Many people have already written off the Los Angeles Lakers, ahead of the 2004 NBA Playoffs. The second seed in the Western Conference may not be the favorite to win it all, however no one is looking past them. Shaq may have to put the Lakers on his back, yet it appears they may have the upper hand this year.

The Lakers have not been stellar all season, they still won the Pacific Conference in the Western Conference. Yes some of their recent loses, including a thumping at the hand of their arch nemesis, the Sacramento Kings. Sometimes tells me, the Los Angeles Lakers have been playing opossum of late, and the league is in for a rude awaking.

Phil Jackson will masterfully coach a starting five, whom are all destined for the Basketball Hall of Fame. Karl Malone and Gary Payton have never won a NBA Championship, and this will be the best chance of their draw out playoff lives. Kobe Bryant will play his heart out because of the ongoing pre-trial hearings, he is currently involved in, and this may be his last season in a Lakers' uniform.

Shaq always is hungry. He is a giant man among the others that attempt to bring him down. On Saturday, the Lakers will face the Houston Rockets which may prove to be a quick series. The Rocket's Yao Ming is going to feel the pain of the fierce competitor, the Shaq Daddy. You heard it hear first, Lakers will defeat the youthful Indiana Pacers in six games for the NBA Crown.

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