In his post-game interview, Kobe Bryant said about his team: “we’re not going anywhere.”

His optimism is encouraging, but the reality is that the Lakers really aren’t going anywhere, and not in a good way. For the second straight year, the Lakers met an opponent in the 2nd round and L.A. was outplayed.

Phil Jackson. Mike Brown. Whatever you think about the coaching situation, the Lakers got drubbed out of the playoffs 4-0 against the Dallas Mavericks, last year, and 4-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The Lakers looked just as lost and dumbfounded when the Thunder took control (late in games) as they did when the Mavs were busting endless three’s on them.

For the second straight postseason, Pau Gasol underperformed. Over his career, Gasol has been a fantastic and consistent 18 and 9 player. But, he has had two poor playoff performances in a row—very unlike him. With Gasol it’s likely a mental thing. If he can get his confidence right, maybe more touches within the flow of the offense and a ‘green light,’ he should be fine. He’s 31. He could be declining, but his strong regular season, 17 ppg and 10 rpg, points to something else.

In the playoffs, Gasol did not show up offensively, but his rebounds were good and his defense was excellent. Overall, Gasol had one great game, the closeout game against the Denver Nuggets, where Gasol had 23 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. Overall, Gasol gave the Lakers 12.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, and 2 bpg. In 12 games, Gasol showed up once.

Gasol’s got to go. If the Lakers are “going anywhere.”

Gasol’s frontcourt teammate Andrew Bynum had his first good showing in the playoffs. With only two average games, their first and last games, Bynum looked like he was starting to figure out how to play big in big games and big moments. In the playoffs, Bynum put up a strong: 16.7 ppg, 11.1 rpg, and 3.1 bpg. So, either Bynum is staying or he has made himself a more valuable trading chip. I could go either way on Bynum—his health always seems like an issue.

Now, as for Kobe Bryant, those who think “he’s done” and too old are right in one respect. He will turn 34 in August. But, Bryant was second in scoring—in the closest scoring race on record—, continued scoring 30.0 ppg in the playoffs, and finished his last game of the season with 42 points (no assists) shooting a blistering 54%. By all accounts, Bryant wants to finish his career as a Laker, so don’t plan on seeing him in another jersey. And, especially given all the vicious throw-downs Bryant had in the last game, Kobe more than proved that he still has something left in the tank.

One of Kobe’s Best Dunks of the Game:

Ramon Sessions has the player-option, and given that he never tasted the playoffs before coming to L.A., and that Coach Brown basically gave him the reigns to one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA, I figure he will pick up the option and stay. This means that Sessions is going to have to grow and learn from this experience, as they all will, but Sessions, especially. Among other things, Sessions needs to be more like Chris Paul, and less like Russell Westbrook. Get your shot when it’s there—and push the break every time—, but make sure to get everybody involved.

There are a few players whose contracts are up, like Matt Barnes and Jordan Hill, both of whom the Lakers should re-sign because they help bolster their already thin bench.

Even if the Lakers use their trade exception and amnesty wisely, L.A. is going to have make a trade(s) if they want to contend in the Western Conference playoffs. When asked if this was it for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant responded: “I’m not going for that s***!” We’ll see what management can do to back Bryant up.

Eventually, Kobe Bryant will be too old, or the cast too weak, to beat the young, energetic Thunder. Will it be this season? With the Lakers down 0-1 behind a resounding 119-90 win by the Thunder, it is very possible.

Bryant will also be reminded of change in another way. For the first time in his career Bryant is facing his old running mate Derek Fisher, with whom he won 5 NBA Championships, in the playoffs.

Fisher and Bryant played together for most of 13 years, much longer than most marriages in Los Angeles.

On his own, Derek Fisher cemented his reputation as a solid contributor to good basketball teams. Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Derek Fisher helped lead the Utah Jazz to the 2006-2007 Western Conference Finals, where they were dismissed by the San Antonio Spurs in 5.

