L.A. Lakers B-List: Bynum, Blake, Brown Must Define Their Roles for the Playoffs

If the Los Angeles Lakers quest for a third straight NBA title could be made into a major motion picture, then Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and to a lesser extent Ron Artest would likely be cast as the leading men.

In Hollywood jargon those four players are the "A-List" actors when it comes to determining the Lakers fate in the 2011 NBA postseason, and the duty of securing a three-peat rests mainly in their hands.

But the Lakers' supporting cast must also serve their purpose, and just like with any great movie, their performances strengthen the effort by providing balance and rhythm.

That responsibility will fall mainly on the shoulders of center Andrew Bynum and reserves Shannon Brown and Steve Blake.

Bynum probably belongs in the first group of Lakers mentioned, but after yet another knee surgery, Bynum is just now polishing off the rust from his post skills and finding his stamina.

Bynum may be the most important member of the Lakers' "B-List" group, because when he teams with Gasol and Odom in the middle, it creates an advantage for the Lakers that few teams in the NBA can match.

The front court trio is not only the biggest group of interior players in the league, but they are arguably also the most talented, and when they control the offensive and defensive boards, the game usually flows better for the Lakers.

Bynum is responsible for setting the tone in the middle, because he is the more physical player of the Lakers interior trio.

Bynum provides toughness, rebounding, rim defense and he provides more room for Gasol to operate on offense because he is a true low post scorer.

During the Lakers' current five game winning streak, Bynum has begun to look more comfortable, and it seems that he is finally moving freely without favoring his surgically-repaired knee.

If Bynum is gaining his rhythm, then Brown is re-discovering his because his play and intensity are picking up after a month of less than memorable performances.

Brown began the 2010-11 season on a tear, and for awhile it seemed that he had finally discovered the game to go along with his incredible athleticism.

But the illusion didn't hold for long and Brown reverted to the more familiar version of a player who was tentative on offense, sporadic on defense, but was still capable of providing an occasional highlight moment at the rim.

Brown seems to have re-asserted himself after the All-Star break, but the Lakers will need his energy level to remain high, and he must develop consistency on the defensive end.

Blake has probably been the most disappointing member of the Lakers reserves, and his 4.1 points per game, and 2.1 assists does not seem to equal his 16 million dollar contract.

Blake was viewed as an upgrade over the departed Jordan Farmar, and most people assumed that he would eventually wrestle the starting point guard job away from Derek Fisher, but so far Blake has not been up to the task.

For sure Blake has had his moments, but he is only shooting 37 percent from the field, 38 percent from the three point line and his defense has been less than impressive.

But there is still a role for Blake to play, and it seems his biggest issue may be finding the confidence needed to direct the Lakers second team offense.

The wild card in the Lakers' three-peat equation may be injured forward Matt Barnes, and according to Lakers officials, he is slowly rounding into shape, and may be available in the next few weeks.

Barnes' energy, defense, hustle and toughness provided another element for the Lakers' perimeter defenders early in the season, and although it will take some time for him to find his footing, the Lakers could certainly use him in the postseason.

As a team, the Lakers seem to be finding their purpose after a recent three game swoon, but the upcoming week will certainly test them, and perhaps define their march into the postseason.

After a Friday home game against Charlotte, the Lakers will embark on the toughest four game road trip of their season with stops in San Antonio, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas.

The Lakers supporting cast will get their first glimpse of what the playoff atmosphere will resemble on this upcoming road trip, and how they perform may offer a glimpse into their postseason future.