Laker Season Report Cards:
Andrew Bynum emerged as one of the best centers in the NBA and the Lakers used him a lot in their offense. Bynum was named to his first All-Star team and will be very coveted this off-season. However, Bynum lost points with his lack of maturity and childish behavior.
Metta World Peace had a very slow start to the season and he blamed it on his injuries. However, once World Peace got his body fully healthy he was a great contributor to the roster and someone Kobe Bryant trusted.
Matt Barnes quickly became the starter for the Lakers and unlike last season, he was consistent from the perimeter. Nevertheless, Barnes loss the trust of the coaching staff with his embarrassing play in the post-season.
Kobe Bryant was the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers and played a terrific season. Bryant received knee procedures in the off-season and looked like a completely new player in 2011-12. Still, despite Kobe’s excellence he could not win his sixth NBA title.
Steve Blake had a much better shooting season in 2011-12 and often closed out games in the post-season. Blake hit timely threes in the first round, but he was criticized for his failures in the second round.
Jordan Hill got traded to the Lakers during the trade deadline, and did not see playing time at first. However, as the season went on Hill gained the respect of his teammates and provided instant energy off the bench.
Ramon Sessions was also acquired during the trade deadline, and he was given a lot of expectations. Although Sessions played well in his first weeks, he lost some followers with his post-season play.
Pau Gasol was the third option this season behind Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant. Gasol once again was very limited in the post-season and his could have been his last run with the Lakers.
Darius Morris saw some playing time in the opening portion of the season, but received an incomplete grade for his lack of court time.
For a coach replacing Phil Jackson, Mike Brown did a solid job with the Lakers. Brown had to deal with a lot of pressures and egos, but brought the Lakers to the second-round of the playoffs.