LAKERS LATEST

('LAKE SHOW VIEW' is taking a sabbatical for a fortnight, but join us in two weeks for more 'LAKERS LATEST')

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 114-106 PHOENIX SUNS



The Suns where still hot last night but they where a few STAT's short of catching up with the Lake Show. No Barbosa, no Stoudemire, yes problems. A recovering Kobe Bryant is still better than many all-stars at full fitness as the rehabbing star paced the Lakers with 25 and 7 rebounds. "He was in cruise control, just played at the level of the game, did a really nice job," coach Phil Jackson said. Just wait until Kobe takes it out of auto pilot. The rest of the Lakers big three, Pau Gaol and Lamar Odom had 21 and 18 respectively. Lamar also snagged 17 rebounds of his own en route to a great double, double. Phoenix may have burnt out hosting L.A. but the Suns still had plenty of bright spots. Robin Lopez broke out and almost matched Odom with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Grant Hill got his Aaliyah on with 21, proving that age is just a number. This star isn't over the hill yet. Still the sun shone brighter for L.A. as they were all round the better side. New signing Matt Barnes wrote 11 points in 18 minutes and newbie Theo Ratliff returned from a bruised knee to make a classic damaging block. Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown also kept their form with a signature deep three and a brekaway spectacular dunk respectively. While Gasol also almost bettered Lamar's double offering with a triple double but just fell short with nine assists and eight rebounds. Kobe may not have been at full health but judging from what the rest of the Lakers threw up, Alvin Gentry may have wanted to reach for the sick bag again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER: BONUS-LAKERS LEAVERS

(Good times at the ESPY's for Jordan and Josh)

Heading in to the new season with 'Heated' worries on their minds and desires for good things to happen in threes, Laker fans will be forgiven not to look to the past. Still no matter how good Barnes, Blake and Ebanks look the Lakers will sure miss the players they lost to free agency this year. On ring night Phil Jackson and the Staples crowd recognised this when the Zen mentioned and the crowd motioned towards these four. Farmar, Powell, Mbenga and Morrison may nave to wait for their championship rings in the post but they don't have to look too far for the love from Lakerland.



JORDAN FARMAR: Jordan could of been the heir to Derek Fishers starting point job. Still Farmar needed more than heavy rotation guard minutes. That's just how good he is. You better watch Jordan as he breaks out. He could be a star. Sure Steve Blake is a great replacement but it'll always be intriguing to know what could of been with this Los Angeles native and UCLA grad. His speed, tenacity, defence and shooting make him an all round scouts favourite. The Lakers loss is New Jersey's net gain however. Jordan and Devin Harris could give the Brooklyn to be Nets one of the quickest, most potential filled backcourts around. Look for the Meadowlands to soon become Farmars boulevard.



ADAM MORRISON: He may have been the butt of many jokes for years, but despite the tears and 'tache Mo is no joke. Despite the highlight reels made by Jimmy Kimmell, Adam Morrison can play. "He can really go", Kobe told Kimmel and take it from me this guys got more sharp shots than suits and more twine than pine. This former lottery ticket is no bust. Adam can score like a starter but with all the options the Lakers had he had to take his ticket and wait in line. Sure a few more years here could of helped both parties but it's the Wizards however that made the real pooper. Morrison may have been cut but he's got plenty more tricks up his sleeve. Lets just hope another team can provide the vest.



JOSH POWELL: Josh may be a quiet guy who seldomly played for the Lakers but he will be missed. He will always be remembered like Mark Madsen for coming in and giving the Lake Show everything he had in any minutes he got. He even put up big numbers in Bynums absence. When it was time to step up Josh answered a call that wasn't even meant for him, but he received and connected. A fan and team favourite, Powell's good sounding taste in music provided a playlist for the team and Lakers.com. As a player too Josh sounded a lot better than you think. He clicked in a shuffled Lakers rotation as he helped the team repeat. Josh plays like a tall guard or forward in a big mans body, is raw and seasoned with championship experience. Although it will be a shame that he doesn't get to repeat again this year but with the young Hawks he will be the necessary cover required to help this running and winning team flow. All Hawk eyes are on him.



DJ MBENGA: Sure with just a mere mention of the word 'taco' Mbenga may provide more entertainment then when the Lake Show hit 100 on burrito night but D.J. will be missed for more character 'hits' than that. Sure Mbenga may have been posterized more times than Shawn Bradley acting as camera man in a dunk contest but D.J. could put it down too. Now yes when he died his hair gold with Artest, Mbenga may have looked more like the other NBA wild man, Dennis Rodman was ready to hit a retirement home but when D.J. was requested he manned the boards and helped the Lakers rebound from injuries etc. Baby Mutombo is an ambassador to defence and now he will serve for New Orleans where he'll show the nest what a real king looks like.

