Camp issues (Wednesday edition)

Not to throw a wet blanket over the Lakers’ chances at a second straight NBA title, particularly when they haven’t fired a shot in anger yet. But what’s their motivation for winning in 2009-10? Last season, they made it clear they were out to avenge their humiliating loss to the Boston Celtics in the Finals in 2008. It carried them through good times and bad, and then they took out their remaining frustrations on the Orlando Magic last June. Now another championship next spring would be nice, but will the Lakers have the same fire as last season? Will they rise above the crowd to claim another title? No team has won repeat titles since the Lakers won three straight at the start of the decade, so the odds are stacked against them as they count down the days to the start of camp.