You can always could on Metta World Peace for some bulletin board worthy material…
The Los Angeles Lakers forward made a pretty bold statement on the Max and Marcellus ESPN radio show Friday, proclaiming that the 2012-13 edition of the Lakers can break the ’95-96 Bulls record for wins in a season by going 73-9. Here are some of his quotes via NBA.com’s Hang Time blog:
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 go get it.
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.”
Peace also went on in the interview to call himself one of the best players in the league as well as one of the best defensive players in NBA history. Well, alright.
While Metta’s prediction may be bold, the Lakers do have the potential to win a lot of games next season, but not without some concerns. Dwight Howard needs to return healthy from back surgery, and the Lakers need build chemistry sooner rather than later.
Do we believe the Lakers will win 73 games? No, but 60+ and a deep playoff run are definitely within reason as the Lakers (on paper) have more talent than the ’96 Bulls. And if that happens, Metta World will look like a prophet. If not, no one will think any differently of him. It’s a win-win for Metta.
-ALR