Bottom line all these guys will be missed as we wish them well. They will all be an asset to wherever they end up and if the Lakers do make it three this year, somehow it just won't be the same without them. Take good care guys. All the best. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Sasha Vujacic may be happily engaged to tennis ace Maria Sharapova but the talented guard was separated from the Lakers lineup on opening night. While Shannon Brown and Steve Blake lit it up in the clutch against Houston, Sasha was left on the pine with a DNP-CD. "It's real tough to play five guards," Phil Jackson explained why the guard in his contract year didn't secure a place in the Lake Show's game following their ring ceremony. The machine ever the cog in the works understands, "Shannon played great and Steve played great," he said. "We won the game, that's what matters, but it's just the beginning, so we'll see." Too much shouldn't be read into this as the tenacious guard is still important to the defending champs. Just check Pau Gasol's heartfelt ring presentation introduction prior to the game for proof, "His intensity and his determination make him a great defensive player and a great outside shooter". The Lakers need and want Sasha, on both ends of the floor.TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

Things are sure looking up for the Lakers after their opening night celebration double up. Sure Bynum may still be out, his replacement Ratliff may be hurt and Luke Walton may have come back just to reinjure himself but one guy who does look healthy is Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba may not have been a predator against Houston but he still had a lot of venom in him. Kobe still set the table with a stellar 27 points, all whilst serving his teammates with perfect dishes. "Do you really have to worry about me finding my shot?," Kobe told reporters showing that he may have lost a step with his injury but none of his confidence. Kobe still will have to be monitored day to day as he rehabs from his offseason knee surgery. Still Kobe was feeling Nina Simone good with his 'Like Mike' tongue out. Bryant played 37 minutes against Houston but had no problems, "I felt good," number 24 said. Lets just hope were not speaking too soon. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 112-110 HOUSTON ROCKETS



Here's hoping you had a ringside seat last night for the greatest show(time) in town as the Lake Show opened their 2010/2011 campaign and received their 2009/2010 championship rings. Nine remaining members of last season received rings. Ron Artest received his first and Farmar, Powell, Morrison and D.J. should check the post, or more aptly should have been here, good luck guys. The west wall of Staples was decorated with the Lakers 16Th banner while Bryant, Fisher, Phil Jackson and his wife Jeanie Buss equaled Magic and Kareem's ring total with a handful of five. As each player received their gold, they introduced the next and talked about their worth. It was a beautiful moment watching the transition between Queens natives Odom and Artest. As for the game the Lakers grounded Houston 112-110. Kobe had a real healthy 27, while Pau Gasol stepped it up with 29 points and 11 rebounds. When the Lakers where down 15 however, Shannon Brown saved them with a marriage of 3 pointers. Still it was newbie Steve Blake's, 18.8 seconds to go clutch 3 and preseason darling Lamar Odom's no love block on Aaron Brooks layup that sealed the game with a championship kiss. The defence already looks good. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

The Lake Show tip off the season against Houston tonight.



All the best of luck and congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers who tonight will open their championships defence at Staples Centre against the Houston Rockets and receive their 2009-2010 championship rings tonight. As the Lakers yet again open the season with Houston their focused hoping to avoid any of the same problems they had in the preseason. "The whole season's all about ramping up," Kobe Bryant told the Los Angeles Times. "Even if you come out of the gates going great, you still want to continue getting better and better and better. The whole season's just a process." A process that hopes to get better 3 times, championship better. Let' go Lakers. Go get it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER: CENTRES

ANDREW BYNUM: Forget about the knee injury for a second, that doesn't tell us how good a player 'Drew really is. Besides the injury prone Bynum might have got knocked down a lot but look at all the times he's got right, back up. Plus Andrew may be back on the table by thanksgiving, so give praise. Baby Bynum is all grown up and the Lakers son is mature enough in the face of injury adversity. On the floor Bynum is killer like Brandon Flowers. Post trained By Abdul-Jabbar, those baby hooks are a great presence for the Lakers. His dunks, rebounds and paint work decorate the Lakers with yet another primary option on offence and one more thing, championship gold. Now that's a good luck. See you before December 'Drew.



THEO RATLIFF: One of the best defensive players and centre's of the 90's Theo Ratliff is definitely an upgrade even though the Lakers will miss the entertainment of D.J. like a club on Saturday night minus the wheels of steel. It's the ironman play of Ratliff however that will keep the Lakers defensive armour steel throughout the long season and playoffs. This swat on defense will keep opponents at bay while Bynums off the block. Last season the veteran Theo ran with the young 'cats and looked fly and forever young in Charlotte. This year Ratliffs flight plan might have changed but his job description remains the same. Theo looks to bring his trademark hard nosed, high IQ defence and strong finishes to help ensure the Lakers become signature champions. Ratliffs contract with the Lake Show was set because his form can almost guarantee the Lakers do this. Theo's names on the dotted line. It's time for the ink to dry and the trophy to be engraved. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER: POWER FORWARDS

LAMAR ODOM: (Also Small Forward) Things have been getting better and better for Lamar Odom whilst he's been a Laker. Those troubled Clipper days seem so far away right now. Now on the other side of the staple, these days L.O. is an established Laker and a better choice than Shaquille O'Neal right now. Although we miss daddy this Laker child worked out better in the long run after all. Lamar should be sixth man of the year this season and definitely deserves an over due All-Star selection. Still however most All-Stars don't have gold medals or Kardashians. Things are looking up for Lamar. Odom doesn't need it all however because he does it all. L.O. Is still versatile his initials should be changed to X and O. On both ends of the floor this centre tall forward (that runs the floor like a guard) brings Magic every night. Providing the Lakers with more tricks up those long sleeves. Speaking of long sleeves Lamar's wing span is so huge, it's more Hollywood sign than the Staples floor. This season nobody's going to pass him by.



DERRICK CARACTER: To make it on this team you need a little bit of character. Derrick may be short of a 'h', but he isn't a loss on 'D' ensuring the Lakers don't have an '0' in the middle. Sure Caracter was taken even later in the draft than Ebanks (58Th to be exact) but he has still impressed early in seldom time in the preseason. He's come up big in preseason games when star players have taken a night off and when the big games start this week Derrick may not burn the brightest but he still won't be small time. We may even see Derrick shine more in highlights with his frontcourt versatility and the Bynum setback. It's time for Caracter to show us the real him.