Fisher’s Heroics with the Jazz:

Of course, neither Fisher, nor Bryant has ever won a championship without the other. And one of those dreams will end this series, at least for the season.

The Thunder made quick work of the defending Champion Dallas Mavericks sweeping them in 4, although the games were hard-fought. And, the Lakers struggles against the Denver Nuggets were evidenced by having to play a game 7.

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ last series against the Nuggets, their new additions Ramon Sessions, who scored about 10 ppg, and Jordan Hill, who had two double-doubles in the first round series, played essential roles. Sessions has quickness, and is quick to learn from his mistakes. And, Hill is doing his best Lamar Odom impression. But, will they be able to produce such efforts on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder?

In game one against the Thunder they both struggled, so only time will tell.

Other than maybe Kobe Bryant, Jordan Hill, Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and sometimes Ramon Sessions, the rest of the Lakers seemed disengaged.

So much for Andrew Bynum’s pre-game blackboard material for George Karl’s Nuggets when Bynum said that ‘close-out games are actually pretty easy.’

Bynum, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds for L.A. in a 102-99 loss to the Nuggets, hopefully learned that closeout games are not so easy.

The big reason for the Lakers’ success during the season—their big men—were notably ineffective, while JaVale McGee had a terrific game. Despite making some errors of his own, like trying to block a dunk from inside the cylinder of the rim, McGee was very active and found his way to 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

McGee’s highlights:

The Lakers must learn from Game 5 that even Kobe Bryant going off is not going to be enough every time. Balanced offense (and defense) is a key. Getting Pau Gasol and Bynum their touches is important. During the regular season, Bynum averaged over 13 shot attempts per game, Gasol over 14 attempts, but in their game 5 loss to the Nuggets, Gasol and Bynum combined for only 19 shots.

Kobe Bryant, 43 points and 2 steals, almost sealed the comeback win in spite of how out of sorts the Lakers’ offense and defense looked almost the entire game.

Kobe’s 43 points:

What killed the Lakers—besides Andre Miller’s 24 points and 8 assists off the bench—was an overall lack of Lakers’ effort and focus. The only time the entire team looked engaged was about the last five minutes of the 4th quarter, when they went on a furious run that almost brought them all the way back from a 90-75 deficit.

The Nuggets are young, hungry, and talented. They have proven that they can beat the Lakers. It’s up to the Lakers to respond and close the series out before it’s too late.

In both games, the Lakers took big leads, only to let them slip away. After losing their early 27-14 lead in game one, the Lakers still managed to win 103-88. But, in game two (where the Lakers led 13-2), the Nuggets made it interesting as they fought back until the bitter end, finally relenting in a 104-100 loss to L.A.

It seems the Lakers know they can beat the Nuggets, and only a lack of focus and effort could cause the Lakers to crumble.

Nuggets v Lakers game 2:

For the Nuggets, their up-tempo style has given the Lakers problems. The key for the Lakers is controlling the tempo, making it a half-court game and slowing the game down. If the Nuggets can turn the game into a track meet, they have a better chance to win. When the Lakers play a patient, half-court style and work the basketball inside-out, they can be successful. The team that can dominate the tempo will win the series.

In the first two games, Bynum and Bryant have been beastly. Bynum’s historic triple-double in game one and Bryant’s 38 points in game two have the Lakers looking to go up 3-0. But, if they plan to do so, their starters must play well enough to make up for the Lakers’ bench, which will likely struggle on the road.

Bynum’s triple double:

Other than the Miami Heat, who blew out the New York Knicks by 33 in game one and won by 10 in game two, the Lakers are the only team that is cruising through their first round series. Even in the Oklahoma City Thunder v Dallas Mavericks series, each game has been hotly contested. Having some close games, overtimes—losses even—helps teams develop more championship grit. Since Ramon Sessions and Jordan Hill are new to the team, it may benefit the team as a whole to go through some of these playoff growing pains.

