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2008-01-10

by Arthur Sezgin

Today's Los Angeles Lakers

Summary

Oh happy days! Is showtime really back in LA?

Article

It was a preseason filled with nothing but rumors and dissent, bringing the “dysfunctional family” concept to mind when referring to the Los Angeles Lakers. Team captain and the face of the organization, Kobe Bryant, allegedly wanted out; coach Phil Jackson’s tenure with the team uncertain; and a general manager insistent on hanging on to certain mediocre players.

All of that becomes a moot point as we look back on the Lakers’ 22-11 start, going 8-2 in their last ten games.

There is just something different about this season and the Laker faithful and rest of the league certainly sense it. Sure, the Lakers started off last season in a similar, dominant fashion only to see critical injuries impede their progress and ultimately serve detrimental to their success. However, this season brings us something we haven’t seen in quite a while -- all of the Laker starters playing a major role and a bench that has been continually stepping up. There is not one reason for it, but if the first thirty-two games of the season serve as any indicator, the LA Lakers and their fans have a lot to look forward in 2008. Winning their games by an average of 13.5 points, the Lakers are showing consistent play from start to finish. Granted they have fallen twice now to the new Eastern Conference and league powerhouse Boston Celtics, the Lakers have been nothing short of impressive against Western Conference foes, such as the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns, among many others.

It may be the addition of veteran guard Derek Fisher (thank you, Utah), or the drastically improved play of center Andrew Bynum -- which now makes Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak look like a genius. Perhaps it is some of the pressure taken off Kobe Bryant’s shoulders thanks to Lamar Odom, or watching bench players like Jordan Farmar and midseason addition, Trevor Ariza, rack up valuable playing minutes with their impressive play. Or it could just be that the Lakers are getting from their players what they should have gotten in previous years and always expected to get. Nonetheless, the Lakers are one of the teams to watch this season, as it all seems to be coming together for them. Strong play on the offensive side of the ball coupled with relentless defensive efforts has helped establish the Lakers as the team that you don’t want to play. Those who doubt that should ask the Phoenix Suns who once enjoyed playing the Lakers, but have lost both meetings with the Lakers this season by a combined 28 points.

The bandwagon is once again, slowly, but surely filling up. Laker pride seems to be taking over the city again, as they are the hot ticket in town. All of this certainly begs the question, “Is Showtime really back in LA?” Like the shaky boyfriend-girlfriend relationship the Lakers have with their fans, let’s not question or try to label things; rather, let’s just take it one day at a time!