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**Basel57** · 12-11-2007, 11:13 PM

Here's an article from a Lakers Insider e-mail I got, written by Sameer Mahmood.

Quote:

On opening night of the 2007-08 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers entered as the NBA's 9th youngest team, averaging 25.90 years of age. Then on November 20th, the Lakers got even younger. The Lakers acquisition of 22-Andrew Bynumyear old Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic for veterans Brian Cook and Maurice Evans makes the Lakers the 2nd youngest team in the NBA with an average age of 25 years and 158 days.

The talent that this young team possesses has given Lakers fans much to cheer about this season. Stellar play from Kobe Bryant is almost expected every night, but such great contributions from the role players is something new. Already this young season, the Lakers reserves have posted statistics that have not been achieved in years.

On November 2nd, the Lakers bench scored their highest output in a decade. In the Lakers 119-98 victory over Phoenix, the Lakers reserves combined for 67 points on 67.6% shooting. Their 67 points was the highest total for Lakers reserves in a single game since the bench combined to score 70 points in a 109-85 victory at Golden State on April 8, 1997. In that game, then-rookie Kobe Bryant came off the bench to score a team-high 24 points in the win.

Not only can this young bunch score, they can rebound the basketball as well. In the Lakers 107-93 victory of Minnesota on November 9, Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm and Lamar Odom each posted double-doubles while Derek Fisher fell one assist shy. The game marked the first time since 3/27/05 vs. Philadelphia that three Lakers posted double-doubles in the same contest. Additionally, this was the first time since 1/7/06 that three Lakers had posted double-figure rebounds in the same game.

This Lakers squad is one of the top scoring teams in the league, averaging well over 100 points per game. The reserves play a major role in this as they continue to show their ability to score the basketball. Already having posted the highest Lakers reserve points total in a decade, this group of players outdid themselves once again. In the Lakers 106-78 victory over Chicago on November 18, the Lakers reserves combined for 73 points, the highest total for Lakers reserves in a single game since the bench combined to score 84 points in a 136-100 victory against Golden State on April 24, 1988. In addition, with Andrew Bynum , Jordan Farmar, Vladimir Radmanovic, Chris Mihm and Luke Walton each scoring in double figures, the Sasha VujacicLakers had five reserves score in double figures for the first time since 3/9/85, when the Lakers defeated Cleveland 133-106. In that game Michael Cooper, Mitch Kupchak, Bob McAdoo, Mike McGee and Larry Spriggs each came off of the bench to record double digit scoring nights.

As the season has progressed, the role players have shown no signs of slowing down. It all seemingly came together for the Lakers on November 20, as for the first time since the 2003-04 season, eight Lakers scored in double-figures in the team's 134-114 victory over Indiana at Conseco Fieldhouse. Kobe Bryant, Jordan Farmar, Andrew Bynum, Sasha Vujacic, Vladimir Radmanovic, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton and Lamar Odom each recorded 10-plus points that night. To put this achievement in perspective, the last time this feat was accomplished was in 2003 by a team that featured four future hall-of-famers in Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton.

Up to this point of the season, Kobe Bryant's supporting cast has been nothing short of stellar. Aside from the statistics they put up, the excitement and energy they bring to the game has proven to be a major lift during games. The young guns of the team are proving that given the chance they can aid the Lakers to victory.

**CDRacingZX6R** · 12-11-2007, 11:38 PM

It's still early, but it's true so far. Kobe demanded them to step up, and the team has delivered so far.

If they keep it up and we get to the playoffs, it's up to Kobe to fulfill his end of the deal by leading them deep into the playoffs.

**CubanLaker** · 12-11-2007, 11:46 PM

I love the fact that we have a balanced attack, but if were going to go anywhere in the playoffs its gonna be our D that takes us there. We must take a lesson from the Spurs and improve our defense.

Eternal · 12-12-2007, 01:42 AM

If we're going to go anywhere in the playoffs, Odom needs to step up, and start playing better. Kobe with a bunch of good role players isn't going to get it done, which I consider Odom just a roleplayer right now on the way he has been playing so far this season.

Three keys for us the rest of the way is:

1) Defense
2) Cutdown on the careless turnovers
3) Lamar Odom needs to step up

KennethTo · 12-12-2007, 08:17 AM

Odom is who he is, one of the best role players in the league. I personally see no chance of him "stepping up." Not that I don't want him to, but I just don't see it happenings. He's had enough years in the league and has gotten enough minutes where he could have done so if it was in him.

Our best chance in making it far is one for our young core to emerge or several of them (Bynum, Ariza, Farmer, Critt). If one of those guys can elevate their game over the season and become our second best player. I think Bynum has a solid shot if he learns how to avoid ticky tack fouls and can handle staying on the court for 35 + mpg consistently.

Odom isn't going to change. He's not going to regress but he won't improve either. A highly skilled but very passive player.

KennethTo · 12-12-2007, 08:18 AM

We still need a defensive solution at PG. I don't know if Ariza can handle it on a consistent basis but if he can (ala Iverson), that would be great. Or if Critt gets minutes and performs the way I think he can defensively.

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