Lakers midseason report

bacon smeller · Jan 21, 2009

RECORD: (32-8, best in the Western Conference)

LEADERS

Scoring: Kobe Bryant (27.0 points per game); Rebounding: Pau Gasol (9.3 rebounds per game); Assists: Bryant (5.1 assists per game).

MVP: PAU GASOL

Sure, Bryant is the easy choice, but where would the Lakers be without their versatile power forward/center? Gasol has averaged 17.7 points and 9.3 rebounds, but more to the point, he's handled multiple roles while meshing seamlessly with fellow 7-footer Andrew Bynum. Remember when that was the Lakers' biggest concern heading into training camp? Well, it's no longer a second thought. Gasol's game fits easily with the Lakers' free-flowing offense and they would wise to go to him more often. Plus, with Bynum alongside him, he doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting.

TOP NEWCOMER: ANDREW BYNUM

OK, that's a bit of a copout since he has been with the Lakers since they drafted him as a raw 17-year-old out of a New Jersey high school in 2005. But his solid return from a season-ending kneecap injury in 2007-08 has been something akin to signing a free agent. The Lakers missed him during their NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics last spring, but judging by this season's first half, he has silenced critics who said they were too soft.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: DEREK FISHER

he veteran point guard has been more of a bulldog than ever since his backup, Jordan Farmar, suffered a knee injury that required arthroscopic

surgery Dec. 24. Fisher's minutes have increased, from less than 30 per game to closer to 40 in recent games. He's shouldered the burden without complaint, chasing younger and faster guards. He's also contributed a steady barrage of perimeter jump shots. His scoring average is modest (11.3), but he has been a key role player.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: SMALL FORWARDS

The Lakers haven't gotten enough out of either Vladimir Radmanovic, who started the season's first 20 games, or Luke Walton, who took over after Radmanovic was benched. Radmanovic has since returned as the starter in the wake of an injury to the ball of Walton's right foot. But neither has stood out. Radmanovic is averaging 6.8 points and Walton is averaging 3.4.

GRADES

GUARDS: Bryant and Fisher have teamed to give the Lakers a superb backcourt. Farmar and backup shooting guard Sasha Vujacic continue to take strides in their young careers. Grade: A

FORWARDS: Gasol has been a tower of strength as a finesse player in the power forward role. But reserves such as Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza tend to wear down the opposition. If Radmanovic and/or Walton improve their games, then the sky's the limit. Grade: A

CENTERS: Bynum's game continues to evolve but sometimes you get the feeling that he doesn't quite realize how dominating he can be in the paint. Gasol has provided excellent depth behind Bynum. The two have worked so well together, and apart, that Chris Mihm and DJ Mbenga can't get off the bench. Grade: A

COACH: Phil Jackson has juggled his rotation adroitly after a number of players went down with injuries. He also has done all he could to handle the wants and desires of his players. Grade: A

GENERAL MANAGER: Mitch Kupchak (remember him?) has done absolutely nothing in the season's first half. His lack of tinkering has served the Lakers well, however. Grade: A

LOOKING AHEAD

The schedule gets more demanding in the season's second half, with the Lakers hitting the road for 24 of their final 41 games. They have a six-game trip starting later this month, plus a seven-game trip starting in late March. So, don't expect them to roll over their opponents quite as easily as they have in the first half of the regular season. Their game must improve as their competition improves. The real fun doesn't start until the playoffs begin in mid-April, however. That's when the journey begins. For the Lakers, nothing less than an NBA title will satisfy them.
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Mamba · Jan 21, 2009

Disagree with the MVP. To start the year, yeah it was Gasol. But Kobe has solidified that spot again.

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Lakers midseason report

bacon smeller The Baconater

Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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Lakers midseason report

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