Coming on the heels of the news of PG Steve Nash potentially being sidelined for as much as one month, you’ll forgive me if I need to embrace the “silver-lining” of our circumstances. No, all was most certainly not perfect, but there were several very positive things to take from this game. Aside from the obvious (victory), the Lakers finally found a way to pound the paint and abuse an opposing team with weaker big men. Although Pau Gasol’s shooting percentage wasn’t great (6-16), the fact that he was able to get 16 shots on a night where Dwight Howard put up impressive numbers (as well) is significant. Might sound simple, but that rarely happened with any true consistency last season. The Lakers new-look twin towers seem to have developed a chemistry very early on.
While I’d like to see more than 12 (combined) rebounds out of Howard/Gasol, I couldn’t possibly deny the positive impact of 42 points and six blocks out of the starting C/PF combo. As much as folks would like to point out the Pistons’ record, these Lakers should be commended for still holding them beneath their season averages in FGs, three-pointers, points, and assists. Howard looks as though he is getting into basketball shape, and even remarked that he feels as though his ‘timing’ and tempo are returning to him. That, in itself, should be a frightening prospect for the rest of the league.
Another positive to take from tonight’s outcome was Kobe Bryant’s final stat line: 15 points (on 5-10 FGs), eight assists and seven rebounds. I don’t expect (nor would I prefer) for Bryant to limit himself to 10 shots on a nightly basis, but in the absence of Nash, the Lakers would definitely benefit from Bryant embracing the play-maker’s role he so often provided early in his career. Don’t get me wrong, when the chips are down, I still prefer the ball in Bryant’s hands for a last-second shot. I just realize this team is better served if Bryant picks and chooses his spots for when to assert himself offensively.
Thankfully, an older and even wiser Bryant seems to have accepted this reality as well. Ultimately, for these Lakers to be successful, Bryant is going to have to make such determinations on a nightly basis. As this is something he’s done much more of over the past 5-6 seasons, I don’t see it being an issue.
Next Page: Metta World Peace and Mike Brown
Speaking of health, like many of you, I was very concerned with Mike Brown having to resort to putting Bryant/Howard/Gasol back into the game midway through the fourth quarter. Yes, it was still a 20-plus point lead, but Brown is undoubtedly in a position where the pressure is on to succeed. With all the hype and expectations heading into the season, not to mention the endless stream of questions over his qualifications as a head coach, Brown has the unenviable task of getting this team to respond on the fly.
Last season, I was on record as one of the few individuals that (all things considered) actually felt the team overachieved. This season, I’ve said multiple times that no such excuses/allowances would be rendered. Whether fair or not, Brown has the task of overcoming early season injuries (yet again), but with true title aspirations on the line. I highly doubt Brown is expecting any of us to feel sorry for the circumstances, as he had to have known the job would be relatively difficult (not to mention, thankless) at best.
For now, I’m okay with Brown having to mix the lineups out of necessity. Once Nash is back, I would hope he is able to lock down his rotations quickly, so the team can truly progress and develop familiarity. Whether he has produced at a high level to date, Jodie Meeks will eventually need to settle into productive minutes behind Bryant. It has only been four games, but almost sitting out of consecutive games altogether isn’t exactly a vote of confidence. I fully acknowledge the pressure to win, but that shouldn’t supersede the advancement of the team, moving forward.
Unlike last season, this is a team with realistic title hopes. After one victory, I’m sure there are some of you may feel this type of talk is a bit premature. I’m here to remind folks of true title aspirations being the ‘norm’ for the Los Angeles Lakers, so there really is no such thing as premature. Again, only one ‘W’ in the standings, but I feel like this team is truly going to be special. Streaks, stretches, and positive seasons all begin with one game. Could this be the kick-start this team desperately needed?
After a winless October and early November, we’ll see how this team responds to a bit of success with their road match-up vs. the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. After that, they don’t leave the comfy confines of Staples Center for the next 16 days. If the preseason meetings (both double-digit losses) are any indication, overcoming the youth and athleticism the Jazz can throw at you will be no easy task. I believe these Lakers are rounding into shape, and will be ready for the challenge.