The Lakers may hope for some road woes sooner rather than later in these playoffs, so while it’s been smooth sailing so far, the Lakers actually need some foul weather before they (likely) meet the Thunder.

In the middle of an eventual double-overtime win for the Lakers over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Peace threw down a vicious dunk, one of several, and then threw an equally vicious elbow to the back of the head of an unsuspecting James Harden.

No Peace:

Despite World Peace’s slow start to the season, he had become a solid contributor again. For the season, World Peace has given the Lakers a modest:

7.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.1 spg

Peace has only been shooting 39% from the field and less than 30% from three point range, and that’s not getting it done. But, Peace provides a great perimeter defender for wing players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James, and the Lakers will miss that.

The first game Peace misses is against his old team the Sacramento Kings, whom he usually plays well against.

That leaves six playoff games. And, in the 1st round, the Lakers will either play the Denver Nuggets or the Dallas Mavericks, depending on the next couple games. Right now it’s Denver by half a game.

If the Lakers play Denver, the Lakers should win in five or six—sorry Nuggets fans. Despite the Nuggets’ depth, the Lakers have Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, and with them plenty of championship experience. Bryant used to devour the Nuggets when they had Carmelo Anthony; I’m sure now he sees them as a team without an alpha dog scorer.

If the Lakers have to play against Dallas for the second year in a row, I worry that it will be a long series; it might even go all the way. The Lakers would be looking to exact revenge on the Mavs, but the champs won’t want to go down easy, especially to the team they swept on their way to the crown last season.

Dallas sweeping the Lakers:

So, that will be it. Peace should miss the first round, which works out well enough for the Lakers because they will probably see the Thunder in the 2nd round. And the Lakers will obviously need to find Peace in order to cover the amazing Kevin Durant.

In the meantime, Matt Barnes will get some extra minutes, and the Lakers should get by okay.

After Andrew Bynum led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory in overtime against the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, many are wondering if Bynum has become the best center in basketball.

Bynum scored 23 points and pulled in 16 rebounds on 9/24 shooting and 0 blocks against the Mavericks, helping the Lakers sweep the season series 4-0 against Dallas, the team that swept the Lakers out of the playoffs last season.

And this follows the 30 rebounds, 16 points, and 2 blocks Bynum had in a 98-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs, only the 2nd 30+ rebound game in the last 15 years. As well as Bynum’s 30 points and 3 blocks in a victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

This season, Andrew Bynum is putting up great numbers across the board.

Bynum 2011-2012

PPG / RPG / FG% / BPG
18.6 / 12.2 / 55.8% / 1.95

Bynum Highlights:

Leading the league in rebounding is the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard with 14.5 rpg. Bynum is the 2nd leading rebounding center in the NBA behind Howard.

Leading the NBA in points per game is the Lakers Kobe Bryant, but Dwight Howard is the leading scoring center in the NBA at 20.6 ppg. The Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (19.4 ppg) is 2nd and Bynum (18.6 ppg) is the 3rd leading ppg center in the league.

The league leaders in field goal are usually big guys. The New York Knicks’ Tyson Chandler leads the league in FG% with a scorching 67.4% by a large margin (about 10%) over the competition. Howard, Marcin Gortat (Suns), and Bynum are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively.

The Denver Nuggets’ JaVale McGee leads NBA centers in blocks per game with 2.31 bpg, while Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka leads the league overall with 3.63 bpg. Howard is 3rd with 2.15 bpg, and Bynum is 6th with 1.95 bpg, behind the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and Indiana Pacers’ Roy Hibbert.

Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies leads NBA centers in assists with 3.2 apg. Howard is 6th and Bynum is 9th in assists among centers. 3x Defending Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard leads centers in steals per game with 1.50, while Bynum is 23rd.

The double-double race is a bit closer with Howard leading the league with 43 double-doubles, and Bynum following 2nd with 36 double-doubles.

