I'm trying not to get too excited about this Laker team.
But damn, it's tough.
After last night's win against a very nice New Orleans Hornets team, 109-80, it's getting even harder.
I know, I know: The Lakers had the same 23-11 record last year and then dramatically fell off and barely made the playoffs.
But this year seems different.
One of the main reasons, of course, is the "young hoss," Andrew Bynum. He's averaging about 13 points and 10 rebounds a night with about 2 blocks a game.
Sure, he started strong last year too, but he just couldn't maintain it.
This year's different: his conditioning's better, his footwork's better and his work ethic is through the roof (all it took, apparently, was Kobe dissing him in a parking lot).
But 13 and 10, while good for a young big, isn't what makes this team dangerous.
It's Kid Skills, the Black Mamba, KB24, the soon-to-be-MVP.
It's Kobe Bryant.
Kobe's currently racking up 26 points, 6 boards, 5 dimes, and 2 rips a game while shooting 44 percent from the field. Yeah, those are great stats, but they're actually kind of a step down from his more-amazing years.
The reason Kobe's the MVP this year isn't just in those numbers.
Now, he's trusting his teammates. Detractors will say, "He's supposed to be applauded for that?" But Kobe's been justified in years past for doing the opposite; his non-Shaq teams haven't stepped up.
Sadly, Kobe taking a contested J (especially during that period where he was hitting from the parking lot) has often been a better option than a wide-open teammate.
And now, he's healthy. Despite the strong start last year, careful observers could tell Kobe wasn't right physically.
Recovering from a knee surgery, Kobe was getting used to how his body worked. He committed turnovers, his body failing him; he'd step up to lock down the other team's best player and would grasp at air.
But this year, his knee looks right.
A fully-recovered Kobe is the league's MVP. (And I'm not forgetting about Garnett.)
Okay, I'm done fellating Kobe. The other guys are worth some praise, too.
Lamar Odom seems more confortable as the second or third option. Derek Fisher has brought his grit and shooting back. Vlad Rad is showing he has game. Javaris Crittenton and Jordan Farmar could be young studs. And Phil Jackson has adjusted the offense to fit the personnel.
I could go on and on, but, like I said, I'm trying not to get too excited about this team.
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew Ungvari about 1 year ago
I know how you feel. The best part about it is that the future looks bright. Even if Kobe were to leave they wouldn't be in that bad shape. They're deeper than they've been in years. They need to establish who the back-up 2 is. Kobe's position has the least amount of depth. I'm not trying to jinx. I think Phil knows that and that's why he's giving Crittenton a shot. Does he go with him or Sasha? Last year's hot start was a mirage. Their defense was poor and they had a much easier schedule. They went from 26-13 to 42-40. 22 of those first 39 were at home. This year they've played 18 of their first 34 at home. But this year's schedule has been much more difficult so far. They've played Utah three times and two games against each of the Spurs, Suns, New Orleans, Warriors, Nuggets and Celtics.
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Dave Metrick about 1 year ago
As a Laker fan, I've been following the team and pleasantly surprised by how balanced the scoring has been. If they can trade Kwame's expiring contract for another piece that would be nice.
And my compliments to the author on his flawless use of the word "fellating."
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David Wang about 1 year ago
even though i'm a Golden State Warriors fan, i still have to praise the improvement of the Lakers
with the growing sensation of Andrew Bynum, Kobe has really proved me wrong when i think he is a very selfish player this year
he's been the power on offence, but he's getting everyone involved as well
i have a feeling Lakers can really push into the playoffs this year
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Kobe should have picked up the MVP way before Lebron came into the league. With Lebron leading the NBA, Kobe can't win the MVP. Unless Lebron retires before Kobe retires. Kobe doesn't have a chance to win it while Lebron is still in the league.
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