Who will beat the Lakers? San Antonio Spurs Edition

This year's finals were close, but L.A was clearly on a different level than everyone else this season. With all of their contributors returning (depending on Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson putting off retirement), the Lakers seem unbeatable. Can the Spurs take them down?


The Matchups:

Lakers Spurs

Derek Fisher/Shannon Brown/Jordan Farmar vs. Tony Parker/ George Hill

This is assuming Fish comes back this season. He was criticized for being a step too slow, but this can be solved by putting Kobe on a fast guard (i.e. Rajon Rondo), or putting in the younger and more athletic Brown or Farmar. He can still play at a championship level and has soooo much experience. TP has led the Spurs for almost the last decade, but I think G-Hill could replace him. Though not as experienced or as good offensively, Hill is better on defense and just as athletic. This is about even if Fisher comes back, edge to SA if he doesn't.



Kobe Bryant vs. Manu Ginobili

Both players are the heart of their teams. Kobe, you know about, but Manu is just as important to the Spurs. When he is making shots, the Spurs are good. When he is not, they're not good. Kobe vs. a healthy Manu is pretty even with a slight edge to L.A.



Ron Artest vs. Richard Jefferson

This is where the Spurs start to get beat. R.J. was not the offensive threat that he was supposed to be last season. Ron Ron is a big Bruce Bowen, and showed in the Finals he can score occasionally when counted on. Unless Jefferson suddenly gets back to his early 2000's New Jersey Nets form, this one goes to the Lakers.



Pau Gasol vs. Tim Duncan

Though the most annoying player in the NBA, it is clear Boom Boom Pau is one of the best. This is the where TD used to be (minus the most annoying part), but he has lost athleticism and is not nearly as effective. The Spurs could bring in a more athletic PF and slide Timmy D. to center, but for now the edge goes to the Lakers.



Andrew Bynum vs. Antonio McDyess/DeJuan Blair

L.A's Bynum has had knee problems seemingly since his rookie year, but is effective for 20-25 minutes a game. McDizzell was actually pretty good in the playoffs, locking up Dirk Nowitzki and hitting the mid-range jumper, but he is the Spur's oldest player and probably won't be back next year. Blair is famous for not having any ACLs after two surgeries, but he is an effective player. After seeing Big Baby Davis bully the Lakers, I think the very similar Blair could do the same. Slight edge to the Lakers.



So there you have it. Can the Spurs take down L.A this year? We'll have to wait and see.