LA Lakers: Second Sport Suggestions for Every Member of the Lakers

While I was sitting at my desk the other night, shedding another gallon of tears over this blasted lockout, I had an interesting, humorous thought: What if the members of the Los Angeles Lakers took up another sport during the work stoppage?

After careful and imaginative thought, I have come up with an alternative sport for the top 10 players on the team. Keep in mind, these suggestions are meant to be hypothetical and humorous. I am not by any means suggesting these players would or even could participate in the respective sports I have suggested.

10. Luke Walton: Beach Volleyball

Luke Walton graduated high school in beautiful San Diego, California. Therefore, it seems plausible to picture Walton as a beach volleyball player.

Picture this: Luke dominating a beach volleyball match while his father, Bill Walton, sits in the stands and blares some Grateful Dead.

9. Steve Blake: Golf

I can envision Steve Blake as a professional golfer, assuming he could sink more putts than he did jumpers last season.

8. Shannon Brown: Track and Field

Given his superior leaping ability and overall athletic ability, Shannon Brown would be a track and field star. Whether it was the high jump, long jump or triple jump, Brown would be wowing fans and competitors from all over the globe.

7. Matt Barnes: Hockey Enforcer

Matt Barnes fits the bill for a hockey enforcer. He would get under the skin of his opponents, much like he does on the basketball court.

Something tells me he wouldn’t hesitate to throw off the gloves and duke it out.

6. Derek Fisher: NASCAR Driver

The 15-year veteran has been criticized the last few seasons for being too slow. Therefore, it only makes sense to put him in a race car.

Also, Derek Fisher’s tough, cagey play on the basketball court would translate well to the race track, where he would be happy to swap paint with Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin.

5. Ron Artest: Football

I can picture Ron Artest as both an efficient, pass-catching tight end and a hard-hitting linebacker. He would also give Chad Ochocinco a run for his money as the game’s zaniest player.

I can also imagine Artest intercepting a pass and running into the wrong end zone, earning the nickname “Wrong Way Ron.”

4. Andrew Bynum: WWE Wrestler

Given his seven-foot, 285-pound frame, Bynum would give his fellow WWE superstars a run for their money. I could picture Bynum as a heel with a catchy nickname like “Trade Chip.”

Bynum gave us a little taste of his WWE skills last spring, when he elbowed J.J. Barea in the ribs before being ejected and ripping off his uniform.

I am sure that had the Undertaker smiling.

3. Lamar Odom: Baseball

If Lamar Odom wasn’t earning a living playing basketball, he would be a starting pitcher. The tall, lanky southpaw would give opposing hitters fits.

Imagine Odom in a baseball uniform, with his hat turned slightly sidewise and chewing a big wad of bubble gum.

2. Pau Gasol: Tennis

Keeping in mind Pau Gasol is more of a finesse athlete, tennis seems like the perfect alternative sport for the Barcelona native.

Can’t you just picture Gasol in a white polo shirt and headband, screaming to the crowd after winning a match?

Gasol is also a fan of Rafael Nadal, who hails from Spain as well. Maybe Nadal could show his fellow countryman some moves on the tennis court.

1. Kobe Bryant: Soccer

Kobe grew up playing soccer in Italy, where his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, played professional basketball. Kobe also made an appearance at last year’s World Cup and took part in a celebrity soccer game earlier this summer.

Given Kobe’s competitive drive and athleticism, he could likely hold his own in many different sports. Considering his genuine love for the game and playing experience, though, soccer seems like the perfect fit.