Post#15 » by TylersLakers » Sat Jun 19, 2010 7:13 pm
Kobe Bryant- A: Was our leader and played like his normal self for most of the season. After the All Star Break, he didn't play well because of injuries so that's why I don't give him an A+.. He carried us for most of the playoffs so you definitely have to recognize him for that.
Andrew Bynum- A-: I've got Andrew at a pretty high grade and I don't see how he doesn't deserve it. He played great most of the season until he got hurt down the stretch for the last 10-15 games, which proved to be pretty meaningless anyways. He was a big factor to this team and it was evident when he wasn't in the game. He's finally embraced the role of being our anchor on the defensive end and him and Pau Gasol really clicked this season, which is something we were all waiting for. You also can't forget what he did at the start of the season while Gasol couldn't play because of injury. 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks. Can you ask for anything more? Add in the fact the guy was playing in the playoffs on one leg and he had the balls and mental toughness to block it out and play well.
Pau Gasol- B+: Pau missed games early because of a hamstring issue, and there were some nights this season where he wasn't himself as he was trying to come back from the injury. He was even benched down the stretch of a couple games on the road where Andrew's toughness brought a different element. As the season grew though, he got back to being himself and played like it. He was excellent in the playoffs and the majority of the Finals, he dominated. A summer of rest is going to do him well and he'll come back and return to the "A" grade next season.
Ron Artest- B+: Came in a little too heavy from too much working out, if that's possible. It affected him early, but his defense was pretty damn good most of the season and it was a robbery he didn't make the All Defensive team. Offensively, he never really found himself or his niche in the triangle. He just needs to remember he was an 18 PPG scorer the majority of his career and I'm hoping he does a little more of it next season. In the playoffs, you couldn't have asked for a better defensive performance. He shut down Kevin Durant and limited Paul Pierce. That's the reason why we got him, when you look back on it. And if someone said to you at the start of the season, "If he shuts down Kevin Durant, is inconsistent offensively throughout the season, holds Paul Pierce to a low FG percentage in the Finals and we win the Chip," do you take it? I know I would have.
Lamar Odom- C+: Never had quite the impact this season off the bench and I thought he could have been a lot more aggressive since he had more time with that unit this season. I know we've been saying this his entire Laker career, but when he has a favorable match-up.. Damn, be aggressive. That said, he came through in the Phoenix series and is one of the leaders on this team. I still wouldn't trade him because you need three very good big men to win in this league and he provides that third option after Gasol and Bynum.
Derek Fisher- C+: Even though he was absolutely great the majority of the playoffs, you can't overlook the regular season he had. He can't stay in front of PG's in the regular season because it's such a work on his body and especially at his age. That said, he had his moments in the regular season knocking down shots like we expect and in the playoffs he was a new player for the most part, also which we expected. Big shot after big shot, and his defense was pretty damn good when he put forth a full effort and had a chance to prepare for each guy. Besides Westbrook, he was great against every other guard we went against. The extra stuff that he brings is a reason by itself why we have to bring him back. The vocal leadership, Kobe's trust, etc
Shannon Brown- C-: At this point, his role is to bring energy and those plays that can ignite a team. He did that and he's also another option on this team of a guy who can create his own shot. That said, if he returns next season, he needs to realize who he is. Knock down catch and shoot shots, be a slasher, and play hard nosed defense. He needs to be a Trevor Ariza type player from the guard position. He's got the talent to do it, that's not even a question.
Sasha Vujacic- D+: I really pull for Sasha but you just keep on waiting for him to be the player he was before he put the pen to the paper, and it just doesn't happen most of the time. And just when he was starting to get into a rhythm, he got hurt. He needs shots and a good amount of minutes off the bench and I think he's going to get that next season. It's also a contract year again for him, which helps us, for sure. He played pretty well in the Finals though and I'm hoping he works on his game this season and puts it to work next season.
Jordan Farmar- D-: This is one of those grades on one of those subjects in school where you were just about to fail the test and then got the last question right to break even and you can go home and tell mom and dad, "Yeah! I passed!" He doesn't play D, he's pretty selfish offensively, and he doesn't play his role. However, he does have a lot of talent and if he can get with the right team and possibly be a starter, I think he'll do a pretty solid job pushing tempo for a team that is lottery bound. With that said, he played pretty good in Game 6 and brought one of the moments of our season when he beat Rondo to that loose ball.
Josh Powell- C: Never got the minutes that he did last season, so it's hard to judge. But he's important just to the morale of the team and in the locker room. He's one of the best teammates and he's always ready to come in and play when needed.. the opportunity just never came. You also never hear him complain, which is another thing that I like about him. I hope we bring him back for around 1 million a season. He's going to test the market though and do what's best for his family, which he should do.
Luke Walton- F: It really sucks how much injuries have robbed this guy of being a pretty solid role player on a team. He used to be a solid outside shooter and great facilitator, but his ankle injuries and back injuries have robbed him of that even. At this point, pretty much all he can do is be a passer. Inbounding situations, or spot minutes against the right teams. He'll most likely be back because of his contract (although I pray some GM has a mental breakdown and his wife begs him to trade for Luke) and if so, he needs to get healthy and shoot a thousand jump shots a day.
DJ Mbenga- D: DJ is who he is. He provides a toughness element in practice, and when he plays actual meaningful minutes, he's going to block shots and give maximum effort. I think we'll probably bring him back at a minimum contract to fill out the roster.
Adam Morrison- INCOMPLETE:: Good bye, Adam. I hope you enjoy telling your great grandchildren how you won two championships for the Lakers.
).
. He needs to teach Pau how to do it better, because Pau's is embarrasing at times, like he's taking the Nestea plunge.
), I want more Dragic-Sasha romantic comedy drama.