Bynum may be the most unstoppable offensive center in the NBA, and he is among the best defenders in the league. Unfortunately for Bynum, Howard seems to just slightly outmatch him in every area.

So, while Andrew Bynum is having a fantastic season, it is a little premature to crown him king of the key.

But the surprise of the game was the Clippers’ Caron Butler who broke out of his shooting slump with a 28-point night.

The Clippers have been on a historic 7-game winning streak, their best in about 20 years, while the Lakers have been developing chemistry new their new acquisitions.

It did not matter in this game. The Lakers were confident and played like the better team, despite three or four eye-popping dunks by Blake Griffin. Here are two of them:

Griffin rebound dunk:

Griffin Posterizes Pau Gasol:

In the first half, the Lakers led 63-55. The Lakers played good offense, but almost no defense, especially on Caron Butler who was on fire. Kobe and Bynum had strong performances in the first 24 minutes, both of them shooting the lights out.

At halfway thru the 3rd, the Lakers took a 70-59 lead behind Bryant and Bynum’s brilliance, but the Clippers fought back, largely fueled by the emotion produced from Griffin’s monstrous slam over Gasol. But, it was not enough. Both teams went back and forth in the final minutes, with the Lakers prevailing on another clutch shot by Kobe Bryant:

Bryant’s 31 points were big, but none were bigger than that basket. Bynum paced the Lakers with 36 points, 4 blocks, and 8 rebounds. In a losing effort, the Clippers were led by Butler, 28, and Paul, 22 points and a terrific 16 assists. Blake Griffin added 15 points and 14 rebounds.

It was not just another day in Laker history when Derek Fisher was traded, not for Kobe Bryant, and not for the fans. The sturdy, reliable team player that is D-Fish was the last remaining member of Bryant’s first championship team in 2000. When he reflects about his time with Fisher, Bryant’s memories sound a lot like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They spent summers together, playing against each other, sharpening their skills. In terms of maturity and perspective, Fisher was one of Bryant’s touchstones (the other may have been Phil Jackson). Even Bryant has admitted that Fisher will be missed:

Bryant and Fisher:

But, Kobe no longer has Shaquille O’Neal, Phil Jackson, or Derek Fisher. And he’s never won a title without at least two of them.

Remember the last time Bryant didn’t have Fisher? The Lakers missed the playoffs one of those years, even with Bryant at the top of his game.

The Lakers lost the experience of Fisher, Luke Walton, and Jason Kapono, while picking up youth, in two 25-year olds, point guard Ramon Sessions and power forward Jordan Hill, a #8 pick in the 2009 draft. As Shaq is famous for saying about Michael Jordan’s comeback with the Washington Wizards, “39 ain’t 29, bro.” Even though Fisher will be deeply missed, the Lakers upgraded at point guard, going from 37 to 25 years old. That’s a big difference that can already be seen when Sessions is in the game for the Lakers.

Jordan Hill:

Ramon Sessions:

With these moves, the Lakers have hopefully plugged the whole in the bench left by the loss of Lamar Odom. And, they have upgraded with a quick, highly skilled point guard who is good in transition. Like Bryant said, “we believe Sessions has that DNA,” that ability to learn how to win championships.

It’s a gamble, but all sports are. The Lakers have lost the only link, besides their leader Kobe, to the first championship three-peat, in losing Fisher. But, the Lakers have upgraded with youth in positions the Lakers needed. Just like Bryant, fans, and the critics wanted, the Lakers upgraded. It wasn’t a 2004-like re-load, a team that featured Gary Payton, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Derek Fisher. But, the Lakers are making a calculated gamble on youth.

The only question will be how the Lakers’ chemistry develops, and if Hill and Sessions will develop that championship grit. The Lakers’ new acquisitions look good, but their record is not anything special since the trades, and they just lost only their second home game since Christmas.

