Much has been made about the need for Lamar Odom to step up his overall game in the absence of Andrew Bynum.  Phil Jackson mentioned it in his pregame confab with reporters.  AK and I have talked about it.  You have pointed it out on the site.  Well, while there are no guarantees in life, there are some positive signs.  First, LO is getting further away from his injury issues, and health is always an important factor.  Second, he's breaking in a new style of shoe tonight that, in my estimation, are good for six points and three boards on their own.  Very sharp, and anyone who has played a little hoop knows the confidence a slick pair of kicks can bring. 

Third, and most importantly, he received a passionate pregame peptalk from Vic the Brick. 

This isn't an uncommon thing for L.O. or any of his teammates, as VTB's mystical, metaphysical Gipper speeches are somewhat legendary (on one level or another) at this point.  But tonight's seemed particularly on point.  I couldn't hear what they were saying- Vic leans in tight and uses an earnest-yet-sotto voice- but it really looked like he was bringing the noise.  My prediction for LO tonight: 73 points, 54 boards, 31 assists, and 29 blocks.  I'm telling you, the speech was that good.

NOTES/AUDIO:

• PJ talked a lot about what Kwame does well for them, and the need to try and get him involved offensively against Stoudamire, especially early.  Amare, for all his athleticism, isn't a good defender, and with inside production so important for the Lakers these days, an active Kwame would be good for LA.  I asked him how they can keep that spacing and generate the good shots they've been able to create thus far, and Jackson emphasized good ball movement, cutting, player movement, and productive outside shooting to help even things out.
• Speaking of bombers, Sasha is back in the lineup, but Vlad, as you know, is out for the time being.  PJ hopes he'll be ready for the start of the big trip at the end of the month. Luke Walton's ankle is still an issue, but he'll dress.  PJ seemed to indicate his problems could be something that could dog him for a while.
• Inactives:  For the Lakers, Bynum and Mihm.  For Phoenix, Alando Tucker. 
• On the white board in the locker room is always a list of sets and strategies the team needs to watch during that night's game.  Tonight, under "Defense" was a laundry list of about 12 things, from watch the pick and roll to close on outside shooters to clean the glass.  Looking at Fish, I said, "That's an awful big list."  He laughed.  "Oh yeah.  A lot bigger than you'll see with most teams, that's for sure."
• Sound: Phil Jackson- Download phil_jackson_1.17 prePHO.mp3

BK