Why The Lakers Won't Win 73 Games

"We definitely want to beat the Bulls record and go 73-9, that's definitely something that I want to do. Whoever is out there at the beginning of the season then we gotta get it. It's as simple as that. We just have to get it. [Host: So that Bulls record is something you're thinking about?] No question. You try to snatch records before you leave this earth. You gotta try to do a lot of great things so it's definitely a goal. With Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, myself, Pau Gasol, and then Antawn Jamison and a lot of great additions, it's something that's possible."

Interview with Metta World Peace.

During a recent interview with Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley on ESPN 710 Metta World Peace expressed his desire to break the Chicago Bulls record of 72 wins in a season. Typically I give the athletes the benefit of the doubt in their quest for greatness, but this time I have to use the logical side of my brain and suppress the anticipation before it starts. The 2012-2013 Los Angeles Lakers will not win 73 games.

First off, they won't stay healthy enough. Steve Nash and Dwight Howard both have bad backs and Kobe Bryant has more miles on his knees than a 1979 Subaru wagon. inevitably he will break down at some point and the offense will get stagnant.

Secondly, they don't have the focus and intensity to win 73 games. The 96' Bulls wanted to win EVERY GAME! Kobe Bryant is Michael Jordan's equal in this respect, but the team doesn't share his passion and will to win. The Lakers will experience mental lapses from time to time that lead to bad losses.

Lastly, the league is too friendly. People work out together in the summer, have dinner together on game days, and wish each other good luck during the season and even in the playoffs. That kind of dynamic isn't conducive to domination and that's the mindset you need to go 73-9.

The 2012-2013 Los Angeles Lakers are a great team, but not legendary. I can definitely see them winning 64 or 65 games and capturing the #1 seed in the Western conference, but that's as far as it goes. A historic run is not in the cards for them. An LA/Miami NBA finals would be nice though. Stay tuned.