tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70716206416076089282011-07-30T16:03:12.350-07:00Grace Santoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778743070026134156noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071620641607608928.post-42160655291055458652010-08-03T19:42:00.000-07:002010-08-03T19:46:49.186-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMQcAkt8B9g/TFjUJVq22lI/AAAAAAAAADU/N9jR3l1vRLA/s1600/Miami_Heat_v_Los_Angeles_Lakers_knAcAe1UNhdl_medium.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 183px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMQcAkt8B9g/TFjUJVq22lI/AAAAAAAAADU/N9jR3l1vRLA/s320/Miami_Heat_v_Los_Angeles_Lakers_knAcAe1UNhdl_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501380201733872210" border="0" /></a>The Los Angeles Lakers have sat back and witnessed the Miami Heat stealing the spotlight by signing three big name free agents this off season. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh have been the brightest stars signed this summer, but that does not mean the Lakers are handing over their throne.<br /><br />L.A. has won two straight NBA championships, and this week they have taken steps to ensure that a third may be in their future next June. The Heat may have landed the stars, but the Lakers added two veteran presences that could help them defend their title.<br /><br />Theo Ratliff and Matt Barnes both signed with Los Angeles this week. Ratliff will provide defense and rebounding off the bench as a backup center, and Barnes will bring even more toughness to a team that already added Ron Artest last off season.<br /><br />Clearly, the Barnes move was made to off set any advantage the Heat may have if the teams meet in the finals. Analysts have pointed out that Wade, Bryant, Gasol and Bosh should cancel each other out. With Artest, an all-NBA defender, and Barnes, the Lakers now have two guys that can play lock down defense on James. Throw in Andre Bynum and Lamar Odom, and it appears the Lakers may again be the favorites to win the NBA tile next season.<br /><br />In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be the team most likely to challenge the Lakers. The Thunder must still address their inside game, and Kevin Durant will now have two defenders to worry about in Artest and Barnes. Los Angeles is currently the second choice to win the title this upcoming season, behind Miami. By the time the season begins, however, L.A. is expected to be the favorite.<br /><br />Get the best <a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" href="http://sportsbook.com/">basketball betting lines</a> , tips, advice and odds today. Only here at the best place to ask your sports betting questions or to answer other <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" href="http://wikisportsbook.com/">sports betting question</a> - Wikisportsbook. Dont miss this!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7071620641607608928-4216065529105545865?l=basketball-betting-lines.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Grace Santoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778743070026134156noreply@blogger.com0