Super weekend preview

What's puzzling about the recent lack of good play by the Lakers is that they are losing to teams that they used to beat, especially on their home court. But it is too early to panic, mainly because the season is not even half-over, and in the past the Lakers have played to their championship potential in the playoffs.

The Lakers are still the team to reckon with in the NBA. Last night, after their one-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center, TNT's Kenny Smith said that he still liked the Lakers in a seven-game series against anybody, including the Spurs, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics.

*****

Super Sunday: The Green Bay Packers are the betting-line favorite (2 points) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium, but I'm picking the Steelers to win because of their recent Super Bowl experience, especially from two years ago when they beat a tough Arizona Cardinals team.

The key for Pittsburgh, as usual, is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. His strength, durability and scrambling ability should give the Steelers a distinct advantage against the Packers' defense known more for its finesse and speed than brute power.