The Trail Blazers can talk all they want about how the arrival of new coach Maurice Cheeks has been a breath of fresh air, and how their roster additions have made them quicker and more versatile.

But, as it has for the last two seasons, the simple fact remains: The Blazers are decided underdogs against the Los Angeles Lakers, whom they open the season with tonight at the Staples Center.

The two-time defending champion Lakers will receive their championship rings in a pregame ceremony, while the Blazers mull how far they have fallen behind their chief rivals.

"We know that they are probably a little bit ahead of us, just from the fact that they are the same team that won the championship and we've got a new coach and everything," Blazers forward Scottie Pippen said.

The "everything" Pippen is referring to is a litany of shortcomings that point to a potential opening night disaster.

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Portland Trail Blazers

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