In a report compiled by Associated Press, LA Lakers consultant Tex Winter sat down to gather his thoughts on the team’s upcoming post season.

The author of the fabled triangle offense watched LA’s game against Portland last Monday to see which direction the team is headed.

LA came in with the NBA’s best record (50-12) but Winter still saw signs for concern. Incidentally, the Lakers lost to the Trailblazers, 111-94.

“I feel like our record is a whole lot better than how we've played,” commented Winter. “I don't think we're playing nearly as good as our record indicates.”

He continued, “I’m amazed at the record we’ve got. I see a lot of warts on this team. I think we got off to a good start. I think our schedule is going to get tougher.”

One of the major factors that will affect LA’s performance in the playoffs is the presence or absence of Andrew Bynum, who suffered from a torn knee ligament last January.

Nate McMillan—Portland’s head coach—said that the 7-footer will definitely increase the team’s chances at a championship.

“With him, I think they've certainly got a shot at winning it all,” said McMillan. “Without him, because you lose that physical presence, I think they are still capable. But I think they are certainly better with him.”

Team doctors say that Bynum will be back by late April, a crucial time in the NBA Playoffs.

“For us, we're just allowing this part of his body to heal and come back at an appropriate time,” said Lakers Coach Phil Jackson.

Jackson ended, “There’s nothing going to go on here until April, and then we'll know something and what's going on there. We'll talk about that in April.”