DANGER: Andrew Bynum has returned. As if the Lakers weren't already dangerous enough, they got their 7-footer back. Great news for the Lakers and another weapon to defend for the opposition. It's hard to believe that this kid scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and had 3 blocked shots on January 21 - only to suffer a 9-week injury 10 days later. After two games, Lakers fans have been impressed with his conditioning, but obviously he still has a ways to go. I, personally, was surprised by his scoring on his first game back: 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting (and 7 rebounds).
However, one has to consider that the Lakers did go 25-7 without Bynum. And while I'm not suggesting that Bynum makes the team worse, you have to consider how much he really adds to the squad. I think his defense is truly what's been scaring guards out of the lane, thus building his reputation. But offensively, the front line is quicker without the big guy. Think about how much Odom (who deserves a post of his own later on) has improved while playing with the starters. We have really seen how quick and decisive he can play - while also experimenting with how a contract year can really motivate a player. So, I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that, while we're welcoming Bynum back into the rotation, we should think of how the Lakers have grown. We now know how much more reliable Odom is. We also have seen how the "Bench Mob" lacks a floor leader. We've seen that Fisher can deal with more minutes - and how Pau has a little less stamina. How Shannon Brown deserves more minutes.
Just some food for thought. Let me know if you agree or think I'm completely crazy with a comment.
Here is today's "Dope Jam"
(Note: For your reference, anything in italics is hyper-linked. Ex. click on the title of the track to download the song)
MSTRKRFT (ft. E-40) - Click Click (YSI) - A track off Mstrkrft's latest album, Fist of God, which I will review in a later post. This song successfully combines the fast spit of rap by E-40 with Mstrkrft's enticing electronic beats.
- Ben
4/11/09
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