Can the Lakers regain Western Conference dominance? - KHarmo88's Dynasty

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Can the Lakers regain Western Conference dominance?

Posted on October 29, 2012 at 04:12 PM.

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Following the 2011 NBA lockout, the Los Angeles Lakers entered their 52nd season in LA, preparing for a 66 game season. With the thought of a Conference Semifinal sweep by the Dallas Mavericks and the loss of Coach Phil Jackson in the back of their minds, Lakerland looked to new coach Mike Brown to turn things around.

With a 41-25 record heading into the playoffs, the Lakers were the Western Conference's #3 seed; 9 games behind #1 San Antonio and 6 games behind #2 Oklahoma City. The first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs pitted the Lakers against the #6 seeded Denver Nuggets. After taking a 3-1 series lead, winning games 1, 2, and 4, the Lakers avoided becoming the ninth team in NBA history to blow a 3-1 series lead, by beating the Nuggets 96-87 in game 7.

Next up, the young and talented Oklahoma City Thunder. After getting blown out in game 1, the Lakers responded by picking up their intensity, but still falling short by losing game 2. Facing a 2-0 deficit, the Lakers responded with a victory in game 3, but continued to struggle and show signs of aging by losing both game 4, in LA, and game 5, in Oklahoma City.

With Lakerland hot on their heels, coach Mike Brown and GM Mitch Kupchak looked to improve the team during the offseason. Little did fans of the Lakers and fans of the NBA realize, two of the biggest additions in franchise history would soon be made.