PAU GASOL: (Also Centre) Pau Gasol is the perfect sidekick to Kobe Bryant. Scottie Pippen to Kobe's Jordan with a little Kukoc. Pau can flip between the forward position and the spot left vacant by Bynums knee. Gasol is a heavy scorer, heavy on defense and an all round player. Without Bryant, Gasol is the franchise player, still believe that. It's surprising this dynamo has been asked to step it up because even though he's 'taken a vacation' this offseason when he's been on the floor he's been all work. You can tell by that greasy, sweaty mop some would call hair and that psycho killers stare and scream after big plays. Sure Gasol might not look his best sometimes, (doesn't matter though the ladies still love him) but his game is nothing but beautiful. Plus he has stepped it up to boot. Ever since Kevin Garnett bullied him in the losing '08 finals Gasol has showed the strength and competitiveness of the fighting Irish, something Beantown didn't want to see this year. This former Jackson dubbed 'grasshoper' has turned into a Spanish bull fighter. Jiminy Crickets! Once you see Gasol working those Olive Oil flapping arms in the post it's hard not to slip up. The green team better have eaten their spinach this year. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER: SMALL FORWARDS

RON ARTEST: Champagne sure tastes better than some fans beer. Ron Artest has come a long way since his darkest day. Now frontcourt, behind centre Ron was a big part of his and his teams greatest moment in 2010. As for Ron's past, it's a wrap. This champion is the Lakers wild card that cut the cheese instead of the deck. He's the one that made fans forget about Ariza before Ebanks. He forms QB's finest with Lamar Odom (Nas is proud) and as for his relationship with Kobe, they got in each others face in the playoffs again this year, but this time they almost needed to get a room. All joking aside Ron is serious now. Serious about getting better, serious about mental health and serious about winning. Number 37 made the Lakers diamond in a 'thriller' finals last season and this season number 15 is going back to the basics, thinner, stronger and even more focused. Ron, Ron is about to double up, now think twice? Bet his next championship ring on ebay and you'll be the one making guarantees you can't bid on.



MATT BARNES: From one top bracket defensive talent with a history of trouble both off the court and with Kobe to another. Matt Barnes signing gives the Lakers the perfect defensive supplement for Ron or Kobe off the bench. Barnes versatile talents may mean that even though he's coming off the bench he could still play starters minutes and be in the game at crucial moments. Ladies and gentleman, your looking at the defensive Robert Horry. When Barnes is on the floor at the same time as his dog Ron and the doberman the three give the Lakers the best perimeter defense trio in the league. Three lines of defence that even the army of LeBron and Dwyane would find hard to breach. Barnes may have some problems but he takes some offence too. Barnes isn't an upgrade from a player the Lakers have lost. There's no one like Barnes, this move is all asset adding another dimension to a team that stands out so much. There 3D. Now it's time for that three-peat.



DEVIN EBANKS: Sure it's been said before. They look the same, play the same and even wear the same number but still as much as he helps the Lakers ease the loss of Trevor Ariza, Devin Ebanks is very much his own man. The Lakers normally never get the better draft picks but the Lakers hit the lottery when Ebanks number came up at 43 in this years draft. Sure this is a ludicrously wrong placing for a player so fundamentally right but the rest of the leagues loss is the Lakers big win. Devin's in excess play is heaven sent. He's the ticket. He plays the passing lanes and is a steal in more ways then one. He can score, D and finish like Bruce Springsteen, tougher than the rest and this is all from the preseason. Most importantly Ebanks doesn't just look like Ariza he also doesn't look like a rookie. You know Phil's going to be happy playing this one. Not such a 'bust' preseason after all.



LUKE WALTON: It's time for Staples Centre fans to start screaming 'Luuuke' again. Luke may have been battling back and all sorts of injuries but it's now time for him suit up on the floor instead of the bench. Luke along with Kobe is one of the only surviving Lakers from the team that had Shaq on and since then Luke has been an important part of the teams fuel economy since the diesel left. Don't pass this assist man up because he's an asset to the Lakers with his all round play, competitiveness and heart. Luke was the perfect replacement for Rick Fox and provided he's healthy and in purple and gold, just like Rick, Luke will always be ready to go when the show need him. Like father Bill, like son however the injury prone Walton will look to make the most of his time. Unlike his dad however here's hoping this time isn't limited. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER: SHOOTING GUARDS

KOBE BRYANT: MVP, Champion, Gold medalist, best since Mike, team player. What else has Kobe got to prove? Nothing. Still however in terms of championship promise this season critics are ringing the James'. LeBron's big three in Miami, featuring Dwyane Wade and Bosh may be too much too handle but hey Bird, Magic, Hakeem, Shaq, Ewing and more couldn't stop Jordan and just like MJ, Kobe today has an unmatched killer instinct and desire to win. Plus he's got his own bunch of 'superfriends'. Critics are making LeBron the villain and their doing this so much that their forgetting that Kobe's the hero. Just wait, there will be more times this season where Kobe pops the Lakers logo on his jersey than bites it. As quick as a flash Kobe can still take the throne no matter how much voltron is formed. Ignore him now but when you see 24 come at you, three isn't going to be enough.



SASHA VUJACIC: Who says Sasha can't make a grand slam? After announcing his engagement to tennis star Maria Sharapova, Lakers ace Sasha is on top of the world. A happy Sasha could in fact be the Lakers ace in the hole. Not saying the two time champ hasn't been happy but this new burst of joy could propel Sasha to the rich vein of form he displayed two years back. Not saying Sasha hasn't been playing well in this band for the last two, but a few years back the guard was more instrumental, serving up 3's and hard fought deuces baseline to baseline. Sasha has suffered from some inconsistencies and lack of playing time over the years, but who thinks the engaging guard will make the most the more minutes he gets? I do.



