Why the Mavs could dethrone the Lakers

By Steve Apel Sports Central Columnist

Dallas saw how every other team was getting trampled by Shaquille O'Neal, and, therefore, abandoned the Hack-a-Shaq routine. Instead, they created their own form of attack -- scoring as much, and as often, as possible.

Yet while the Mavs' were thinking up this genius plan last season, they forgot something -- the No. 1-seeded Sacramento Kings.

The Kings proved to be the better, more seasoned playoff squad. Had the Mavs' simply overlooked Sacramento, and to a much more intimidating foe in the Lakers? Yes, and that's why Dallas lost to the Kings.

The Mavericks did get shellacked by Sacramento in five games, but almost all those games were close, and had the Mavs been the team in the playoffs the previous years, it would have been a different story. Dallas has the more talented team, and its youth proved to be its downfall versus the Kings.

Dirk Nowitzki is a flat-out baller. He's tall, he's lanky, and he can shoot. A truly deadly combination. Because of that acquisition alone, Don Nelson should be given the key to Dallas.

How much this guy improves each year is astounding, and to think this beast is only 24, I am completely baffled by the idea.

Against Sactown, Nowitzki straight brought it, as well as the other big two in Michael Finley and Steve Nash. Respectively, they each averaged 25-24-18. The lackluster performance by the bench, as well as Raef Lafrenz, doomed the Mavs. Had the role players done their job, it would have been the Mavs in five.

Dallas needs Nick Van Exel, and Nick Van Exel needs Dallas. Although he may get stuck behind Nash, if Nelson starts Van Exel, then it will give Van Exel the freedom to do his thing and not feel that he needs to force it. A player of his caliber needs to be on the floor as much as possible.

He has, and rightfully so, been a fixture in trade rumors (New York?). Nickie V is a former all-star who might be the most underrated guard in the league. He can drop 30 in a heart beat, and is known for the clutch daggers at the end of a game. Why he isn't being sought after by nearly every team is beyond me.

If he is resigned, and the core of the team is kept for another season, will the chants of "Beat L.A." become reality? Will the relentless scoring attack wear down Shaq, and force minor players on the Lakers to put up 20? Yes, it will.

Am I saying that the LakersÂ' Dynasty is over, that Dallas will once again become "America's team?"

Dallas, in the future, has the best chance to overthrow the Lakers. As close as the Kings got, it was a one-year deal, and if they play again in postseason, it won't be nearly as close.

Dallas has the players, the dedicated owner, and the youth to be L.A.'s rival for the next five-plus years. As long as Shaq is around, it'll be a clash of the titans every June.

Considering all of that, will Dallas beat the Lakers? No, but they have the best chance. The Lakers have Kobe Bryant, which therefore means they will win. Dallas may have the horses to run with L.A., but it doesn't have the intangibles (officials, cough cough). It will, however, make for some exciting series, something that David Stern won't mind.

Hey, it is better than 4-0 every year.

Article courtesy of Sports Central.