The stars are bright and big at night

All three Laker centers are in the pink, but only one will start.  And that "one" would be Chris Mihm.  Phil mentioned Mihm's ability to shoot from outside as a valuable asset to kick things off, but in a lot of ways, his health issues played as big a role as any.  With Mihm's still-tender ankle, it's a lot easier for him to play ASAP after warm ups to prevent any stiffening.  Of course, the same medical concerns apply to Kwame's bursitis-ridden heel as well, but like I mentioned earlier, only one fella can start at a time.  So what's Phil looking for with his fives, regardless of the order in which they enter the action?  "Decisions on the post.  make sure that they're running the offense the right way.  That they're working their back to rebound and defend the basket.  Do those type of things, the basic things."

I asked Phil if he had an idea of how he'll divvy up the the remaining center minutes between Kwame and Andrew Bynum.  His answer didn't shed a ton of light on matters, but was rather complimentary towards the bench.  "There's a unit that's been playing together that I'll probably play intact.  They've been playing well together, taking it to the first unit consistently over the past couple weeks."  Again, not sure where exactly that leaves Kwame when it comes to PT (since Bynum's been the dude holding down the middle with the second unit), but Mo will certainly concur with his coach's second unit props.  Between the competitive nature dominating each practice and Jordan Farmar pushing the ball like mad, this regular fivesome off the pine ain't shy about making the starting unit work.  "It's just Helter Skelter, but organized," nodded Evans with a big grin.

Phil was also asked about Kobe's dedication and mental involvement with the team he's still with, whether his first (or tenth) preference.  From his perspective, it's a night and day difference between now and when Jackson questioned #24's head before the season opener.  "I'm very impressed.  (Kobe's) put a lot of energy into this team.  He's been vocal."  What's caused the shift?  "I think with Lamar back, his role with being a captain, all that stuff.  It's brought him into being involved and being a part of this."  A writer asked Phil if he felt this was a good sign. 

Beat.  Cue smiling and sarcastic response.

"No, it's a bad sign."

We all got a chuckle out of that one.  And speaking of guys who ended up feeling a little silly, I joined that crowd when the topic of Phil's annual roadie books were brought up.  I asked which book he's given out had the biggest desired effect on a player.  After joking that it was a "Beavis and Butthead" novel for Stacey King, Jackson said it was probably Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a rather heady piece earmarked for John Paxson.  "I think he saw the light of what that was about."  Bully for Paxson, because I tried reading this thing a long time ago and couldn't make heads or tails of it.  I mean, literally, no freakin' clue what the hell was going on.  I told Phil that "ZATAOMM" wasn't exactly a page turner and he agreed.  "It's painful in a lot of ways."

Hopefully, the same won't be said about the aftermath of tonight's game.

-AK