2006-07 NBA Preview: Lakers and Clippers
By JOHN HOLLINGER of the NYSUN. October 27, 2006

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS
STRENGTH: Shooting. Kobe Bryant has been criticized in the past for his reluctance to share the ball, but his defenders have pointed out his teammates' inability to convert chances. That shouldn't be a problem this year. New arrivals Vladimir Radmanovic, Maurice Evans, and Shammond Williams can knock down the outside shot, while big men like Chris Mihm and Lamar Odom are capable finishers inside.

WEAKNESS: Point guard. One reason the Lakers brought Williams back from Europe and drafted Jordan Farmar was the shaky play of Smush Parker at the point a year ago. Though an adequate fill-in, Parker was one of the league's weakest starters at the position.

X-FACTOR: Health. The Lakers are an early candidate to be this year's injury-ravaged disappointment. Entering opening day, Kobe Bryant is still recovering from knee surgery, Chris Mihm is recuperating from an ankle operation, Kwame Brown and Williams are on the shelf, and even coach Phil Jackson missed all of training camp to get a hip replaced. All should be back soon, but it's a worrying trend that could cause them to fall far short of my predicted win total.

Predicted Record: 49-33

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
STRENGTH: Defense. Mike Dunleavy has recast the Clippers as a defense-oriented team, and unusually it's the young guys that have made the most impact. Secondyear wing Quinton Ross is a suffocating perimeter defender, while center Chris Kaman has made huge strides and point guard Shaun Livingston is a stud defender in the making. Throw in savvy vets like Elton Brand and Cuttino Mobley, and the Clips can stymie anybody.

WEAKNESS: Frontcourt depth. The Clips went to the discount bin for frontcourt help behind Kaman and Brand this summer. Free-agent pickup and former Knicks' disaster Tim Thomas is really a small forward and is likely to mail it in now that he's been paid.

X-FACTOR: Livingston. It's high unlikely that geriatric point guard Sam Cassell will come anywhere close to his performance a year ago, both in terms of health and production. Thus, the pressure is on Livingston to fill the void. The fourth overall pick three years ago, he's a tremendous talent, but he needs to cut down on the turnovers and improve his wayward jumper.

Predicted Record: 41-41

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Jordan Farmar news:
•Rookie Farmar says he's living Hollywood dream with Lakers
• Grizzlies challenge Farmar
• Stars come out at Camp
• NBA considerations distant memory for pair of eager Cats

Kobe Bryant news:
•Kobe Bryant apologizes to Lakers GM
•Kobe Bryant Wins Scoring Title
•Kobe has most popular jersey in USA, China
•Bryant Proves the Best
•Wade beats Bryant for another Skills Challenge win
•Memorabilia Offered by Kobe Bryant and Upper Deck
•Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant Suspended
•Why did Kobe change to 24?
•Kobe Bryant: Won't Play This Week
•Kobe Bryant to Collab with Lil Wayne
•Lakers' Kobe Bryant ready for another run as NBA season nears
•Kobe Bryant Dunk Videos
•Kobe Bryant Videos
•Kobe Bryant Scores the Cover of NBA '07 for PlayStation
•Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant Scores the Cover of NBA '07

Los Angeles news:
• Los Angeles news
•Los Angeles Concerts news
• Beckham Signs with Los Angeles Galaxy
• Top 10 Most Valuable NBA Franchise
• 10 Ten things to do in Los Angeles
• Lower back spasms from the court.
• Top 10 Los Angeles Restaurants.
• Top 10 Los Angeles Experiences

JR Pinnock news:
• Lakers sign JR Pinnock

Smush Parker news:
• Smush Parker Basketball Camp

Staples Center news:
•Get up to the minute Los Angeles Concert tour news
•Garth Brooks To Play Staples Center Benefit Shows For Fire Victims
•Bon Jovi Staples Center
•Van Halen Staples Center Dec 14th
•Wild try to continue hot start in LA
•Hyundai Returns to X Games 13 Rally Car Racing
• Rumorville Eric Clapton to play the Staples Center
• Grady Brewer wins 'Contender 2' in a split decision over Steve Forbes
• Cirque comes the LA Staples Center

Phil Jackson news:
• Lakers coach Jackson fined US$25,000
• Phil Jackson to have hip surgery