<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> <div class="bi">More Than A Cheerleader</div> <div> <span style="font-style: italic">Nov 8</span> - Ronny Turiaf was little more than an energetic curiosity piece his first two seasons with the Lakers, carving a part-time niche by collecting rebounds, floor burns and fan admiration with his short bursts of intensity at power forward -- not to mention his twisting, gyrating dances from the end of the bench after all Lakers plays deemed worthy of a celebration.</p> </p> Now he's a starter, practically doubling his points, rebounds and minutes while showing a reliable mid-range jumper to partner with his trademark hustle around the basket.</p> </p> Turiaf, 24, is averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.8 minutes, eclipsing the 4.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 13.1 minutes he averaged during his first two seasons. He is also shooting 60%, making 18 of 30 shots through four games. -- <font color="#000000">Los Angeles Times</font></p></div></div>
