The Bench Mob
Song: Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Lyrical Message:
“The love me, from the bleachers they screamin/All the ballers is bouncin, they like the way I be leanin/All the rappers be hatin, off the track that I’m makin/But all the hustlers they love it just to see one of us make it”
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR5I4n912UQ
At the beginning of the season the Lakers depth was supposed to be a key strength, but by the All Star break it was clear their unimpressive bench play was a major liability. The so-called “Bench Mob” has earned a great deal of criticism for their inconsistent effort this season. What’s funny is Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, DJ Mbenga, Luke Walton and Josh Powell all have Championship rings in their trophy room. At some point in the last 2 seasons, each of them stepped up at a crucial moment to help propel the team to victory. Which begs the question: what’s the problem guys?
When you take a look at their body language, it’s obvious that somewhere along the line they lost their confidence. I mean, it’s gone. An incessant bickering between selfish teammates has replaced a once beautiful blend of team basketball. As individuals the Lakers bench is nothing to fear, but as a collective group they are a force that can stand up to any second unit in the league. Over the last two post seasons, the Lakers bench played with a certain swagger that comes with success. Once the criticism started to mount, that swagger disappeared quicker than Sammy Sosa’s English in front of Congress.
Great players have the ability to pick themselves up off the mat and live to fight another day. You need to have a quick memory in the NBA, a league where you’re only as good as your last shot. If you ask me, it’s time for Phil Jackson to sit them down and deliver this message: “If you feelin like a pimp, then go on brush your shoulders off.” Otherwise, don’t bother showing up.
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