Lakers 113, Jazz 100: Kobe and Pau make their "award" cases
An evening spent watching the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz to the tune of 113-100 (Kamenetzky-ian post-game thoughts can be seen and read here) also served to let Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol either confirm recent honors or reassert themselves into the mix, depending on the player in question.
Having just learned just a couple of hours before the tip that he'd been named the Western Conference Player of the Month, Bryant went out and played precisely like the type of fella who collects such trophies on a regular basis. 40 points on 13-23 shooting from the field, including a three off a busted play with Andrei Kirilenko flying by his grill. This would be approximately the bazillionth time Kobe's hit 40+ on a career, which helps explain why he's leading all W.C. players in All-Star voting (not exactly new territory for The Mamba, either).
For El Spaniard, however, some campaigning of sorts may still remain. Last night's 21 points helped him hit the 10,000 mark on a career, making him just the fourth player (along with Vlade Divac, Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovic) to reach such heights straight out of Europe. Throw in the eleven boards and six dimes and you're looking at the type of all-around night that typically spells "All-Star." Unfortunately for Pau, he's currently sitting sixth among voters in the always competitive Western Conference forward race, despite a few clicks from his own computer. Making the squad would mean a lot to Gasol, and thankfully, the likely- if none too enthusiastic- coach for the West is plenty familiar and appreciative of #16's skill set. Should The Mamba get the chance to offer a pair of pennies, that would only work in Gasol's favor.
I guess we disagree about some things Ex but,
Lamar Odom was the 2nd option before Kwa-may Brown's injury and after Bynum's injury. When Kwa-may was not injured there Bynum wasn't no where near a reliable option. Sure Lamar may have started out but before the Memphis game where Bynum was hurt he was really the second option.
It was because of Bynum's emergence as a 2nd option that made the Lakers become more of a threat in the west before Pau's arrival. If Bynum wasn't the 2nd option then why did the Lakers struggle when Kwa-may Brown returned to the lineup? Granted Brown was a disaster but if Lamar was the 2nd option for the whole time then it shouldn't have been as bad as it was when Kwa-may Brown replaced the injured Bynum. Lamar flourished as the 3rd option when Bynum emerged and when Pau arrived flourished even more because Pau is a better passer than Bynum is.
You may disagree and I have no problem with that. That being said Bynum's development as the 2nd option was a big part in Kobe wanting to stay in LA at first (before Pau's arrival) and Kobe even said "With him we are a championship team". Kobe wouldn't have said that if Lamar Odom was the 2nd option since with Bynum as the 2nd option, was doing good.
Unfortunately Bynum is struggling to be the 3rd option instead of flourishing being with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Part of the reason is because he doesn't bring any effort. I kinda think 07-08 season he had more effort since he wanted to show he was the real deal but now is too reliant with Kobe and Pau.
"Seriously, maybe we were too tough on Kwame after all. At least he's still in the league. What ever happened to the Kandi Man?"
We weren't tough on Kwa-may Brown, he deserved to be shipped out of LA (he's still a nice guy no doubt). And he'll be out of the league within a few years just like the Kandi man.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 04, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I hate the blazers. I hate blazer fans even more. Maybe hate is a strong word, how about really really really loathe them. I'm going to the game tonight.
I am going to get everyone pumped in our section.
I'm going to yell.
I'm going to scream.
I'm going to be really obnoxious.
I'm gonna have me some fun.
Happy New year everyone!
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: rose | January 04, 2009 at 11:39 AM
AK
Yeah if you read my original post, you and BK would have realized that was my thought as well.
I was just surprised to see Powell's name listed in the writers thoughts as possibilities.
Now as to why BK would want to come back so hard, harsh? when Jon K and me were just having some fun, you'd have to ask him I guess.
Hey, at least he didn't censor my comment like he likes to do for disagreeing with him on something. At least for that I'm grateful. njk
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 11:42 AM
sigh.
Wasn't being harsh, Fatty, just telling Jon, who had seemed concerned, that he wasn't going to get cut.
BK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 04, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Jon K....
Nice analysis of Drew. I agree that with him, it is a matter of confidence. And you are probably right that PJ hurt his feelings when he basically told Drew to "shut up" when Drew questioned his playing time.
Drew'll get it together and the Lakers will reap the benefits for years to come.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 04, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Fatty,
Your comments about Powell read like you were more concerned. If I misinterpreted them, my apologies.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 04, 2009 at 12:05 PM
mouse,
>>>Mike Miller combines Luke's passing with Vlad's shooting.
His passing is okay, and his defense is about the same as Luke's
(which is to say, better than Vlad's), but his shooting is off
this year - only 37% on his 3's (Rad shoots 45% on his 3's). And both Rad and Luke know the triangle.
>>>JO will be the perfect PF/C we can use with Bynum and Gasol.
JO + Kobe + Pau + Bynum is about 75 million for four players.
Thank you Isaiah Thomas.
>>>Foye and Cook are young...
and suck.
What part of "championship contender" doesn't appeal to you?
Is your dislike of Lamar and Luke and Rad so great that you'd
rather the team suck for the next few years so that you could get
rid of them?
This team will make the finals this year and win. The fact that
you want to break it up makes me think you are a closet Celtics
or Cavs fan.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 04, 2009 at 02:30 PM