Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol (Photo : Mike Blake | Reuters)
The sun shines brightly in Southern California and some predictions on the Lakers reflect that rosy outlook.
Critics may even say it's the script from a Hollywood film. But NBA fansite Sir Charles In Charge, which does not have allegiance to any particular team, has one of the most positive predictions for the beleaguered Lakers.
One of the more intriguing comments is that the Lakers, specifically GM Mitch Kupchak to pull off a blockbuster trade.
"We can't forget that if the Los Angeles Lakers are in the thick of things come the trade deadline, I expect Mitch Kupchak to possibly pull off a Pau Gasol-like trade and strengthen this team for the stretch run."
The Pau Gasol trade of 2008 was one of the most controversial in league history. It had the rest of the league, voiced out by diverse personalities like San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, up in arms in protest.
Pau Gasol was the certified franchise player of the Memphis Grizzlies at that time, and he was traded to the Lakers, as detailed in the league's site for Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, Kwame Brown and Pau's brother Marc Gasol who has yet to move to America at that time.
To compare to trade of that extent, that means the Lakers will grab a franchise-changing player. Pau's trade led to back-to-back titles the very next season, although the team had prime Kobe Bryant in that time.
The site also has Kobe returning with "the biggest chip on his shoulder we have seen from any player in history." They rank the Lakers at a probable 8th (playoffs!) in the West although that's the "best case scenario." Still a far cry from ESPN's 14th.
There are other playoff predictions for the Lakers. The NBA's most prolific scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also told Sirius XM Radio about his positive expectations.
"The @Lakers will surprise people in a positive way, I expect them to make the playoffs." -@kaj33."
