Los Angeles Lakers 5-time champion, 14-time All-Star, and 2-time Finals’ MVP Kobe Bryant has said repeatedly this season that he wants to go out winning a 6th NBA championship. But how can that happen with this Lakers’ team, one of the best defensive teams, one of the worst offensive teams, and a team with a reputation for not guarding the point guard position effectively?
We have all heard the Lakers are pursuing trade options, as we know they should.
But, it seems like the smart money is on the New Jersey Nets’ Deron Williams and the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard teaming up in Dallas.
Chris Paul ended up with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns point guard, is having another stellar season, but as J.A. Adande pointed out in a terrific article on ESPN.com, Kobe Bryant probably still hates Steve Nash for winning 2-MVP’s over him—once after Bryant’s super-human 81-point game in 2006—and knocking the Lakers out of the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
The Atlanta Hawks former backup point guard Jeff Teague has taken over the starting role from Kirk Hinrich, making Teague more valuable and putting Hinrich on the trading block, potentially.
With all respect to Derek Fisher, people cannot play professional basketball forever—unless, apparently, you are Steve Nash. So, where do the Lakers look for someone to learn from, and ultimately replace, the aging Derek Fisher?
The North Carolina v Duke game on Saturday may provide the Lakers with some answers.
Although Duke’s Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics Doc Rivers, stole the show in their last meeting, this game was a lop-sided one in favor of North Carolina. #6 Carolina won Saturday’s game 88-70 over #3 Duke.
River’s game-winner (February 2012):
The Lakers may find answers in the draft. North Carolina’s Kendall Marshall, coming off of a brilliant 20-point and 10-assist game v Duke, is a pass-first point guard who makes great decisions with the basketball. He would probably fit well with Bryant.
During last season’s playoffs, where Jeff Teague emerged, averaging 14.8 ppg against league MVP, Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose got me thinking Teague would be a good pickup for the Lakers. But, since that likely will not happen, the Lakers can do the next best thing: draft his younger brother.
The University of Kentucky’s Maruis Teague has been groomed under Head Coach John Calipari, who coached Rose.
In the 2012 NBA draft, the Lakers have three picks: #20, #23, and #58. Some draft projections have Marshall selected somewhere between #11-#18. But, the Hoop Doctors and ESPN’s Chad Ford do not have him in the top 20. If Marshall does not slip to #20, the Lakers should be able to get their hands on Teague.
Whether this helps Bryant win another title is debatable, but the Lakers need fresh blood at the point.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