SHANNON BROWN: Plain and simple Shannon Brown is showtime. This offseason may have been more of a case of 'when'? Than WOW! Still however now he's locked up Brown brings back his underrated D, his strength and his sparkplug plays and dunks. With a new deal the Lakers are letting Shannon dunk and play, plus Brown is working on bringing some more repertoire to his game. Shannon may like to dunk but he's not a one trick pony, there's a lot more magic and horsepower to SB's all round game. Plus just like Sasha, Shannon has announced his engagement to a big star (R&B singer Monica). Now also just like Vujacic, Brown laced with two rings is ready to show all that glitters is gold. Laker championship gold. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER: POINT GUARDS

DEREK FISHER: What more can be said about the Fish that's saved LA time and playoff time again? After some unnecessarily lengthy contract negotiations this offseason the Lakers reeled Fisher back in, to their advantage, not Miami's. Derek's a rookie child of '96 coming up with Kobe and in some ways since that time he's been just as important as Kobe to the franchise. He may be old but name a guard that's strength and conditioning is on point as Derek's. Need a charge, a key bucket, free throw or clutch three? There's one Fish that you can always count on down the line. Hero doesn't even begin to describe. How about taking the first two letters of that word and adding some 'art'.



STEVE BLAKE: Laker fans may be disappointed with the loss of Los Angeles' own Jordan Farmar but Steve Blake is more than a worthy replacement. Blake, a former Portland and Clipper favourite knows Staples, the Lakers and most importantly how to compete. Steve's hard nosed play, three point shooting and D is a clean cut as his shaved head. Blake is one of those guards that is terribly underrated when starting (think Luke Ridnour), but when he acts as backup he's one of the best in the L. With a deep season, an ageing Fish and a lot of bait amongst the competition the Lakers will need all the help they can get off the bench. Fortunately for them, Blakes got their back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

It looks like the start of the Lake Shows season wont be such a turkey after all. The perfect gift for the Lakers may come before Christmas as Phil Jackson expects that Thanksgiving is a good time frame for the return of post presence Andrew Bynum. Bynum hopes to be back on the block soon after increasing his practices and running on the treadmill. Just weeks ago his basketball activity was minimal, but I guess 'Drew's tired of these knee injuries keeping his career on a standstill. Coach Jackson believes that Bynum's strength and conditioning will take time but all he needs is a couple of practices to get into shape for the triangle. Jax also shared Andrew's relentless drive to return but stated, "We want him to be able to go in and sustain that effort when he does get back. We want him back tomorrow, but if he's back in two or three or four weeks, we understand what it's going to take."



In the meantime forward/centre Pau Gasol has been asked to step things up. Not because his play isn't enough however, the Spaniard is stellar. Still with the lack of Kobe, Pau must turn up the scoring and leadership and with Bynum lacking in the centre, Pau will have to take the post as the biggest man up front. Gasol believes his game also needs work but judging from his development over the years he's definitely up to task. See how far he's come from the losing Finals against Boston two years back to the winning ones this year. Gasol told media, "I'm not discontent with where I'm at right now. Like I said, I look forward to the start-up Tuesday and to be really aggressive on both ends and step up the intensity level. Let's go Gasol! Lets go Lakers! Let's get it! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

FROM THE LOCKER: RAISING ARIZA (2009)

('FROM THE LOCKER' is a feature that takes a look back at classic Lake Show days via old articles in their original format. To mark the recent Devin Ebanks, Trevor Ariza comparisons we debut 'Raising Ariza' a piece about the forward written during the 2009 Playoffs)

BY TIM HARVEY

"If there’s a ball somewhere and you know its been bobbled around, ama get it".



Trevor Ariza speaks with the confidence that is needed to be the type of role player who steps up and makes clutch plays in the NBA playoffs. Its the following morning after Trevor made a critical steal against the Denver Nuggets for the second time in the Western Conference Finals, sealing the victory for his Los Angeles Lakers side. Swarmed by reporters at practice the following morning Ariza is now stealing the spotlight from Kobe and the rest of the Lakers elite. This is no wonder as without those two steals the Lakers might have been heading to the fishing lakes instead of the NBA Finals.

The first steal came in the tightly fought game one where the Lakers prevailed thanks to that clutch steal and some crunch time free throws. Trevor Ariza uses two of the most important facets of his game in these key plays, anticipation and acceleration. Trevor can see the game before it happens like Magic Johnson, “Just staying locked in defensively, not having any mental lapse on the defensive end, and try to execute often” and he can turn it up like big game James Worthy. Anthony Carter threw an inbounds pass to Chauncey Billups that would ordinarily be routine, but Trevor read the pass perfectly and with gazelle like speed sprinted down court drawing a key foul.

These are the plays that NBA championships are made of. These are the plays that all-stars make. Former NBA MVP Kobe Bryant acknowledged Trevor stealing away for his teams win, “He made a terrific read, he had tremendous speed, great energy and great anticipation, it was a heck of a play”. Real recognizes real and having the best player in the league recognizing your talent speaks volumes for the type of player you are. Right now in this playoff picture former UCLA bruin Ariza might be as significant as leading man Kobe’s two co-stars Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. The director of this piece, Lakers coach Phil Jackson appreciates Trevor upping his performance at game ones final curtain, “Trevor had really a frustrating night but he made two plays that were very instrumental in helping us win.”



