World Champions, Party of 5!

On a night of celebration and ceremony, the Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2009-2010 NBA season in quest of becoming back-to-back Champions and winning their 16th world tittle. Prior to the game, the players and coaching staff all received their Championship rings upon introduction as the 2008-2009 World Championship banner was revealed. All this happened while newest Laker --Ron Artest sat in the locker room preparing for the game. Artest, who was on opposite ends in the first round of last season's Western conference playoffs as a Houston Rocket, was the only Laker to not receive a ring. & Just as I suspected, Artest came out with a new haircut and the Laker emblem embroidered into his head.

The Lakers played game 1 without one of their biggest pieces to the puzzle in Pau Gasol. Gasol's currently sidelined with a knee injury and could be expected back as soon as next week. Without their leading big man, the Lakers took on their Los Angeles counterparts --The Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers went on to win the game by a score of 99-92. The Lakers seemed a bit sluggish to start off the season, but I believe all the pieces to the puzzle they had last season are still there. Trevor Ariza's departure hurt a bit, but Artest's addition should fill the void quite well. Don't expect to see Artest scoring the 20-some points he's used to averaging in years past, but don't be surprised if his numbers in the assists category begin to rise either.

With every start to the season comes expectations and predictions. As for mine, you already know I'm going with my defending world champion Lakers for the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference I like the Boston Celtics' chances of stirring up enough trouble for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. With Rasheed Wallace added to the team, I sense a rematch of the 2007-2008 NBA Finals, this time with L.A. coming out on top. With that being said, Cheers to a great start to the 2009-2010 NBA season & of coarse, Go Lakers!