Written by: Keith Henderson
When the opening week of this NBA season wrapped up on Halloween, it was only fitting that the Lakers were playing at a level that could be called “scary good.” As we get closer to Thanksgiving, and they continue to carve up and serve the opposition, Lakers fans everywhere are feeling very festive.
Okay, I’m out of cheesy holiday references. Here’s the real story on what has made the league take notice, after an off-season and pre-season that curiously pushed the back-to-back champs under the radar.
For the first time in many years, the Lakers are getting important contributions from top to bottom. It’s truly a team effort, and not a one or two man show. All of the guys look like they made a commitment to the mission, and to each other. It’s as if they want to be sled dogs in this Iditarod of a season, as opposed to being the sled that’s pulled along for the ride.
The “top dog,” if you will, is still clearly Kobe Bryant, but it’s no longer necessary for him to expend ridiculous amounts of energy on the offensive end, just to keep the Lakers competitive on a nightly basis. Contrary to popular belief (that is, the opinion of legions of naysayers), this balanced attack is what Bryant has wanted all along.
Next: Winning With Variety