DEREK FISHER
Derek Fisher is a consummate professional and his efforts do not show up in the box score. Fisher hits timely threes and makes big defense plays down the stretches of game. This season, the Lakers made it a priority to rest Fisher and play Steve Blake instead.
Derek Fisher is averaging a mere 8.6 points per game, 1.8 rebounds per game and 3.0 assists per game. Based on his performance in the first 13 games, Derek Fisher has earned a solid “B.”
RON ARTEST
Ron Artest is the defensive maestro on the Los Angeles Lakers, and it no longer known as the offensive player as he once was. Artest has brought a type of aggressiveness and tenacity to the Lakers, and has been a fan favorite from the moment he signed with the Lakers. This season, Artest is doing what he did last year—play defense and take shots when open.
Artest is averaging 9.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 2.1 assists per game. Ron Artest has not done anything extraordinarily great or extraordinarily bad this season, which has earned him a “B+.”
LAMAR ODOM
Lamar Odom has been playing some of the best basketball he has played in his entire career. After playing in the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey, Odom has gained valuable experience and his confidence has sky-rocketed.
Odom has been placed in the starting five due to the injury of Andrew Bynum, and he as seized the opportunity. Lamar Odom has been a double-double machine and is playing like an all-star 13 games into the season.
Odom is averaging 14.6 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game and 3.9 assists per game. The Lakers would not be 11-2 if it were not for the efforts of Lamar Odom, and he has deserved an “A” for his play.
Next: The Killer “Bs”
