I wanted to bring this up.  I know it's probably too early to be thinking about this, but I feel like we've got a good shot at winning a title.  I don't want to dismiss this year because I do think we have a shot this upcoming season, but it's June 2012 that I'm anticipating parading through the streets of Portland.  I'm thinking, if this projected lockout goes down, and it's anything like the previous lockout then Portland has the best chance of winning for several reasons.  

One, the Lakers, and by Lakers I mean Kobe Bryant, will be almost two years older.  I don't think the Lakers are as invincible as some make them out to be, and an aging Kobe only strengthens our chances of knocking them off.  Plus if Phil Jackson doesn't return then it's officially time to pass the torch.  

Two, I can't stand Nate McMillan.  However, I couldn't think of a better coach to have in a lockout season.  Assuming play resumes, and assuming Nate isn't fired, there are some teams who will be mailing it in, but there's no doubt that Nate will have his squad focused and ready to play.  

Third, Miami is the favorite this upcoming season.  Obviously.  Let's say they win, and the next season is put on hold.  Maybe they do a little too much partying in So. Beach after the trio wins their first title together, and we can catch them with their pants down in what would be their title defense season.  What if Miami doesn't win this year.  Would LBJ want his first title to come in a lockout year?  He probably wouldn't care.  It doesn't matter any way.  I'm not scared of Miami.  They can't see our front line, nor can they really afford to improve their line to our level.

Lastly, and probably most important, the last lockout year ended in February and I think teams played around 50 games.  If this potential lockout is anything like the last then I'd feel real good about GO's chances of playing a whole season and being available in the playoffs.  Plus, hopefully, he'd have a whole, healthy 2010-11 season with a deep playoff run under his belt.  All Greg would have to do is make it from February to June.  We'd still have Camby.  Luke, Armon, and E-Will will be a little more experienced.  Wesley would have a year under his belt playing with the team.  Nic and Bayless would be near vets by then and who knows, maybe Dre is still with the team too.  

Maybe, it's just wishful thinking, and a little homerism, but I think we're the 2011-12 favorites to win it all.  Question I wanna ask is what would mean?  We've waited a long while for another championship here in PDX.  Do you view a lockout title the same?  For me, I scoffed at San Antonio's lockout title, but, IMO, they justified by winning multiple titles a lil later.  Being a Portland fan, I know how devoted fans here are, so I'm assuming people would take a title any way they can get it, but would it mean as much to you?  Do you even like our chances?