|
Without Bynum they're an average team with a superstar in Kobe. They'll get owned by anyone with enough talent and teamwork to do it.
With Bynum they're a different club. They're actually very fun to watch. I'm surprised how much the kid's game has improved. He is a budding superstar.
They really play a team game with Bynum on the floor, until they come across adversity, where it becomes the Kobe show again. Kobe is learning to trust the kid, and I think the time without him will do them a world of good.
The Lakers also changed complexion with the return of Derek Fisher and the emergence of Jordan Farmar, both of whom are solid point guards, admittedly somewhere between a true distributor and a shooter, but both have solid offensive and defensive skills.
Nothing has impressed me more than how much the team changed when Kwame and Mihm we demoted from starting center duties. Instantly the defense improved. Both Bynum and bench power forward Turiaf play solid defense and can block shots without committing too many fouls (Turiaf is not as disciplined at center in Bynum's absense though).
Kobe is also much happier playing right now, and it shows on the court. He even had the audacity to say they're an championship caliber team with Bynum on the floor, and he's right. Completely healthy, I think the Lakers will need another season to be experienced enough to pull it off. I think Bynum, Farmar, Turiaf, and Vujacic have all made tremendous strides this season, but are still a little green to hold up in the playoffs. If they get deep this year, they'll be ready for the championship run next season. Seriously.
|
Linear Mode
