Some basketball pundits have the Los Angeles Lakers pencilled in for a trip to the NBA finals. They point to the Lakers six consecutive wins to start the season and the strong second unit. The Lakers bench players are young, quick and athletic. They can defend and score.

Nevertheless, there are three qualms that the Lakers will not overcome soon:

1. Derek Fisher is one of the veterans on the Lakers team. He is the voice of reason in the locker room and gives the team much needed leadership. He is a good outside shot which helps to spread the defense. Although Derek Fisher has been criticised for some defensive slowness but he will hold his ground and draw a charging foul from the opposing player. The qualm about Derek Fisher is that he seems to be worse at finishing around the hoop. It is much higher percentage shot for Derek Fisher to launch a three point shot than to finish a drive to the basket. It is inexplicable why a veteran, with Derek Fisher’s abilities and experience, should have such difficulties finishing at the hoop. Nevertheless, he does – and it seems to be worse this season. And eventually, it might prove very costly for the Lakers.

2. Lamar Odom is a Laker with enormous potential. He can play any position. He is unselfish and looks to pass. There are always high expectations for Lamar Odom and he will break the heart of Lakers fans. Lamar Odom and high pressure situations do not go well together. At time, Lamar Odom, with his arsenal of basketball skills, is simply not a presence on the basketball court. There are other times when he can dominate play. The problem that Lamar Odom followers know is that, when two free throws are badly needed, Lamar Odom will miss one – or perhaps, both. It is heartbreaking because the fans know that Lamar Odom can make those shots. Unfortunately, the situation dominates him and he handles pressure like Alex Rodriguez handles playoff baseball.

3. The third qualm is Sasha Vujacic. He is young, intense and has a stellar shooting touch. Sasha Vujacic has a goal of being the best shooter in the NBA. And he might accomplish that goal. However, there will be some game where the score will be close. The ball will be in Sasha Vujacic’s hands and he will put up that last second shot – and make it. Then he will be dangerous. Sasha Vujacic would be so emotional if he makes a winning shot in a NBA game. Perhaps the video will explain:

link: Sasha Vujacic and Trevor Ariza

Let’s hope that Sasha Vujacic does not hurt anyone.

The L.A. Lakers are back among the elite teams in the Western Conference. However, the road to a championship still passes through Boston.

Catherine Forsythe