Lakers Don’t Miss a Beat
The Los Angeles Lakers started the 2009 season the way they finished the last one: with a win. After a lackluster pre-game Championship ceremony, the Lakers tipped off against the LA Clippers and took control immediately, on their way to a 99-92 victory to begin the season.
The Lakers jumped out to an early ten point first quarter lead of 32-22, but a slow third quarter kept the game close. The fourth quarter was a different story, as the Lakers coasted to the win.
Kobe Bryant, arguably the NBA’s best player, led the charge, finishing the night with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and an couple Kobe-esque plays. A offseason of low post training with Hall of Famer, Hakeem Olajuwon, has only improve Kobe’s game, and he appears hungry for his fifth ring.
Post player, Pau Gasol, sat out the game with a hamstring injury is expected to return to Friday’s line-up, but the Lakers suffered none without him against a much improved, but still overmatched Clippers team.
The offseason acquisition of Ron Artest showed potential, as he recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and led the team in minutes with 41. The effect of Ron Artest on the Lakers will not be felt for in full through offensive production, but rather through the pressure he takes off Kobe as a defender. No longer will Kobe be guarding the opposition’s best perimeter player each night. This will allow for Bryant to remain fresh through all four quarters, which will pay dividends as the season continues on and the playoffs begin.
In addition to Bryant and Artest, Lamar Odom was his usual self, scoring 16 with 5 assists, and posting 13 rebounds, but the real surprise was the performance of Andrew Bynum and the fashion in which he did it. Bynum played with a focus that seemed new to this season, producing 26 points and 13 rebounds, and going 8 of 10 from the free throw line.
The Lakers start with 17 of their first 21 games at home, a place they went 36-5 last season. With a favorable opening schedule, with the possibility to build momentum, the Lakers, led by Bryant, are a team that may very well challenge the Bulls’ 72 victories. It should be an exciting season.
Kobe Bryant is obviously the best NBA player at this point and i have no doubt that they will have another great season.
The debate over who is the best, Kobe or Lebron, is heated, butI would have to agree with you Trevor. Until Lebron wins a title, I don’t think its even a discussion.
The Lakers have a very talented and deep team but they will not break 70 wins on the season. Their defense at the rim is still suspect and although Bynum is breaking out offensively he still looks soft at times on defense. Ron Artest will provide an impact but when the road gets tough and the Lakers lose a game or two, how will he react? Can he be a team player and forgo his individual stats for the good of the team? As stated in the article his main role will be defensively and he may not get many offensive looks in certain games. I think that the swtich from Ariza to Artest was not only a risky move but will hurt the Lakers in the long run. Ariza is a young and very talented player who knows how to be a team player and is still hungry to prove himselft. Artest is a better all around player now but in the next two season Ariza will pass him up. The Lakers could have maintained their chemsitry this year and kept a player that has the potential to develop into a fringe All Star for the next ten years.