Two games, forty seven minutes and twenty five seconds later in the series the Lakers needed someone to stop one last run by the Nuggets. So again Trevor Ariza stepped up defensively. In an almost identical play, Trevor anticipated, accelerated and stole an inbounds pass from Kenyon Martin intended for Carmelo Anthony, game Lakers. Ariza gave his all in this play so the Lakers would prevail, “We’ve come too far in the season to fail, If I do that I’m letting my team down”. Trevor thinks like the type of big playoff contributors the Lakers franchise has been churning out for decades. Trevor comes from the same school of stepping it up that Lakers greats Michael Cooper and Robert Horry attended.

Trevor knows that the playoffs are a different game to the rest of the NBA season that’s why he makes big plays when the time calls for it, despite often being a background contributor to guys like Kobe. The important thing Ariza knows is the importance of making the most of every chance he can get. So even if he has a game where he isn’t one of the biggest contributors or if he is having an off night, every possession is still another opportunity. Trevor Ariza has a great mental capacity for high pressure games, “Just forget about everything that happened the play before and just worry about the next play, can’t cry over spilt milk”. This is the attitude of a guy who gets up after being knocked down, no matter how many times. This is the attitude of a winner.



These clutch plays that Trevor made is further reason to why he was given a starting position over the last few months on a Lakers team littered with big time players. A starting position which then resulted in a career high 26 points against the Dallas Mavericks, coupled with 3 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 assists across the board. Fans, teammates and opponents alike all didn’t expect this much from Ariza. His contributions has Marv Albert repeating one of his famous catchphrases “How about Ariza?”. Indeed how about Ariza, who has been coming up as big as any other player throughout these playoffs on numerous occasions. Whether it be the defensive plays, hitting big three pointers or the emphatic, rim breaking, opponent confidence shaking, energy of team awakening dunks. Give this guy even a hint of an inch of room and he’ll take it and force the ball to the hoop with authority. Despite the angle, despite the degree of difficulty and despite the players in front of him. He wont be denied and he’ll defy gravity in the way he powers to the basket.

Trevor’s moves have been on replay in fans minds and on YouTube collectively since the start of his career when he was taken at a criminally low 43rd overall in the 2004 draft by the Knicks. However if he wasn’t getting the exposure he deserved as an exciting rookie in New York, or his time in Orlando, he’s certainly getting it now in the celebrity capital of the world. Despite playing in an arena full of famous fans like Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington and of course Jack Nicholson, night-in night-out, Trevor is the one who draws the crowds gaze.

In late 2007 the Lakers gave up the promising talent of Maurice Evans and Brian Cook for the proven talent of the Orlando Magic’s Trevor. Then just over a month later, on December 25Th, Ariza gave them a great Christmas present. He unwrapped an amazing facial dunk over Grant Hill and the Phoenix Suns, giving the Lakers the enthusiasm and motivation needed to take the victory. This kept bloggers busy but also injected a new sense of excitement to a Lakers squad that was beginning to come together. It was now evolving from a blossoming team into a championship caliber unit in full bloom.



The last time the Lakers were a contender they had Shaquille O’Neal. However now a contender again thanks to Kobe and the right compliment pieces they are running a lot more in a fast paced, exciting offense. This offense is reminiscent of the classic ‘Showtime’ era of the Lakers in the 80’s. These 21st century Lakers can run and finish strong whether it be Kobe, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum. However with great first step acceleration and electrifying dunks nobody on the Lakers roster epitomizes the Showtime style of play more than Trevor Ariza. That’s right, whether it be starting or finishing a fast break when Ariza’s involved every seat in the house is up. Running as smooth as Jamaal Wilkes and taking it hard to the basket like Byron Scott, when Trevor’s on top form its Showtime baby!

Its fun to play with a player like Trevor Ariza, however now that the Lakers are looking to add more banners to the rafters they have to get serious. Take last year for example, this Laker team knows what’s its like to be one series away from meeting Larry O’Brien only to lose that opportunity. The Boston Celtics dominated the Lakers so much that it looked like this team wasn’t getting serious, but this years playoffs is a whole different game. Trevor Ariza let us know that as exciting as its been this year playing with this unit, its time to take it to the limit one last time.

“Everyone has to contribute if we wanna win, everybody has to do their part”

Are these the words of a champion?

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 105-102 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS



The second game in the Lakers/Warriors double header was held last night in Ontario. Kobe was back but the Lakers MVP of the preseason, Lamar Odom wasn't. Odom needed some TLC from Khloe Kardashian as he took the night off with a sprained left thumb, swollen nose and stiff back. After keeping up with his Kardashian, Odom is expected to return to the reality showtime of the regular season, opening Tuesday. In this annual co, Californian clash L.A. once again got real familiar with the Oakland side. Thanks yet again to strong play from the bench mob the Lake Show sustained the Warriors firepower and made sure they didn't leave Ontario with any GSW's, despite Monta Ellis' 41 hits. Rookie Derrick Caracter was showing and proving, Ebanks was raising some Ariza and Sasha Vujacic was engaging. It was a 9-0 run in the final minute however, (thanks to Kobe's 6 points) that almost sent the Warriors back up state, but thanks to some more battling Warriors this game headed to overtime. In OT it was the defensive players that guarded L.A.'s lead. Thanks to Artests (who had a great, 11, 7 and 5 steals across the board) bucket and Barnes buzzer beating rebound the Lakers won, ensuring that for last night Ontario was their house as they guarded it well. Now the preseason is done the Lakers can thankfully move on to the real season. The over ran 'Showtime' must go on however, as this 82 grind won't be so forgiving. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 120-99 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS



