The matchup nightmare they present is really a challenge. Nellie really forces teams to play his style. Even though Ronnie is providing incredible defense in the paint, it is too much to ask of him considering his size. IMO Ronnie provides better interior defense vs the Warrior than Gasol would but IMO Bynum would help the Lakers alot. I would also like to see Ariza back to lock down either Jackson or Harrington. There is not much anyone can do about Davis or Ellis that Kobe and Fisher are not already doing, where the Lakers need help is on Jackson and Harrington. Lamar is a good option on big Al but having Davis, Ellis and Jackson on the floor at the same time leaves the Lakers with bad options on Jackson. The Laker defenders are either too small or too slow to stick Jax.
GS is going to be a scary matchup for anyone in the 1st round considering their style of play, personnel, coach and giant killer swagger carried over from last year. The Spurs, Jazz and healthy Lakers should knock them out but the other teams should be concerned.