1) Point Guard (Derek Fisher)

Lakers get: Mo Williams
Los Angeles Clippers get: Derek Fisher and Steve Blake

The Clippers have struggled since losing Chauncey Billups and an experienced champion point guard like Derek Fisher might fill that position nicely. Of course, Fisher, too, has a reputation for making big shots. Blake is there to make the numbers work and, besides, he’s already been a Clipper, recently, so that would be a smooth transition back into Vinny Del Negro’s system. As for the Lakers, 29 is not 37, so clearly Williams give them younger legs at the point guard position.

2) Shooting Guard (Kobe Bryant)

Lakers get: LeBron James and Mike Miller
Miami Heat get: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Goudelock

I’m not saying it’s the best idea, but even Wilt Chamberlain was traded (twice).
The Heat look great in the regular season, again, but will their post-season struggles return? Remember, LeBron is now 0-2 in the Finals. Kobe is 5-2. The Lakers upgrade with a youthful superstar, and the Heat upgrade by getting possibly the best closer in the game today, which might help them win a few titles NOW. And sure, they don’t play the same position, but does that really matter? Wade and Bryant would make a scary backcourt for Miami. For the Lakers, just give LeBron the ball and let him run the show. Coach Mike Brown obviously knows LeBron’s game and how to build a winning team around him.

3) Small Forward (Metta World Peace)

Lakers get: Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson
Milwaukee Bucks get: Pau Gasol and Luke Walton

You typically have to give up something to get something in NBA trades, hence the use of Gasol, who was already emotionally hurt by the league-nixed Chris Paul deal, here as a trading chip. This relieves some cap room for the Lakers and provides them with serviceable pieces at center and small forward/shooting guard. Bryant, although he has battled Jackson on the court, would appreciate him for his strong-will and determination. For the Bucks, it delivers Brandon Jennings a solid and, most importantly, healthy running mate in Gasol.

4) Power Forward (Pau Gasol)

Lakers get: Marcin Gortat, Jose Calderon, and Jared Dudley
Phoenix Suns get: Pau Gasol
Toronto Raptors get: Steve Blake, Shannon Brown, and Sebastian Telfair

Admittedly, this does less for Toronto, but with all the new guards, the trade does not affect their projected wins much. Since the Suns are into collecting All-Star relics (Steve Nash, 38, Grant Hill, 39, and Michael Redd, 32), they should like Gasol. Besides, he still some has good years left. And, c’mon, the combo of Gasol and Nash would be something special, no matter how old they are. For the Lakers, this is a cost-effective move that addresses multiple problems: point guard, 3-point shooting, and the Gasol situation.

5) Center (Andrew Bynum)

Lakers get: Dwight Howard
Magic get: Andrew Bynum

The Lakers need Howard in the purple and gold; the Magic cannot lose Howard for nothing. Numbers-wise, a straight-up swap works, but there are a number of ways this could be drawn up. The Lakers, however, do not want to get saddled with Hedo Turkoglu’s contract, or do something silly like letting of two bigs for one. And, to be honest, I think that’s what’s holding up the trading of Dwight Howard—the Magic want Turkoglu’s ridiculous contract included and there are not many teams out there, especially with the new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), who want to take on that contract.

With all this said, I think Bryant and Fisher will retire in Lakers’ uniforms.

Although the Lakers are looking better than earlier in the season, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks that they should win the NBA title as the team is currently constructed, so some moves need to be made.

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.

Coming off 27 points in the All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant led the way with 31 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, double-double, contributed solid games as well. The Lakers’ bench, in particular Matt Barnes, Troy Murphy, and Steve Blake, came thru with a nice performance. And, the Timberwolves’ bench was incredibly productive, led by Michael Beasley, Martell Webster, and Anthony Randolph.

Half way thru the season, the Lakers have reportedly been pursuing trades, but even without one their playoff hopes are still alive. In fact, the Lakers could make a good playoff run as currently constructed. While they may not be championship caliber right now, they are ready for a decent run.

