Kobe Bryant is the ultimate closer, the go-to guy, the facilitator and the most valuable player on the team. We saw remnants of the guy he once was during the All-Star game—the player that he still morphs into on occasion and in spurts—vintage Kobe. Where was that in Cleveland? He’s still the number one guy, yet at times his in-game decisions have been questionable.
There’s Pau Gasol whose consistency, impeccable passing ability and offensive arsenal has left many players baffled on defense. If he’s up to it he may command the basketball, but if he lacks aggression, his contributions are minimal and his play an afterthought.
Then there’s Andrew Bynum, the lone representation of youth and potential for the Lakers. He can be the most powerful player on the floor, when he wants to, but there’s been little evidence to support his willingness to be that last line of defense for the Lakers.
Ron Artest has been oblivious for most of the season. His defense, spot-up shooting, muscle and brawn remain to be seen. As important for the Lakers as Derek Fisher has been over the past few years, the little contributions he makes during games are becoming smaller in the eyes of fans who want more from him.
Lamar Odom has perhaps been the only consistent player for the Lakers. He’s the x-factor, the game-changer and when he’s on a tear at both ends of the floor, it usually ends in a Lakers win. As good as Odom has been, even he hasn’t been immune to complacency.
The bench was supposed to be a vast improvement from last year’s and for a time it was, but shooting slumps affecting Shannon Brown and Steve Blake, along with the injury to Matt Barnes has been for fans a constant reminder of the ineffective bench mob.