The NBA is taking on a different look as many teams are bucking tradition and actually making trades before the deadline to bolster their lineups. It seems that everyone is reacting to the Lakers addition of Pau Gasol. The power has shifted. The Lakers gave up assets they didn't need for a young, versatile, powerful, 7 footer who fits into the Laker's triangle better than anyone could have imagined, while other teams mortgage their future for older worn out players. Advantage Lakers. So where is the power now? 1- Los Angeles Lakers 37-17, They no doubt have been the best NBA team over the last month. They went 7-2 on a long grueling road trip where they easily could have been 9-0. They are 9-1 over the last 10, they have won 6 in a row, and their win on the road over the Suns and the Big Cactus now make them the team to beat. They will only be stronger when Andrew Bynum and Ariza return.
2- New Orleans Hornets 37-15, have won 5 in a row and just keep rolling. Chris Paul still leads the way. But do they still have enough to take on the Lakers new machine. They might trade Bobby Jackson for Bonzi Wells and Mike James today.
3- Boston Celtics 41-11, still have the best record in the NBA but have lossed 2 in a row. They showed that if they have an injury to a key player, they do not have the depth to adjust. They lost again last night with KG back in the lineup.
4- San Antonio Spurs 35-17, have won 3 in a row and traded to bolster their front line by trading for Kurt Thomas, but gave up one of their deep threatsin Barry. Another knee jerk reaction to Pau.
5- Utah Jazz 35-19, quietly and without much fanfare have gone 9-1 over the last 10 and won 3 in a row. Playing really well without any blockbuster trades to bolster their lineup.
6-Detroit 39-15, playing really well, 8-2 over their last 10, but suddenly have lost 2 in a row.
7- Phoenix Suns 37-17, after trading away Shaun Marion they have been struggling lately losing 4 of their last 10 and suffering a big blow at home last night at the hands of the Lakers. The Big Cactus showed he can help in some ways but he changes their game plan and could be injured again and not there for the playoffs.
8- Houston Rockets 33-20, quite possibly the biggest shock in the NBA as they have now won 9 games in a row. Who would have thunk it after the slow start they endured.
9- Dallas Mavericks 35-19, stuggling like the Suns, losing 4 of their last 10 and losing their last 2. Mortgaged their future for Jason Kidd who is 35 and has bone on bone knees. Bad trade, and with what they lost they are only marginally better. What happens if the Kidd's knees fail and he is not there for the playoffs?
10- Denver Nuggets 33-20, won 7 of their last 10 and working feverishly to make a trade to bolster their lineup. Yet another reaction to Pau.
JamFan
