Shaolin

Well, here we are half-way through the season. My take on the season thus far:

Organization:

I thought the Lakers would be dead in the water this year in so far as trades go; that what we had to trade, no one would want. But to my surprise, we cut loose some dead weight with Cook and Evans (tho I like them both, they were dead weight) and picked up a promising player with Ariza. Then, they turned around and got rid of Kwame (again, best wishes) and got a quality big man in Gasol. Color me shocked but approving. B+

Team Overall Performance:

Better than expected. One of the infuriating habits of the last few years were the losses to teams that should've been easy victories. The team wouldn't show up some nights, and lesser teams would outplay/outhustle them. Drove me up the wall. This year, they're doing a much better job of beating the teams they're supposed to. They just went 7-2 on a historically long road trip, and was within a basket or two of going 9-0. Thats damned impressive. B+

Individual performances:

Kobe: ....has been Kobe. Arrogant, infuriating, selfish and spectacular. Remains the player most likely to make your jaw drop any given night. A

Bynum: Was coming along way ahead of expectations before his injury. His inside presence makes everyone else's job that much easier. B

Odom: ....is the player he's always been. Solid, dependable, but not going to be a next-level superstar. Will not be Pippen to Kobe's Jordan. Should not take the last shot of the game. But liable to get you a double double on a regular basis. Will thrive as 3rd or 4th option. C+

Sasha: So far, not bad. Remains to be seen whether he's just on a good streak or if this is a long term growth pattern. C+

Vlad: See the comments for Sasha. C+

Farmar: Coming along nicely, is more benefit than liability. B-

Fisher: Veteran leadership cannot be overrated. Brings a knowledge of the system along with maturity, experience and a still solid jumper. Undeniable asset to the team. B

Turiaf: Classic example of a guy you'd want on your bench. Great for team energy, enthusiastic about playing, and in limited minutes will bust his butt for the cause. Was inclined to give him a C+ but a guy who comes back from HEART SURGERY and plays as though there is no tomorrow...and God knows there isn't... extra credits himself to a B-

Ariza: promising but too soon to tell. INC

Gasol: Same grade as Ariza. Has potential. INC

Mbenga: INC

Mihm: You know how I want to grade this stiff useless slug. But to be fair he gets an INC

Walton: I'm struggling to find some positive part of his game thus far. But for the sake of compassion, I'll give him a C- because he has been thus far below average. Unless he makes a second half turnaround then his grade will fall even further.