My Prediction: Why the Lakers Will Win the 2010 NBA Title

With the addition of Ron Artest and the subtraction of Trevor Ariza, the Lakers are boosted to have an upgrade of an NBA basketball player joining their roster this season. With Artest, the L.A. Lakers have the weapons to compete for the NBA title again and defend their basketball crown. Now, a year older, Kobe Bryant is still the NBA's best basketball closer and there is no stopping the Black Mamba on his way to capturing his fifth title. With a gigantic frontline of Andrew Bynum at center, Pau Gasol at power forward, and Ron Artest at small forward, the Lakers look poised to strike out of the gate in November. As the Lakers have Derek Fisher to fill out the other guard slot, they also have youngsters in Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar to help the elder veteran Fisher by relieving him of his minutes. The Lakers have made a big effort to re-sign Lamar Odom, their most valuable reserve off the bench to help the team contend and defend its title. There is no question that the Lakers have kept their main core intact from last season. There is no doubt that the Lakers cannot be beaten this season. To beat the Lakers, you have to beat Kobe Bryant. You can't beat Kobe Bryant. You can only hope to contain him, and limit his shot opportunities. That said, given Kobe's talent for handling the basketball, there is no one driven to compete and succeed more than the Black Mamba.