The Lakers are close to overtaking the Los Angeles Clippers for the 3rd spot in the West.

At the All-Star break, the Lakers were 6th and the Clippers were 3rd. This would be a dream scenario first round series for the Lakers. It would be a tough-fought series, and both teams would have home court. But, after the loss of Chauncey Billups to injury, the Clippers have not been the same team. With a healthy Kobe Bryant, the Lakers could make it past them.

Whether the Lakers beat the Clippers or pass them, they look like they will be matched up with an old foe, the San Antonio Spurs. This would be another fantastic series as Bryant has a reputation as a Spurs-killer.

Even in their last playoff matchup when the Lakers were considered the underdog, the Lakers surprisingly pistol-whipped the Spurs.

Kobe’s Amazing Game 5:

That is about as much as the Lakers should really hope for with this roster. Even if they were to somehow beat the Spurs, it does not seem like the Lakers are ready for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Lakers were favored and the Thunder still gave them quite a series.

Lakers v Thunder Game 6:

The best part of the season for the Lakers has been that Coach Mike Brown’s defense has made the Lakers one of the best defensive teams in the NBA as the Lakers both outrebound their opponents and block more shots

Although the Lakers need a point guard or center the most, the talk of trading for Michael Beasley for some picks would be a nice pick-up for the Lakers. He’s a talented wing player; he’s a very athletic, good finisher on the break. It’s not going to solve all their problems, but perhaps he could help to bolster their bench.

Although the Lakers were successful when they stuck to Coach Mike Brown’s strategy to force the ball inside, the Lakers still suffered from some of the same problems that have plagued them this season: transition defense, defending the point guard position, and so on.

But, overall, the Lakers looked timid against the Hawks and looked like they were a very average team on their road trip. Is mediocrity the destiny for this team? I certainly hope not.

At 33, Kobe Bryant and his knees, wrists, etc. probably do not have more than a couple more superb seasons left in them. So, the Lakers’ organization does not have much time left if they want to squeeze another ring or two out of Bryant before he leaves the game.

I still agree with Bryant, that the Lakers are being methodical and will look to make a splash at some point with a trade or signing. Until then, how can these Lakers play better?

Problems: The Bench is Weak; they are one of the best teams in the league defensively, but they are one of the worst offensively; they cannot guard the point guard position

Solutions:

1. Bring Metta World Peace off the Bench, Again

The Lakers desperately need a leader off the bench and someone to go to offensively, but they do not really have many other choices than to go back to bringing Metta World Peace off the bench. It did not work last time because they did not run the offense through MWP. Give him enough minutes and enough shots, and he’ll produce more. If the Lakers can sign J.R. Smith, he would help them tremendously. They should not let another one get away only to be signed by the Los Angeles Clippers (Chris Paul, Caron Butler, and Kenyon Martin).

2. Jason Kapono Can Shoot, So Play Him

Last season, three-point shooting was a problem for the Lakers. That’s why Kapono is here. The bench needs to produce more, so play Kapono more. Put him in a position to knock down some open looks, and the Lakers will improve offensively and improve their bench production.

3. Go Back to the Triangle!

Offensively, the Lakers are one of the worst teams, 23rd in the league. With a new coach and a new system, we all knew the offense would be an issue, but this is getting silly. Why not have the Lakers go back to the triangle, which Bryant and Derek Fisher have run almost their whole careers?

4. Guarding the Point

Unfortunately, this is one problem that probably cannot be fully addressed without a trade or signing. Moreover, the signing of Gilbert Arenas is a terrible idea. Look at what happened to his last two teams. He was a great player in his prime, but he was last a relevant NBA player in 2007. If they are thinking that kind of signing would help, then why not try out Allen Iverson? The only option at the point for the Lakers would be to bring the experienced and valuable Fisher off the bench. In his place, they would have to see who defends starting point guards the best—Steve Blake, Andrew Goudelock, or Darius Morris.