Even though the Lakers have been all over Europe this offseason they can still count on their annual, preseason double date with the Golden State Warriors in California before the season begins. The first of both clashes played in the traditional, old San Diego Sports Arena tipped off last night. The Lakers where without either head player Kobe Bryant or head coach Phil Jackson. The Lake Show were a 'Shaw' thing however as they triumphed behind Pau Gasols big 26 minutes of 23 points and 7 rebounds. In the Zen masters absence coach and former role player/champion Brian Shaw successfully ran things for L.A. Perhaps this game acted as a significant trial for a job opening that Brian maybe almost sure of in the near future. After a down exhibition warm up the Lakers are looking to pick up the pace en route to the start of the new season next week. Lamar Odom added 16 and 12 rebounds, continuing his all round great form while newcomer Steve Blake stamped down 18 points and 6 assists, proving he's planting his feet comfortably with this team. Although a lot of Lakers are carrying sick notes, forward Luke Walton was back in uniform and back to work registering 5 points in the contest.



It's not just the Lakers' Shannon Brown (who is engaged to R&B superstar Monica) who's loved up in matrimony this summer. Sasha Vujacic (who replaced Kobe Bryant with 9 points in last nights exhibition with the Warriors) is also getting hitched. Last night, the backcourt stud who once dated Paris Hilton announced his engagement to Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova. Sasha and Sharapova met last year at a friends barbecue and their love heated up from there. Vujacic did the gentlemanly thing and popped the question on the couple's one year anniversary and Maria said yes to the old romantics proposal of marriage. Sasha made the three-time Grand Slam champ and world number 18 his number one saying, "We are engaged and are both really happy." A date hasn't been set as of yet but we wish all the best to this couple. Congratulations.



The Lake Show are waiving goodbye to some friends they made over the summer. In order to trim their roster LA have requested waivers on guard Trey Johnson and center Andrew Naymick. Both players impressed during the preseason. In London Kobe had a lot of fun in warm ups matching up with Naymick, as did Naymick, but were sure not as much, (he was guarding him after all). Also in the London game against Minnesota, Johnson recorded some impressive time, hitting treys and looking comfortable. He almost beat the buzzer at halftime with a sweet teardrop. Still like these two contracts he was just a little too short unfortunately and so close. We wish you all the best of luck guys in the NBA and thanks for everything. In related news former sharp shooting, suit wearing Laker Adam Morrison was waived by the Washington Wizards without a week passing worth of work. Former lottery choice Mo' would still make a great option for any team, it's time he got his chance. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

"I don't anticipate he's going to be playing heavy-minute games to start the season," with these words Phil Jackson confirmed everyones thoughts. The zen master is going to have to calm Kobe Bryant's minutes down in the first few months of the season. The Lakers top doberman has been a sick dog lately trying to come back to top form after rehabbing from a knee injury. Kobe has been playing great in spurts but if the Lakers want him at his best for the tough season and playoff run ahead they will have to shower his minutes. Still the Lakers are bathed in enough talent that they will be able to make it through. Gasol and Odom will just have to pick up the scoring load. Jax didn't specify whether Kobe would play garbage or London minutes but one things for sure, it'll be a while before he starts logging the 38.8 60 seconds of burn he averaged last season.



He seems to be doing it all this offseaon. Music, charity work, the best ebay auctions ever etc, etc. So it seems only right that in this Apple generation that Ron Artest takes a bite out of the iPhone market. Ron, Ron has launched his own iPhone application. The application is the 'one and only' Artest app and is named 'Let's Do It'. It is hyped at giving fans "exclusive access to his life, behind the scenes fun and all his amazing experiences". Some of the features include a 'Dear Ron' and a 'Ron Artest's Sports Psychology' section. It kind of makes you wish you didn't have a Blackberry doesn't it?



Magic Johnson is not only selling his shares with the Lakers he's also giving up sharing rounds of coffee. The revolutionary basketball/business man is selling all his Starbucks franchises in the Los Angeles district. 105 to be exact, now that's a lot of coffee. Ever the entrepreneur still however, Magic isn't giving up in the business and sports world. As he says he's making good business sense. It's Magic's dream to bring an NFL franchise to L.A. With his money, savvy and record this dream is no illusion. Besides if one of the hottest cities in America can have an ice hockey franchise the Kings and the champions can certainly make way for an American Football team to take the throne. There just wont be much room in the Staples Centre with the Clips too. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

PREVIEWING THE SEASON: THE LA LAKERS' PACIFIC DIVISION

(Originally published in an entire season preview on 'Basketball 24/48/82' http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/)

Los Angeles Lakers



The reigning champions may not look so hot when put up next to Miami's Heat. With that being said however there's just as much shine in Los Angeles as there is in South Beach. Sure it all starts and finishes with Kobe but even when he's down on one knee, recently married Lamar Odom, engaging presence Ron Artest and aisle filler Pau Gasol are a matrimony made in Heaven, or Hollywood to be more exact. It doesn't end there once Bynum's back on the block just like lifelong fan Snoop Dogg said they 'won't stop till the Lakers are on top'. The Lake Show even added a third perimeter defensive specialist in Matt Barnes and a tough nosed, face shooting point guard in Steve Blake. They also made a steal in the draft with 43rd pick Devin Ebanks, a guy who plays the passing lanes, is as athletic, finishes strong, wears the same number and looks like long missed Trevor Ariza. The most important acquisitions for the Lakers however where the re-signing of bench sparkplug Shannon Brown and playoff Horry-esque hero Derek Fisher. Showtime are ready to roll again for the third part of their trilogy. Now with award winner Phil Jackson on the directors chair how can you doubt this picture?

