http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/dave_mcmenamin/02/18/analysis.lakers.hawks20090217/index.html You could see it in Lamar's approach lastnight. Kobe should challenge him more often.
Lamar in noticeable foul trouble tonight but he comes through again. This guy complements Pau so well, he's always a beast when they're starting together and finishing games.
Lamar was great again tonight, despite the early foul trouble. He went for 22/7 with 2 blocks in just 28 minutes. Rebounds were down tonight, but still a great game.
Shouldn't he always want to be a beast? I don't know why the hell he can't play this well consistently. He's got all the physical tools and talent to do it, so why the hell not?
I've said it before, I don't think Lamar has a passion for the game of basketball. He grew up playing three sports. He was pretty damn good in football and basketball. He has all the talent in the world and the ability to post 20, 10, and 7 every damn night, but he doesn't. To me, it comes down to passion and love of the game. It's obvious he doesn't love the game as much as he is capable of.
I think Lamar has a passion for the game. His increase in productivity is all mental to me though. This year more was asked of him in a sense to take on a bigger role by coming off the bench then by being a starter. He was asked to be the leader of the second unit and he obviously wasnt' comfortable and didn't fit well into that role. I don't think he feels the same pressure when he starts and at the same time being a starter makes him more confident. All that came out pretty sloopy up there and maybe hard to understand but thats just my opinion. I like to see Lamar do well and I hope he continues at this level.
