LAKERS LATEST

NBA PLAYOFFS-FIRST ROUND: GAME 3. LOS ANGELES LAKERS 88-93 NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Now we still have a series. The New Orleans Hornets tied up the Los Angeles Lakers and the series up at 2 games a piece following their 93-88 win. Chris Paul played with a bandaged left hand and a plaster above his right eye, but still it was the Lakers who were wrapped up thanks to CP3's triple of 27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. The whole New Orleans crowd was uplifted by Paul's igniting performance as the Lakers times have become even harder in the Big Easy. "Regardless of what happens in this series, it was good to see the city with a smile on their face,'' Paul humbly said, but his team are still in it. For the Lake Show Kobe's performances was put on hold as he was scoreless in the first-half before managing 17 by the end of regulation. Kobe suffered an ankle sprain to go along with low numbers, still a delightfully defiant Kobe told press "it's going to take a lot to stop me from playing. I've played through so many of them that it kind of becomes old habit.'' This is exactly the type of resilience these Lakers need as Phil Jackson co-signs, "Well, it's a series now." The Lakers will hope for no reruns of last night. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST

NBA PLAYOFFS-FIRST ROUND: GAME 3. LOS ANGELES LAKERS 100-86 NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

After tying up the series at home (following the Hornets giving them the 2001 Philadelphia 76ers treatment in Game 1) the Lakers took the series back to New Orleans and took control. The Hornets crowd was a hive of electricity and excitement but the Lakers silenced their buzz with a 100-86 win to take a 2-1 series lead. Kobe had 30 to pace the Lakes but his and the games greatest impression was Pau Gasol who defied critics, his range and the game with a clutch three. "It's funny how a shot can kind of turn the momentum around for him when he's had a hard time making shots around the basket and in the paint - and he knocks down a 3,'' Bryant marveled at his sidekicks buckaroo play. "It was just about playing my game and being assertive and being comfortable out there,'' Gasol added to go along with his 17 points and 10 rebounds. Andrew Bynum showing no ill-form to his ill-health added 14 points and 11 rebounds to the knees up, despite again going down on one knee in an injury he seems to be in matrimony with. 'Sixth Man of the Year' Lamar Odom also notched 13 points under the Lakers belt as they whipped themselves into shape and the Hornets out the game. As the Lake Show smartens up, they look more like the championship suitors they're supposed to be. New Orleans need to get back to that blue collar hard work. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LAKERS LATEST: LAMAR ODOM-SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR

"It's been a long time coming" Lamar Odom said in his 'Sixth Man Of The Year' presser. I mean really were they ever going to give it to anybody else? I mean could they even give it to anybody else? 14 points, 9 rebounds all 82 games and the one main reason the Los Angeles Lakers are still even in the championship hunt (due word to New Orleans). He should be a starter, he should be an All-Star (that's surely next-'Odom A Favour' (http://lakeshowview.blogspot.com/2011/01/odom-favour.html) is still relevant) and he should have been honored sooner. Still the NBA finally recognised Lamar Odom's sacrifice to his Los Angeles Lakers by naming him the 2011 'Sixth Man Of The Year'. Kobe Bryant was first out his seat to lead a standing applause and 'O' for the NBA's new 'Big O'.

The biggest, most dynamic, versatile threat off the bench has given the three-peat plugging but at times sluggish Lakers the spark and different dimension they truly need. Still Odom told everyone attending the press conference to sit down, acknowledged his team and growing family and humbly broke down as he truly thanked the people who he wished where there to see him. In a touching moment we really saw how much this selfless, sacrificing soldier has lost and all he has overcome to be there for others first. The truest sixth man of recent years he really personifies the truest sense of the 'teammate' phrase that embodies this award. Don't think this will be the last time his career will be recognised for this. This is only the beginning. Thank you and congratulations Lamar...you've truly earned it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

(N.B. Apologies we have been out of action over the last few critical weeks in basketball, but we are back for that playoff push).

OVER 'DREW

By way of Bynum

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY



2007

Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Andrew Bynum collides with teammate Lamar Odom and injures his left kneecap, forcing him out for the remainder of the season.

2009

Against the Memphis Grizzlies once again, Andrew Bynum injures his right knee after team-mate Kobe Bryant landed on it, forcing him out for many vital months of the season.

2010

During the playoffs Andrew Bynum plays every single game even with a torn meniscus, teammate Pau Gasol recognises Bynum's great sacrifice. The Los Angeles Lakers and their centre win their second NBA Championship in as many a season.

2011

'Starting at Centre for the Los Angeles lakers, number 17, Andreeeeeeeeeeew Bynuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum'.

Picture the scene, imagine the game. The details? They don't matter, because he's here and back for good. Andrew Bynum is more then the Lakers centre, he's their centre of attention. The man in the post who delivers game after game like he was Karl Malone. Dobermans don't bark at this mailman however, they just bring him the ball, night after night as this 21st century, second generation Laker team guard their house like the champions they are.

