Have you seen the Lakers lately? Over the last three games they've beaten Western conference rivals- @Portland, San Antonio, & @Utah- easily. Okay, maybe those first two victories aren't as significant as they could be but the Lakers had lost something like 8+ in Portland & San Antonio is always tough. Nevertheless, if you've watched any of these games they're clearly a refreshing welcome from their lethargic efforts that we've become accustom to.
Pau Gasol, left, had 22 points and 19 rebounds, and Lamar Odom finished with a season-high 25 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers' 96-81 victory over Utah. (Steve C. Wilson / Associated Press)
Obviously the main difference in these games has been the absence of Kobe & Bynum. With these two players the Lakers' ball movement slows down so that zone defenses can collapse and rotate in systematic manner. More importantly, everyone stands around and just watches as these guys make aggressive scoring plays. In the last three games, the Lakers' ball movement has been much better as even guys like Walton and Sasha (yes, i said it) are making valuable contributions.
Basketball is best when you don't have to do a lot of thinking & there is little one-on-one play. Right now they're making simple plays (cuts, screens, give-and-goes, etc.) because they trust their teammates will make the right decision whether it be pass, shoot, or create. This is primarily because Pau & Lamar are unselfish in nature and are looking to take advantage of mismatches. Bynum & Kobe are more naturally inclined to score rather than create.
The Lakers have the most talent in the NBA and this is clearly evident without Kobe & Bynum. I'm not saying the Lakers are a better team without Kobe & Bynum, but it would be nice if Kobe & Bynum could take advantage of the existing talent on this roster. Even if you're Kobe's biggest fan, you have to admit that these last three games have been both fun to watch and surprisingly successful. Think about it, none of these games have even been close.
I think lakers should consider bringing Bynum off the bench to dominate second units and start Odom. But still - I think Lakers would have been even better in the last three games with a healthy Kobe and Bynum.
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