The L.A. Lakers won another NBA championship in 09′. This proved to be extra special most will say for Kobe Bryant because this is first championship since 02′ – more importantly the first without Shaquille O’Neal.

Kobe Bryant proved that the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t need Shaquille O’Neal to win an NBA title. He did have the help of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom (two big men), but they’re not Shaquille O’Neal in his prime.

Pau Gasol is the first second best player on any team in the league. On many teams Pau would be the best player on his team but not with the Lakers obviously. Pau has put up great numbers his entire NBA career but his toughness was questioned. Pau showed how tough he was in the playoffs averaging 18 points per game and 8 rebounds per game.

Lamar Odom was – and maybe still is – one of the most inconsistent good players in the NBA. There are some games Odom was a top 5 player and other times you wouldn’t even notice him on the court.

Ron Artest, having come to LA by way of Houston, is one of the great defenders in the game of basketball, and a strong force on offense too. He’s said to be responsible for much of Houston’s success during the past two seasons, and his presence in LA bolsters an already strong roster. His veteran experience should feed well into the culture in Los Angeles, and many believe that the Lakers should run away from the competition this season.

The only issues with Ron Artest is problems he may face off the court, but I believe those days are pretty much behind him as he’s learned his lesson.

It’s hard to repeat as champions in professional sports because players get hurt and more trades happen now then ever before. The Lakers still have Kobe Bryant and he is playing at an elite level.

Then there’s the x-factor, of course. The signing of Ron Artest, one of the best defensive players in basketball. Artest will turn 31, making for a well aged team that has the physical prowess and the knowledge to do anything a team is capable of doing. The Los Angeles Lakers are favorites to repeat entering the season.

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