Tonight is opening night and the Los Angeles Lakers begin their quest for the NBA Title. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum are the strong core of this team and look to guide this team to the promised land. The addition of a healthy Andrew Bynum this season will prove to be key.

Unfortunately, the Lakers aren’t the only team with a cool new center to show off. The Blazers have one as well, his name is Greg Oden. Drafted in 2007, Oden missed his entire first season. This will be considered his rookie season and he is sure to be a lock for Rookie of the Year. The matchup of centers is one that will hopefully be around for the next decade. Bynum and Oden will fill the paint for their respective teams, probably as starters, for many years to come. Tonight is the first piece to the puzzle. The first real game for Greg Oden. The first chance for Bynum to set the tone for the season.

Thankfully this game is more than just the battle of the centers. The Blazers have added many great pieces through the draft over the years, however, the Lakers are considered one of the deepest, if not the deepest team in the league. Lamar Odom is a sixth man off the bench. How many other teams would Odom not be a starter on? EXACTLY!

The lakers showed great signs to close out the preseason as they won all but their first two games during which they looked ridiculously sloppy and lost. The last game was like night and day compared to the first one. It was amazing to see the dynamic duo of Gasol and Bynum work together in such sync.

As the coaching staff looks to only play Kobe Bryant around 35 minute per night, I expect to see him more than that when the going gets tough. This is the Lakers chance to get off to a strong start as they have a back to back on the road tomorrow against the Clippers. A win tonight will surely help them get off on the right foot for the season.

There is only one goal this season, to win the NBA Title. Lets hope that tonight is the first example of what’s to come.

Blaze of Love has posted its 15 Thoughts for the season opener. The list includes the things to look for as the team continues to grow and mature. I suggest all Lakers fans keep an eye out for this Blazers team because any thought of a three-peat will surely be contested by this young Blazers team.

During the pre-season, I sort of became annoyed overwhelmed with Blazer previews and speculation and could not bring myself to write another post, looking at what the team’s key losses, gains and goals are for the season.  Well, I’ve sort of broken down now that I’ve realized the “Season of Miracles” is about to start (That’s what I’m going to refer to it as.) and life in Rip City will officially be back!

1.  Brandon Roy will impress the nation.
2.  No bounties will be met.
3.  Rudy Fernandez will make jaws drop, a few times.
4.  He will also be exposed.
5.  Travis Outlaw will shine bright down the stretch.
6.  Bayless will play less than 10 minutes.
7.  It could get ugly between Odom and Aldridge.
8.  Nate McMillan will still be looking for answers at the end of the game.
9.  Oden may embarrass Bynum in the battle of gimpy knees.
10.  Mamba might just score 40+.
11.  The Lakers will prove they are the best team in the NBA tonight.
12.  They will also make Portland look as young as they are.
13.  Will Martell actually be missed?
14.  We will say, “Cheers to no Jarrett Jack!”
15.  No matter what the outcome, we will all breath and smile.

Get ready for an incredible season people!

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