Another opening night. Another banner raised. It was exciting to see the Lakers put a personal touch on the ring ceremony while anticipation built for the 2010-2011 season!
Opening night versus the Rockets featured the bench. The Lakers’ nemesis last season is revamped with new and improved talent. Shannon Brown had a great game as Kobe’s backup. I believe will have a breakout season. Last year if Jordan Farmar wasn’t sulking, he was shooting. This caused Brown to be confused with his role, but now he can come off the bench for added firepower. Steve Blake, my pick for best new addition, brings stability and a legitimate 3 point threat to the offense, plus defense for faster point guards. He understands the triangle and knows where best to give teammates the ball. Matt Barnes is a streaky shooter, but his defense and hustle will prove invaluable. Ratliff is going to provide rebounding and shot blocking until Bynum gets back. We will see shades of Ebanks and Caracter in the lineup, depending on the matchups that night.
Jerry Buss calls this the most talented team he’s ever put together in L.A and I agree. We’ll have to see how it plays out in June, but 1 – 12 is deep (minus Sasha & Luke). The Lakers are the most fun to watch in the 4th quarter. Knowing they have the ability to turn it on (especially when they sleep walk through the 1st half) and the best closer in the game, Kobe, they’re never out of it. What separates this year’s team from last years, was already apparent last night. The bench got the lead, instead of squandering it. A deeper bench means less minutes for the starters and a faster, more athletic group to take it to the opponent’s second string. Last year Fisher had to close out games, because of Jordan Farmar’s inability to do much of anything. Already in game 1, Steve Blake finished the game, even hit the game winner!
Across the coast, in the much anticipated, overhyped first game, the Heat lost to the Celtics. LeBron did his thing, but you could tell Wade was out of game shape. More importantly, the two didn’t know how to compliment each other. Bosh is a good player, but there’s so many power forwards just as good as him in the league. The beginning of the season reminded me of last year’s end. LeBron lost, Kobe won.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same?
Another opening night. Another banner raised. It was exciting to see the Lakers put a personal touch on the ring ceremony while anticipation built for the 2010-2011 season!
Opening night versus the Rockets featured the bench. The Lakers’ nemesis last season is revamped with new and improved talent. Shannon Brown had a great game as Kobe’s backup. I believe will have a breakout season. Last year if Jordan Farmar wasn’t sulking, he was shooting. This caused Brown to be confused with his role, but now he can come off the bench for added firepower. Steve Blake, my pick for best new addition, brings stability and a legitimate 3 point threat to the offense, plus defense for faster point guards. He understands the triangle and knows where best to give teammates the ball. Matt Barnes is a streaky shooter, but his defense and hustle will prove invaluable. Ratliff is going to provide rebounding and shot blocking until Bynum gets back. We will see shades of Ebanks and Caracter in the lineup, depending on the matchups that night.
Jerry Buss calls this the most talented team he’s ever put together in L.A and I agree. We’ll have to see how it plays out in June, but 1 – 12 is deep (minus Sasha & Luke). The Lakers are the most fun to watch in the 4th quarter. Knowing they have the ability to turn it on (especially when they sleep walk through the 1st half) and the best closer in the game, Kobe, they’re never out of it. What separates this year’s team from last years, was already apparent last night. The bench got the lead, instead of squandering it. A deeper bench means less minutes for the starters and a faster, more athletic group to take it to the opponent’s second string. Last year Fisher had to close out games, because of Jordan Farmar’s inability to do much of anything. Already in game 1, Steve Blake finished the game, even hit the game winner!
Across the coast, in the much anticipated, overhyped first game, the Heat lost to the Celtics. LeBron did his thing, but you could tell Wade was out of game shape. More importantly, the two didn’t know how to compliment each other. Bosh is a good player, but there’s so many power forwards just as good as him in the league. The beginning of the season reminded me of last year’s end. LeBron lost, Kobe won.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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