We all have seen how impressive the L.A. Lakers have been at the start of this season. Fisher brings tough defense and good shooting, Kobe is simply the best player in the league and can score at will, Vlad Radmanovic seems to be taking his medications and his mind is stable now showing tenacious defense and his always unlimited range, Gasol is one of the smartest and most fundamental post players in the league and Bynum cleans up the boards and has a surprisingly nice 15 ft jumper.
Now we can add to that what I consider to be the best bench play in the league. Not just because of the names that come off the bench, but what really makes them good is how they can change the pace of the game. They keep the opposite team on their heels, once you think you are able to adjust to the lakers game. Farmar comes of the bench with Ariza, Sasha and now Odom to make it a crazy fast pace game. Farmar's game has taken a huge leap, and he could be a starter in many teams in the league. He can shoot, make plays and no one can catch him on the open floor. Sasha is a deadly shooter, Odom and Ariza can go to the rim and make plays. They pressure you on defense, they get steals and they run the floor.
Kobe Bryant can be more relaxed now and doesn't need to go all out on all 82 games this season for the Lakers to be one of the top 3 teams in the west. This is important because he will be able to save a lot of energy for the playoffs. We need to remember that this is a long season, and it's easy to wear down specially when you have to carry the team. Kobe while being the best player in the league for a while, and one of the best ever to play the game, is no MJ. Michael Jordan had the mental toughness to do anything he wanted, and that's why he is the best ever. In those finals against the Jazz when he had to be carried out of the bus because he had no energy and he was really sick, he found a way to kick ass in the game. I think someone could have shot Jordan on both legs before the game and he would still mentalize himself that nothing could stop him and drop 45 points on game 7 of the finals anyways. There is no one else that can do that, and that's why having this great team will help Kobe take over in the playoffs and give the Lakers the ring this season.
Maybe I think the Lakers will win it all because I have been a Lakers fan since I was little and watching Magic Johnson is what made me want to play basketball, but hey everyone has favorites right? And so far the Lakers are backing up what I believe's gonna happen. There is a proof of me being a Lakers fan since I was a kid. Oh and yeah we also have Phil Jackson coaching the team, so Lakers chances are looking pretty good this year.
Keywords: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
