LAKERS vs RAPTORS (PRE-GAME REPORT)

The Lakers have a chance to go 4-0 on their 6 game road trip tonight against the Toronto Raptors. Last night I watched Lebron and company steam roll the Raptors in Cleveland, I'm hoping to see the same from Kobe and Co.

The Raptors are a sub 500 team and are still trying to find a rhythm, which makes them dangerous to the Lakers. We always somehow play down to the opponents level. The only way to stray from this habit is to jump on the team early, especially on the road. Without Andrew Bynum in the lineup, there has to be a 3rd option to step up behind Kobe and Pau. Lamar did a good job last year and helped us get into the finals, but the guy just accepted the 6th man role, can he do well in the starting lineup? In new york he only scored 6 points but grabbed a monstrous 14 rebounds and a couple of great blocks. In order to maintain the top spot in the West, and to aim for the number one spot in the NBA, everyone has to step up. But it all starts with L.O.

Chris Bosh was going nuts in the beginning of the season, but then kind of toned down towards the All-Star weekend. He has a similar game as Pau, it will be an interesting matchup to watch. Jemaine O'Neal comes off the bench now and is very inconsistent, he reminds me of the Portland Trailblazer J.O. It's the same story with Jose Calderon, Candace Parker's Brother, one of those Graham twins, Kapono and the rest of those guys. Inconsistency. Look for Kobe to have that same stroke from the Garden and have target practice to get ready for tomorrow's game in Boston. Lakers should take this one easily, I'm looking at the 1-2 punch with Kobe and Pau going off with Lamar complementing as the 3rd option, and the bench taking care of business and finishing the game strong. Lakeshow by 10+.