Kobe Returns to Lakers Tuesday Night

Despite all of their injuries this season including missing Kobe Bryant for the last 5 games, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just a half game back of the Cleveland Cavaliers for home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Kobe has been sidelined with an ankle injury since prior to the All-Star game. He said Monday that he still doesn’t have all the strength back in it, but it’s healthy enough to play on. The Lakers may very well need Kobe Tuesday night as they face a young and fast Memphis Grizzlies squad that has improved dramatically from last year.

The Grizzlies are comprised of several top draft picks, and a the “other” Gasol. Marc Gasol made a name for himself in the Olympics, and was highly touted following the solid showing by the Spanish team. He has become a solid NBA center that can eat up space and attract defenders. In doing this, he frees up the rest of the Memphis offense which is loaded with shooters. Zach Randolph has proven to be an elite NBA player as he has averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds 4 times in his career including this season. He leads the team in both categories, averaging 20.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. First round selections Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo are combining for 38 points and almost 10 rebounds per game. They both still have plenty of room for improvement defensively, but are both capable of become all-star selections in the future. Mike Conley has turned out to be a steal for Memphis as they picked him up late in the first round of the draft a couple years ago. He is a true point guard that thinks pass first. While his 5.2 assists per game may not be overwhelming, he does share the ball with Gay and Mayo, who are also good ball handlers.

As of today the Grizzlies are in last place in the difficult Southwest division standings, but are still a respectable 1 game over .500. If they can pick up their level of intensity on defense, and get a solid re-bounder that can strike fear in their opponents, they have the potential to be a playoff caliber team. The absence of shooting guard Ronnie Brewer hasn’t helped their cause this season as he has averages almost 10 points per game from the bench.

Los Angeles has had a target on their back all year as most defending Champions do. Yet, they have somehow found a way to stay on top of the tough Western conference all season. Many give Kobe Bryant all the credit, but the other 4 starters have done a phenomenal job in paying their roles to perfection. Pau Gasol was frowned upon when he came to LA a few years ago. Now, the Lakers fans and fans across the country realize that he is the main reason for this team’s success. He averages 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3,5 assists and almost 2 blocks per game, and has figured out the triangle offense rather seamlessly. Andrew Bynum still has room for improvement on offense, but is still a force defensively. Even Ron Artest understands that he doesn’t need to fill up the stat sheet every night for this team to win. He has made the transition from Houston to L.A. look easy, but much of that is due to the coaching of Phil Jackson.

Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar may be the most important pieces to the Lakers puzzle. They are an above average second unit that can increase leads instead of hold on to them. I anticipate the Lakers having a great second half, and receiving home court throughout the playoffs.

Tune in Tuesday night as Kobe makes his return against this up and coming Memphis squad that is eager to prove themselves to the Lakers and the rest of the league.

Related posts:

1. Kobe and Lakers Need to Step up Defense Tuesday Night
2. Lakers & Hawks look for Momentum Tuesday
3. Thunder Look to Hold Serve against Lakers in Game 3
4. Lakers/ Suns Western Conference Championship Preview
5. Lakers look to even Series with Win Wednesday

Comments