtic]

Dallas has every tool to win the series against a weary/injured looking Lakers... but they won't, they never come through. Lakers in 6.

[EdoG89]

I think that Dallas Will Win Game One, and Game three and Four.

After That, or in Five, Or In Six (i don't think in Seven) isn't important : Mavericks Beat the Lakers.

[RebusRankin]

My heart says Dallas, my head says Lakers in 6.

[Lakers are the Best]

I think the Lakers should win this series in 6 games, but I think Dallas is an excellent and underrated team. I don't know how we are going to guard a "playoff-mode" Dirk (a lot of people should love the Nowitzki/Gasol match-up), and I know the Mav's will have a chip on their shoulder for being called out as perennial playoff chokers.

The biggest concerns besides Nowitzki for the Lakers won't necessarily be Jason Terry. Their X-factors are Marion and Stojakovic. Marion (who plays great defense on Kobe) has a runner that seems to go in 70% of the time, and Peja has been one of the best trade-deadline pickups in the league, with a deadly 3-point shot. I see them winning games by making a lot of three's; I also see them winning by baiting Kobe into taking contested and difficult jump shots (or to bait anyone else into taking jump shots, which is done by the Lakers out of cockiness and laziness), and getting quick rebounds/steals and producing transition points. Transition defense is a weakness for the Lakers, except when a more mobile Odom is in the game.

The only thing for the Mav's, though, is that I don't see their home court as a huge advantage. They have some good fans, but I just don't see that arena as a huge threat. Another weakness for them is their toughness. They are maybe even softer than the Lakers, if that is possible. I saw some rebounding issues yesterday against a small Portland team, so if they don't address that issue, they'll be in some trouble.

...and you call yourself a Laker fan. Did you watch the games this year? Chandler was thoroughly owned by Bynum. Dirk may be 7 feet tall, but he doesn't have a strong physical presence inside. Labeling the 2-time defending champions as soft is not something I would do. Brynant, Bynum, Artest, Odom and Barnes are definitely not soft. That being said, Lakers in 6.