No disrespect to the Celtics (17-2), but this comparison is brought up due to the success these two teams have been having behind their strong MVP candidates. The Cavaliers (14-3) are 9-1 in their last ten games by completely demolishing any team that comes in their way. They’ve only respectively lost to Boston, New Orleans (9-6), and Detroit (11-6). Twelve of their victories were by more than 10 points. LeBron James is averaging less numbers than his previous season but is working beautifully with Mo Williams to produce a healthy winning campaign. He’s still having his nights though, such as his back to back 41 point games against Indiana and Chicago. Williams is also sacrificing his numbers to adapt to the Cleveland offense that has been steaming this season. The Cavs have also received notable strong play from Ilgauskas and the backcourt combo of Delonte West and Daniel Gibson. So far the Cavaliers have exceeded their expectations with the addition of Williams.
The Lakers are the unstoppable club from the West that have brought forth effective bench play, defense and leadership from Kobe Bryant. They have lost one game every two weeks this season and boldly seem unstoppable with their healthy starting line-up. Besides having the best player in the league, the Lakers starters include Derek Fisher, Vladimir Radmanovic, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Bryant, who’s also averaging his lowest numbers since the 03-04 season is perfectly settled with 24 points a game while racking up wins. The Lakers gameplan seems pretty obvious, continually giving their starters plenty of rest, most importantly Bryant, who’s yet to play more than 40 minutes in a game this season. Their two losses come from Detroit and lndiana.
Now the question arises, which team has impressed everyone the most this season? The argument in the Cavaliers favor screams LeBron doesn’t have the same supporting cast Mr. Bryant does, therefore LBJ is doing everything in Cleveland, which remains impressive. The Lakers were suspected to carry on a stronger season with the addition of the once-injured Andrew Bynum. The strong wins supplied by Bryant and Co. are simply a treasure to watch nightly, the Lakers undeniably seem untouchable this season. The verdict leans toward the Lakers, due to their stronger wins against opponents such as Houston, Phoenix, Dallas and New Orleans (who beat the Cavs). None of those final scores are close either, especially their victory over the heavily hailed Rockets, where the Lakers won 111-82.
Still, it’s extremely too early to really see who the more impressive team has been. And yeah, it is a disrespect to the Celtics in a way, but the only doubts surrounding Boston was whether they’ve lost their hunger which is brutally dumb. The Cavaliers and Lakers still have ways to go this season but both have had the best start they could imagine.
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