Without a trade, it’s going to be a rough rest of the season for the Lakers, but there are ways they can maximize the talent they do have.

An invigorated Bryant is on a scoring tear this season, putting up 29.3 points per game. Despite his nagging injuries, Bryant has not indicated that they are holding him back, much. Yet, before the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers took the court on Monday night, Bryant said something that reminded me how close we are to the end of the magnificent career of Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant.

When asked about how special it is to play in front of his hometown crowd of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bryant admitted that he’s grown to love putting on a show there. But then, he pointed to the end of his own career, saying that he can count the times he will play here in the future “on one hand.”

A lot of good writers have looked at Bryant’s physique and workout regimen and assumed he would be like Karl Malone, John Stockton or Robert Parish and play into his early 40’s. But here, Bryant says that he will not even make it to 40. At 33 years of age, Bryant’s own words suggest that he will retire within six years, or by the time he is 39.

If Bryant is only planning on another six years, or less in the NBA, can Bryant surpass Michael Jordan as the 3rd leading scorer in NBA history?

There is good news and bad news. For Jordan, it’s been a short ride near the top. He retired 2nd in scoring. Karl Malone then passed him. Soon Kobe Bryant too, could pass him. Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett are climbing as well, but Jordan should be watching the young scoring sensation Kevin Durant. For Bryant, the air will be getting thin up there with only a few more productive seasons separating Kobe from former teammate Karl Malone (2nd) and Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1st).

Bryant has scored 733 points in the first 25 games of this season. With 41 games to go (in this abbreviated 66 game season), Bryant will score probably somewhere between 1,201 and 1,107 more points this season, depending on whether or not you think he can keep up his scoring clip of just under 30 points per game.

After this shortened season, Bryant could catch Jordan after next season if Kobe scored at a career-high pace (like he did in ’06), but of course he won’t. He will be 34. It will probably take Bryant this season and two more. But, with good health and good fortune it seems that nothing short of Jordan coming back from retirement again, can stop Bryant from passing MJ on the NBA’s All-time scoring list. Then again, health and fortune are hard to come by late in the career of NBA players.

Not far removed from a championship team, these Los Angeles Lakers are playing pretty mediocre basketball. The lockout contributes some to veteran teams struggling, but 1-7 on the road? This is getting out of hand, fast.

The problems for the Lakers were numerous. Taking care of the ball has been a problem. The Lakers had 14 turnovers, but the Bucks only 8. Also, the Lakers missed 6 free throws (11/17), while the Bucks only missed 1 (15/16).

But, the big difference was the lack of Lamar Odom, coincidentally a night after he had his biggest game for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 19 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. World Peace, who has taken Odom’s place on the bench, was 1 of 6 from the field and did not do much else. The Lakers bench was outscored 37-24.

And, frankly, you’re always going to be in trouble when you let two players off the opposition bench score 15 points each (Ilyasova and Mike Dunleavy). For the Lakers, no one really produced off the bench other than McRoberts, who had 5 rebounds and 1 block, and Goudelock, who scored 13 points on 3/5 from three-point range.

On the road against a Bogut-less, Stephen Jackson-less Bucks team, this should have been an easy win for the Lakers. This was the Bucks first win without Bogut this season. What can the Lakers do to improve? Why can’t the Lakers win on the road? One thing that would help: light a fire under World Peace.

World Peace 2011-12 Season Stats

 
World Peace has to come off the bench and score. He’s a career 14.5 ppg scorer, but he’s only playing about 20 minutes per game.

Unfortunately, with a new coach, new system, and some new players, some of this is just growing pains, like Goudelocks’ turnovers and McRoberts defensive positioning.

Although Bryant led the Lakers with 27 points, he only scored 2 points in the last 4 minutes of the game. Kobe played over 42 minutes in the loss. Coach Brown has to manage Bryant’s time better. And the bench has to be better to allow their veteran star to rest.

