The Los Angeles Lakers are strong contenders in the Western Division this season.
Shocked! Amazed! I am completely ecstatic! I am sure Laker fans are in agreement with me. The Lakers are making a come back and in a huge way. As a Laker fan, I am astonished with the complete turn around that Lakers have made as a team. They are no longer a one man show. I can only imagine the presumption that the other teams in the League now have about the Lakers.
All I have to say is… Be afraid, be very afraid.
Where did it stem from? By their defeats, frustration, miscommunication, and anger — all being the products of last season. Which very well may be the active ingredients in creating passion and desire. As our MVP Kobe Bryant would say, “the will to burst through and achieve victory.”
This time last year, as fans, were frustrated, pissed off and completely hopeless. Speaking for me, as Laker fan, much needed changes needed to be made for next season to be bearable to watch. I lacked complete comprehension of the Lakers management decisions. Especially in regards to the Bynum and Kidd trade, which contributed to Kobe’s mixed emotions about remaining in the Purple and Gold uniform and speaking boisterous about is feelings. Leaving Lakers fans doubtful about the future of their beloved team.
The Lakers Nation dropped to their knees and began praying for miracles at the end of last season, and we were heard. Blessed with Derek Fisher, returning to his #2 Laker uniform where he is meant to be and remain. Fisher’s presence brings a solid consociation within the team. His leadership, experience, consistency and being the skilled point guard that not only we love but also the team captain that Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson trust. Fisher was the light at the end of the tunnel that was needed to refocus the team.
I will admit it. I was for the Kidd trade for Bynum. I will shamefully confess, as a fan I wanted to win and at that moment in time last season, Kidd looked like the best bet and would have redeem my hope. I know I wasn’t alone. All I have to say now is, there is a reason I don’t get paid the big bucks. I have a stronger belief and trust in the Lakers management and will bit my tongue just a few seconds longer before I start trash talking.
I have a whole new profound respect for Andrew Bynum. What maturity he displayed during the off-season with all the rumors and outspoken dissatisfaction of his performance last season. He absorbed it as a real man. No whining, no crying, not even one excuse was made by him. However, he did respond and answered with an exorbitant display of his talent and ability the moment he stepped on the court this season. Bynum is a monster, aggressive, dominating and essential to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers are beginning to look like a team once again. Players are making season and career highs. The team matured tremendously. I knew we had extremely talented players, but in the past some of them were lacking confidence in themselves and I believed somewhat intimated by Kobe. Last season, I notice that when Kobe was not on the court the team would play decent even to the point of getting us back up when we were behind. However, when Kobe got back on the court, the confidence dropped and the game laid in Kobe’s hands. This season they seem to trust each other and themselves a lot more and it shows.
The Lakers management strongly delivered this with some wise trade decisions this season taking on small forward, Trevor Ariza. Laker fans are very pleased with his performance and consistent hustle he makes on the court. We definitely need what he provides as a player, which is quickness, a strong defender, an effective offensive player, topped off with experience. Ariza was a deal in a half for Maurice Evans and Brian Cook.
Management also made a smart move by drafting Javaris Crittenton. Whom is destined for stardom. He knew the Triangle, offensively he is quick, and gouts the ball where it needed to be to get the shot. This made him extremely valuable. So much so, when we included him in a package deal with Kwame Brown and various players for Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. We all know that Crittenton was the only one of worth for the Grizzles in that trade deal. I was sad to seem him go but I know he will get the much deserved and needed playing time with his new team.
Our second unit is fierce with players such as Jordan Farmar, who has been incredible with his great decisions on plays. Making an instant impact right off the bench, he is only teasing us with what is to come. He has not even reached his full potential.
Ronny Turiaf, with his aggressiveness and strong defensive, not to mention the tremendous amount of energy he brings to the game of basketball.
Lamar Odom being a key factor, almost achieving a double-double every game, is a rebound monster, and not to mention that he can get up and down the court faster then most of the smaller guys.
Sasha “The Machine” Vujacic is consistent and reliable, especially during the nine game road trip. He’s fierce making steals and constant 3 point shots that are delivered in the needed times.
Walton demonstrates beautiful movement with the ball. Watching him pass to his teammates is pure entertainment.
Confidence and trust amongst in each other is established and showing immensely on the court. The Lakers are delivering exciting games and establishing themselves as a team to beat.
Gasol arrival couldn’t been at a more perfect time with Andrew Bynum being injured with a dislocated knee and Ariza with a foot injury. Gasol fulfilled the void that has been missing from our team. He blended in so nicely with our boys, instant chemistry amongst them. Being graceful around the rim and he definitely makes his presence known.
Kobe and Gasol are magnetic. Tell me you all weren’t squealing like I was the these recent past games when Kobe and Gasol entertained the crowd with their remarkable passing and knowledge of where one another are on the court while achieving the famous back door baskets without a hesitation, making it look so effortless. They are smoother then Cool Whip.
Kobe Bryant has evolved into a well rounded player and has rightfully claimed his thrown… as best player in the NBA. There is no need to even debate the issue. He leaves me in amazement. He has me screaming to the top of my lungs and yelling for more, until he leaves me in abundance satisfaction as he leads us to victory time and time again. He is truly a legend that has made history.
What a comforting sight it is to see Kobe smiling once again and having fun on his playground. Pure enjoyment and a thrill to see him take control while dominating the court with his will to pull through, as he would say… to win.
It is his will that invades each arena he enters, leaving the crowd with no choice but to surrender as they chant “MVP! MVP! MVP!” Leaving the Laker Nation beaming with immense pride knowing he bleeds Purple and Gold.
Lakers just ended a ten game winning streak that ended in a lost to Portland last week. They reestablished with the win against Dallas this past Sunday and a big win last night in Sacramento, defeating the Kings.
I can’t forget to mention, that the Lakers made NBA history this season being the first team to have 7-2 road trip. All this excitement and success has been obtained while having three key players Bynum, Ariza and Radmanovic out due to injuries. If we have caused this much damage lacking main weapons, I can only say it is looking really scary for the rest of the League.
The Lakers are on a powerful come back and should be thought as a serious contender for this seasons NBA Championship.
Necole Key is a TLN Staff contributor, you can contact her at Necole@theLakersNation.com.
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