Halftime Hype

It's seemingly always been a hypothetical scenario, lingering in every fan's mind for the past few seasons: Are the Lakers still a "good" team without Kobe Bryant? Now, interestingly enough, some are briefly pondering whether or not the Lakers are a better team without Kobe? To answer the latter question simply, "No." However, whether or not the Lakers have been a little more fun to watch is an interesting question. This thought came into my mind in large part because of the Lakers' "Bench Mob", who have reincarnated and shown that they are actually a talented bunch, capable of stepping up when they're called upon.

I was actually talking to a friend about the Lakers' bench only a couple weeks ago, when I wondered how virtually the same bunch went from the "Bench Mob" to the Bench Slobs. (Indeed, I have used the tag "bench mob sucks" in one of my previous posts). Yet, in the absence of Kobe Bryant, and for that matter, starting center Andrew Bynum, the guys starting on the sidelines have awakened. Jordan Farmar is proving he's still a heady playmaker who can chip in points. Sasha Vujacic made a few impressive shots last night, one from behind the arc at the conclusion of the first quarter. Lamar has really picked up the slack, grabbing a whopping 22 rebounds versus Portland on Saturday night, tying his career-high. My favorite amongst the Bench Mob happens to be Shannon Brown, who can be described in Mark Jackson-speak as a "big-time player" capable of making "grown-man moves" as well as hitting jumpshots. He has really proven his worth as an off-guard for the Lakers and I think he could easily be an All-Star in the near future.



Not to be forgotten, though, are the typical starters. Pau's 21 points and 19 rebounds (and 8 assists, almost a triple-double!)- while matched up against Tim Duncan - speak for itself. Derek Fisher, who has his moments against the league's quick, small guards (i.e. Aaron Brooks, Tony Parker, Rajon Rondo, etc.) has showcased his offensive savvy with great decisions in Portland and a satisfactory sum of 13 points against Tony Parker & Co. Most impressive, at least in my opinion, has been the play of Ron Artest. Everyone is aware of his defensive prowess, but I, personally, have been waiting on him to score consistently this season. He's shot very well, particularly from downtown, the last couple of games. Hopefully, he can keep it up.



But if the Lakers are playing so well, why shouldn't they be considered a better team without Kobe? After all, their margin of victory without #24 is 14.5 points. Look closely, though, and you'll notice that they played against Portland and San Antonio, not exactly the league's elite. And despite the fact that the Lakers beat Portland in Oregon for the first time in 5 years and the satisfaction of a W against the Spurs, that doesn't make them a better team. In order to a be a better team, they'd have to prove they play better without Kobe Bryant against the league's best. They have not proven that, nor will they. They wouldn't stand a chance against the Cavaliers or the Celtics, or maybe even Orlando and Atlanta, without the league's best player - of course, I'm referring to Kobe Bryant (not Lebron James).

Has Kobe's absence been good for the team? Yes. Now, I may have a different opinion if the Lakers had lossed both games, but I'm sure that, at one point or another, the thought of playing without Kobe has crossed the minds of every Laker at least once. Instead of wondering if they would be successful, the Lakers have proved they can win games without their star. Having done so also boosts their confidence very much. Although it's only been two games, the two victories have shown that the Lakers, depending on their opponent, could very well handle a first round playoff series without Kobe, if only for a couple of games.