As the Lakers and Clippers met again January 25th, the Lakers evened the score and won 96-91, behind Pau Gasol’s 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Leading the Lakers in scoring, as usual, with 24 points was #24 Kobe Bryant. Griffin led the Clippers with 26 points and 9 rebounds, but he did not have one steal, block, or assist. In his return, Chris Paul dished out 12 dimes and scored 4 points.

As Gasol barely won the battle of the big men in this game, it got me wondering who is the best power forward in Los Angeles today? Does he play for the LA Lakers or the LA Clippers? Is it polished veteran Pau Gasol or budding superstar Blake Griffin?

So far this season, the Lakers, 11-8, started off strong, but cooled, while the Clippers, 9-6, started cool, and have heated up.

Although Gasol has the height advantage at 7-0’, his 227 lbs. and leaner frame, do give Griffin, 6-10’ and 251 lbs., and who is built like a steel fortress, an advantage to bully Gasol, and most other power forwards, on the block.

Individually, Griffin is having another fantastic season, while Gasol is not producing at his usual level. Since last season’s playoffs, Gasol has struggled. This season, he says he’s struggled to fit into Coach Mike Brown’s offense. Griffin, on the other hand, is following up his Rookie of the Year campaign with a similar stat-line in his second season. He’s starting to add a reliable 10-15 foot jump shot to his offensive attack.

Gasol’s Stats

Griffin’s Stats

While one season does not make a career, it does seem like the tides have shifted in Los Angeles, especially at the power forward position.

In terms of careers, Griffin’s has just begun and Gasol’s is coming close to the end. That being said, Gasol has had a Hall of Fame career, and Griffin’s career is only just beginning.

Gasol’s Accolades

2x top ten in Player Efficiency Rating
3x top ten in Blocks per Game
7x playoffs
4x All-star
2001-2002 ROY
FIBA World Championship MVP (2006)
EuroBasket MVP (2009)
Spanish King’s Cup MVP (2001)
Spanish League Finals MVP (2001)
7x European Player of the Year
2 NBA Championships

Griffin’s Accolades

1x All-Star
2011 ROY
1x Slam Dunk Champion

Clearly, Griffin has a long way to go to match Gasol’s career accomplishments.

But, even after just over a season, Griffin’s highlight reel is more eye-popping, even though Gasol demonstrates a better, more polished all-around-game than Griffin possesses at this point in his young career.

Gasol

Griffin

And certainly, in terms of potential, that all lies with Blake Griffin. At 31, going on 32, Gasol is nearing the end of his peak years of production. Then, there is Griffin, who is only 22 years old. So, if you’re a General Manager picking a player to build around, there is no doubt, you go with Griffin. He’s young, talented, and has star player written all over him.

So, overall, how do Griffin and Gasol matchup?

Griffin is a superior physical specimen and an amazing, highlight-reel dunker. Gasol is in good shape, not overly muscular, but fit. While Gasol can dunk easily, his offensive style is more graceful and less aggressive than Griffin’s.

Gasol’s game is more polished, and he’s a better overall player.

Gasol is a superior defensive player, and a more skilled offensive player. On the other hand, Griffin is a better scorer, a more aggressive scorer, capable of overwhelming defenses physically.

Griffin needs to continue to develop consistency in his outside shooting, become a better passer, and defender, in order to master his overall game. But, if Gasol continues to regress and Griffin continues to grow, there is no doubt Griffin may eventually surpass Gasol in many aspects of the game.

And right now, despite Gasol’s two championships fresh in the minds of L.A. fans, Griffin is the show people will pay to see. Griffin and the Clippers are a hotter ticket. Griffin is having a better season, in many aspects, so I think you have to go with Griffin as the best power forward in Los Angeles. No offense intended towards Gasol, who is a fantastic player in his own right and a quality human being, but in terms of this season and this moment in time, Griffin rules L.A.