The Los Angeles Lakers have sat back and watched while the Miami Heat have stolen the spotlight by signing three big name free agents this off season. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh have been the brightest stars signed this summer, but that does not mean the Lakers are handing over their throne.
L.A. has won two straight NBA championships, and this week they have taken steps to ensure that a third may be in their future next June. The Heat may have landed the stars, but the Lakers added two veteran presences that could help them defend their title.
Theo Ratliff and Matt Barnes both signed with Los Angeles this week. Ratliff will provide defense and rebounding off the bench as a backup center, and Barnes will bring even more toughness to a team that already added Ron Artest last off season.
Kobe Bryant has now made it a habit of seeking out players that have mental and physical toughness, and luring them to L.A. Barnes gave Bryant a shout out on his Twitter account after announcing he was signing with the Lakers. Barnes will be another shooter and strong defender off the bench for the Lakers.
Clearly, the Barnes move was made to off set any advantage the Heat may have if the teams meet in the finals. Analysts have pointed out that Wade, Bryant, Gasol and Bosh should cancel each other out. With Artest, and all NBA defender, and Barnes, the Lakers now have two guys that can play lock down defense on James. Throw in Andre Bynum and Lamar Odom, and it appears L.A. may again be the favorites to win the NBA tile next season.
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be the team most likely to challenge the Lakers. The Thunder must still address their inside game, and Kevin Durant will now have two defenders to worry about in Artest and Barnes. Los Angeles is currently the second choice to win the title this upcoming season, behind Miami. By the time the season begins, however, L.A. is expected to be the favorite. by casino gambling web
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