Phoenix Suns



The Suns may no longer shine as bright or run as fast as they did with Mike D'Antoni but they sure have risen from the flames of the slow burning, brief era of Terry Porter and Shaq. Sure they lost some STAT's this summer but they also filled themselves up with some Turkey in the form of World Championship/NBA talent Hedo Turkoglu. Above all this however they have Steve Nash who continues to defy age, size and race with his MVP and greatest point of all time worthy seasons. Time in Phoenix may have also set for glue guys like Marion, Diaw and Barbosa over the years but the hard, broken nosed Steve Nash still leads a talented group of individuals who will rise again. Just like former All-Star Grant Hill the team continues to defy critics and time once again to become an underdog and outside favorite that still have a bark inside the league elite. Who knows when the sun will set on these Phoenix’s? All is known is that it will be a sad day when it does for a team that is always an absolute joy to watch.

Golden State Warriors



It may seem like yesterday but it's been a long time since Baron Davis met Andrei Kirlienko at the rim and rocked him, his Utah Jazz, their Western Conference and the league. Still this Oakland team are shining in all their gold proving that the gateway to the Pacific doesn't just lie in San Francisco. B. Diddy may be gone but the Warriors still have many B.I.G. talents ready to go to battle, (so long as they don't fight each other). Monta Ellis more than replaced Baron and now it seems like All-Sophomore Stephen Curry (fresh off Golden United State Championship) is more than capable of supplementing him. Still if Curry and Ellis play like Frazier and Monroe instead of Payton and Cassell they will Knick this problem in the Bucks and have a couple of points to prove this season.

Los Angeles Clippers



It's hard being the sole sister team in the league when your big brother is the most popular group in the NBA. It's hard staring at all those championship banners after just being eliminated. Still even though we may say this every year there may finally be hope in Clipper land. The LA Clippers have some buzz about them now big man Blake Griffin is about to embark on his Greg Oden Rookie season. Baron Davis also stars for the Clipshow, ready for another rerun. Davis is a major player who may be in the movies but takes his eyes off Hollywood once the purple and gold floor gets taken up to be replaced by blue and white. Soon the 'other' team in Los Angeles may be shooting straight from the clip instead of taking hits to the hip.

Sacramento Kings



The Sacramento Kings may have been knocked off their Western Conference throne along time ago but a prince has come to put the crown back where it belongs. Reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans is so good former Kings star Kevin Martin had to exile. Although the Kings could use more players as well as cowbell that doesn't mean the rest of the former Cincinnati Royals family are peasants. Guys like Dalembert, Garcia, Landry, Udrih and Luther Head are good aids to the Kings. What Sacramento needs now is a crowning moment, but in a crowded Pacific, it'll be hard for this team to not get lost at sea. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 74-82 UTAH JAZZ



The Lakers travelled to Anaheim last night for a preseason rematch with Utah, but after losing at home on Sunday to Utah it was the same song away as the Jazz beat the Lakers by a 82-74 song sheet. Utah's Al Jefferson hit the high notes for the Jazz with 13 points. Kobe who has been hot and cold on return from injury needed a jacket for the winter as he was 2-for-13 from the field. Kobe and Matt Barnes also received a slap on the T for their gestures in response to the NBA's new Technical Foul Directive. Barnes may have been in the officiating bad books but he was in favour for the Lakers feeling more comfortable with the team, notching 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in barely 25 minutes of burn. New Los Angeles addition Steve Blake also looked like he was breaking into the sneakers of his new team comfortably running up 10 points, squeaking in two 3 pointers. A positive standout in the Lakers negative bunch of losses this preseason has been Lamar Odom. The on form, versatile talent has been improving by the game and showed that even when only hitting one basket he could still provide Magic on the floor. Odom did everything, almost notching a double, double recording nine assists and nine rebounds in the box score. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

'LA Times' journalist Mike Bresnahan has reported that Andrew Bynum has been cleared for non basketball activities following the progress on the rehab of his injured knee. Bynum told The Times' Bresnahan "I can start running next week, and then maybe start practicing in two to three weeks." Andrew hopes that Christmas will come early for him and the Lake Show as he looks to return to the court in November instead of December. The presence of Bynum in the post will certainly send the Lakers the right way in starting the season. With Kobe playing well too, things are looking knees up for the Lakers. Check back at 'Lake Show View' for all your latest Laker news, but to hear it first always check in with Mike Bresnahan and the 'LA Times'.



In other news another injured vital piece of the Lakers puzzle is ready to fit back in. Luke Walton resumed practice Monday, helping Lake Show newcomers learn the triangle and if he gets into shape soon Walton could be back for the Lakers preseason clash with the Golden State Warriors. It'll be good to hear 'LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE' echoing around Staples again. Luke says his hamstring that was torn a fortnight back 'feels great', detailing, “It’s not tugging on me, which is great. I still didn’t really like explode and didn’t ever really go as hard as I could to the basket, but I was running, sprinting, passing and cutting, and all of that felt great. A very good sign.”. Let's hope Luke is back this season and his history of back troubles is firmly behind him.



