Odom & Atkins Re-Adjust <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe Bryant was back, which left Lamar Odom and Chucky Atkins ? where exactly? Odom discovered his place in the Laker offense during Bryant's 14-game absence, averaging 18.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists while assuming a more aggressive demeanor. Atkins was similarly productive, averaging 18.6 points and 6.7 assists and leading the team in scoring five times. Bryant returned Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers lost, 103-89, and Atkins returned to his pre-Bryant injury production with 11 points and four assists. Odom fared better with 19 points on six-for-12 shooting and said he wasn't concerned about losing his place in line. "I don't think that'll be a problem," said Odom, who had nine rebounds. "He's one person. So many shots [are available] on an NBA team. Nobody's ever going to take 60. I can get my shot at any given time." Odom has a theory that Bryant will draw double teams away from him, leaving another way for Odom to get shots. "I'll be on the weak side getting open looks," Odom said.</div> Source
Id like to see Chucky assert himself and start penetrating and kicking, ball movement is so huge in the NBA these days, you cannot get stagnent with the ball. If not, then i say do 1 of 2 things, atleast try them out. Kobe can either go back to being the initiator and start drawing the double and feeding his guys early in the game and then kicking it up a notch scoring wise in the second half.....or insert luke walton in the starting lineup some place, seems the defense and ball movement always picks up when he is in there. Either way, they need to find a serious formula for the rest of the season to finish strong. DMK
If Atkins can keep that 6.7 APG, the Lakers will win a lot more games. Kobe will not be as tired most games, he will be able to move off of the ball and work for an easy, open shot. Odom should be averaging atleast 17 with Kobe in the lineup, there is no reason for him not to. I think these players can easily adjust, but will they is the question.
