LA Times: It was as if Phil Jackson could no longer ignore the bouncing pogo stick at the end of the bench.
Ronny Turiaf was little more than an energetic curiosity piece his first two seasons with the Lakers, carving a part-time niche by collecting rebounds, floor burns and fan admiration with his short bursts of intensity at power forward — not to mention his twisting, gyrating dances from the end of the bench after all Lakers plays deemed worthy of a celebration.
Now he’s a starter, practically doubling his points, rebounds and minutes while showing a reliable mid-range jumper to partner with his trademark hustle around the basket.
“It’s nothing different from what I’ve done in the past,” Turiaf said.
Turiaf, 24, is averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.8 minutes, eclipsing the 4.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 13.1 minutes he averaged during his first two seasons. He is also shooting 60%, making 18 of 30 shots through four games.
It looks as if he’ll retain his starting job, even when last season’s starting power forward, Lamar Odom, returns to the lineup Friday.
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