IN BRIEF. 'The Boy Is Mine'. Sorry Brandy but it's Monica who has caught herself a basketball star now. Congratulations to Laker backup Shannon Brown and R&B talent Monica who have recently announced their engagement. I guess being kicked out of a Toni Braxton video in favour for Ron Artest was not such a bad thing for Shannon after all...Laker legend Rick Fox who was once married to R&B legend Vanessa Williams is all loved up again. The man who spent as much time in the mirror as on the court is currently dating 'Buffy', 'Tru Calling' and 'Dollhouse' star Eliza Dushku. Still enough of this Perez Hilton type Hollywood gossip. All the best to Rick who is currently competing in this years 'ABC'S' 'Dancing With The Stars'. Let's hope he smooth Fox does better than Clyde Drexler did. Kobe and Phil Jackson popped by to watch Rick last week but judging by their legs and reputations, they wont have joined in. TIM DAVID HARVEY

EBANKS' SHOT

Devin knows how good he's going to be.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY



If your unlucky enough to sit so high up in the bleach during Laker games that your nose starts to bleed than you might begin to see things. There goes an athletic wing, around 6 foot 8 or 9. He's got short black hair, stubble but no beard and an assassins stare. Plus he's got speed and style to boot, look familiar? Not only is he fast but he hustles and hard to. Is this 2009? This same player wears number 3 and stands next to Ron Artest... didn't he? Isn't that Trevor Ariza?

No!

Sorry to report this but one of the Lakers best championship players isn't back but that doesn't matter right now because the guy we see before us is playing almost as well as him and shares the court with defensive maestros Ron Artest and Matt Barnes. Not to mention the post trio of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum and one guy you may be real familiar with. You know the legend, the MVP, the five time heavyweight champ.

This number 3 however, giving his all on both ends of the floor actually goes by the name of Devin Ebanks. You may not know the name, but soon you'll know the game and then the first and last will be household and televised.

Last season some weren't sure whether Ron Artest would deliver the same firepower and intensity that Ariza did but Ron, Ron came up big so many times for the Lakers in the playoffs that they had to name him twice. Ron saved the Lakers and the Doberman from the doghouse so many times that they may as well of named him Robert. Still what the Lakers gained in Artest's strength and solidness, they lost in Ariza's speed and spark. Now with the addition of Devin in the Lakers bank they may finally be able to replace the liability that was missing following Ariza's departure. Ebanks is an asset that may pay off in dividends.



Devin's works hard and his plays are large. Sure Shannon Brown brings the Shan-WOW to this generations Showtime night after night but with Ebanks the Lakers have another player who can finish emphatically at the rim and a player they've sorely missed when losing guys like Ariza or the reel worthy talent of Maurice Evans.

Kobe can still get up, but due to his age and evolution of his game he doesn't go to the rim like he once did. Now when he has the floor and it's open Kobe can start the fast break and deflect to a guy like Devin who can finish, closing other teams out. Kobe and Devin have already being doing this in the preseason working the open lane so much and driving through like a McDonalds line at peak time. It's in this preseason as well where Devin has been able to show the Lakers his potential in prime playing time.

It's in the preseason were Ebanks has been able to shine (thanks to the tarnish of injuries the Lakers have suffered to guys like Kobe, Sasha and Walton Ebanks) and Devin has managed to plaster this 'bust' preseason with some silver linings in the cloud of defeat. Devin has averaged 7 points and a shade under 3 and a half boards coming into the light in front of Hollywood. Most recently he had 14 in a win against Denver and 10 on a dethroning of the Sacramento Kings. Kobe on top form, or Kobe not on top form sharing the ball and actually doing something with it with guys like Gasol, Odom, Fisher, Barnes, Blake and Artest is more than impressive, it's impressionable.

It's even more impressive and impressionable when considering that Devin is a rookie and a passed up 43rd pick at that. It's a good job the high school standout and West Virgina college player has been able to make an impact on the imposing opinion of coach Phil Jackson because normally it's impossible for any rook to gain more PT's than DNP-CD's for the Zen master. With the unbelievable development of Ebank's play in the preseason his legitimate shot of becoming a legitimate option in the season is undeniable.



Sure there will be rookie mistakes and sore hands from carrying all those bags but once the futures in Ebanks palms and he earns his stripes he's going to give the Lakers another star and state of play en route to their likely championship run. Ebanks is focused, he's even on top of his Twitter game, saying he can smell a three peat and with his fire and passion this tenacious talent isn't sniffing at any b.s.

On his quest to prove he belongs on a team with more than six go to guys and his journey to show every other team that passed him up 43 times Devin will show his full potential. Just like Ariza and just like Shannon before Devin will be called upon to spark plug the Lakers and the Staples Centre crowd off the bench with energy plays. What shouldn't be disconnected however is that just like these two guys his game has so much more to it.

Sure the Youtube highlights will come but as the season wears on and the playoffs break in these top ten plays in otherwise dull moments will turn into key plays in decisive moents. Just like Ariza for the 2009 champion Lakers or Leon Powe for the 2008 championship Celtics Ebanks will be ready and charged for when the Lakers are overdrawn. Make no mistake if Ebanks unquestionable rise continues through 82 games and 8 weeks he'll be one of the keys to the Lakers success without a doubt. Then he'll be able to stand next to Lamar Odom and Ron Artest and share more than their native Queensbridge upbringings. Let's not front however, with the way he's come up while other Lakers have let down this preseason it aint hard to tell he already deserves to be amongst the centre of attention. Devin has already planted his feet, now it's time for him to fill those sneakers and leave some footprints.

So if your sitting up in the Hollywood hill, high rises of the Staples Centre you may want to borrow the binoculars from the guy next to you because that number 3 isn't Trevor Ariza. It's someone else, someone here to stay. TIM DAVID HARVEY.