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LOS ANGELES LAKERS 2007-2008 SEASON ANALYSIS
The Lakers were labeled as a divided talent-starved team before the season even started. This reputation was the direct result of Kobe Bryant’s public “complaint” (to put it nicely) about the befuddling lack of quality teammates Mitch Kupchak (Laker’s GM) had assembled around his star player. Kobe trashed center Andrew Bynum for not developing quickly enough into a contributing post, and Bryant trashed Kupchak for his unwillingness to deal the big man for NBA All Star point guard Jason Kidd. To the dismay of the entire state of California, Kobe decided that he’d had enough. “The Black Mamba” wanted a divorce. At that point, if I were to suggest to anyone around the Association that the Lakers would be one of the most likely teams to win it all by the end of the year, I would have been tossed into a crazy house! Then, next thing you know, Andrew Bynum cemented his position in the starting lineup by nearly doubling his scoring and rebounding averages. Soon thereafter, NBA All Star P.F. Pau Gasol was packing his bags and catching a flight to Tinsletown after Kupchak ripped off the Memphis Grizzlies with an almost laughable trade (below).*Out -- Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the rights to Marc Gasol and two first round draft picks*In: NBA All Star Pau GasolKobe initiated the flip flop faster than the top chef at I.H.O.P.. Bryant no longer wanted out; he realized that his once mediocre supporting cast no longer existed. The Lakers, from that point on, have been crushing teams behind the inspired play of Kobe, Gasol, Odom, and Bynum. LOS ANGELES LAKERS -- TOP 3 PLAYERS1. Kobe Bryant — 28.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.8 spg, 84% (FT%), 45.9% (FG%), 38.9 mpg
What could I possibly say that hasn’t already been said by every announcer and sports writer in the industry about this magnificent basketball player? I don’t think I am going off on a limb when I make the statement that Kobe Bryant has elevated his game to such a high level that he is now rapidly approaching Jordan as the most gifted shooting guard the game has ever seen. My suggestion for the NBA is to make a commercial simply showing Bryant soar through the sky for a rim-rattling jam, with a booming voice in the background exclaiming, “THE NBA, WHERE KOBE BRYANT HAPPENS!” This statement provides fans with a brief reminder of just how talented the face of the Los Angeles Lakers is.
2. Pau Gasol – 18.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.6 bpg, 78.9% (FT%), 58.9% (FG%)
Pau Gasol is one of the most skillful posts in the NBA. He utilizes his above-average quickness (for a seven-footer) to spin around defenders and squeak in finesse hooks with either hand. For a man of his size, he is also a deadly mid-range shooter, and a mega-consistent freethrow shooter. Pau is an unusually clever passer, and he punishes double teams with this underrated ability. Besides Kobe Bryant, Gasol is the most notable baller on the Los Angeles Lakers roster.
3. Lamar Odom– 14.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1 spg, .9 bpg, 52.5% (FG%), 37.9 mpg
Mr. Odom boasts one of the most well-rounded games in basketball. At 6’10” and 230 lbs., Lamar Odom can play every position (from point guard to center). His enviable combination of speed and strength allow Odom to do whatever he wants on the court. However, he takes the back seat to two of the top scorers in the World (Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol). Instead of moping about the situation, Lamar Odom decided to rebound harder than ever before. He likes to make sure that his teammates stay happy, so Odom dishes the ball to the open man. Likely his most overlooked attribute, however, is his outstanding defensive versatility. Mr. Odom can guard all five positions with great aplomb and the total confidence of coach Jackson.
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