Over the past few years the Lakers haven't lived or died by Andrew Bynum and his injuries, but their development and their stronghold on the the association of National Basketball has rested on those awkward knees of their number 17. With Pau in the post and tall enough to go centre, plus sixth man of the year candidate Lamar Odom being a true starter the Lakers can cope without 'Drew. Still however, with him their just a much stronger team. Take the last couple of games for example. The Lakers won without Bynum up front, but they can't go the long haul without him. That's why the Lakers always worried en route to the postseason that missing Andrew may be fatal elimination for the playoffs.



At least it was refreshing that Andrew missed the last two games due to suspension and not injury. After taking down Michael Beasley with a tough, flagrant foul, Bynum earned himself two games in a suit and tie but at least his jersey wasn't clothes lined this time. See-not to jinx things-but despite the time he's missed this year from his World Cup hangover Bynum seems his healthy and best ever. Even if he has worse knees then Brandon Roy, the tough, more-than-just-dependable centre is a trailblazer ready to help take down Portland, Dallas, Oklahoma, San Antonio and whatever city from the Eastern part of the United States dares to stand in him and his teams way.

As long as Bynum doesn't go down on one knee, his reigning champion Lakers look engaged with Larry O'Brien, resulting in a matrimony of contention and a three year anniversary of championship marriage. The Lakers obviously have more fire power then the 7 feet, 285 Bynum, but this former number 10 draft pick looks like the number one reason the Lakers could run towards a three-peat in a breeze. In around half a decade Bynum has turned potential into promise and promise into prominence. Plus at 23, this kid still has a decade-plus left to realise his prime...so long as his knees don't cap his time on the pine.

Right now the Lakers have a complete team of top-tier talent. From Kobe, to Pau, to Lamar, to Ron, to Derek, to the bench and of course Andrew. Inside and out, offence to defence the Lakers can keep up with anybody. They have all the elements and of course they need them with the fire of 'Bron and all his superfriends and the ice of 'Melo and his new pals. Not to mention rivals San Antonio and Boston, and former final foes Orlando. The NBA title is wide open this year as the top teams narrow themselves from the rest of the league by getting greater in talent. The Lakers may rest on Bryant, but just like they need Gasol's versatility, Odom's substitution, Ron's defence, Fisher's clutch and the benches spark they need Andrew Bynum's inside knowledge to boot.



With his ability to dish, dunk, post up and hook, 'Drew's got all the offence skills to draw more then a double-team and open up the floor. With his handles too, Andrew crashes the boards, helping the Lakers dominate possessions. This really is why the centre is the biggest player on the floor. Sure this team is still Kobe's and then Pau's, but a lot of the Lakers plays-on both ends of the floor-go through 'Drew. Bynum's averaged of 11.5 points and 9 rebounds don't do what he does on the floor justice. He can drop plenty of 20 and 10's on any given Sunday, Monday or Tuesday like his name was Kevin Love, making his games a double, like fans ordering beers in the stands. His career highs of 42 points and twice-over 18 rebounds more then make up the type of player he could become. Alos with an average of 5.8 defensive rebounds if he improves that 3.2 offensive line who knows what else he can draw out. While his box-score, statistical averages of 1 assist and 2 blocks really show the potential he has on affecting other areas of the game. Especially as his health improves and his 27.2 minute a game average is boosted to that of the numbers of a franchise player. A franchise player that he's about to become.

Right now Bynum and his tall-tandem with Gasol helps the Lakers keep up with the Duncan's, Griffin's and Perkins out West and the Bosh's, Stoudemire's and Garnett's of the rest of the contenders, but who knows just how much Andrew could dominate players like this in years time, on his own. Lakers fans will have to admit-that even though it won't be for awhile yet-Kobe will, one day retire and other stars production and prime will decline. Still, through all this Andrew Bynum won't get much older, but he will get significantly better. Sure he's not ready to put up Wilt numbers but even with the way he's playing right now Bynum could go down in history as one of the greatest Laker big men of all-time and there's been a lot of them. Kareem has even brought the Magic out this young centre tutoring 'Drew, helping this young mans potential scrape the sky like the rest of the bigs. Jabbar even gave 'Drew a nice baby-hook with Cap's playing mindset to match.



This youngest player ever in the NBA has overcame Jermaine and is the next big thing to O'Neal...Shaquille that is. He even withstood a Shaq attack, by coming back with his own elbow in his 'fro riding rookie season. You know the only man that eased the Lakers pains and worries of losing O'Neal was Andrew. Bynum isn't just a welcome relief for the Lakers from the years of Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm (no offence to their talents and services) he's one of the few, true centres left in a league where this position has become a dying breed since the late 90's. Still, even with the development of more centrally minded guys Bynum has freshened up his raw talent. Even if all of the 30 teams in the league had centre's who more resembled Greg Oden's (talking about knees) then Luc Longley's, Bynum would still be among the best, making more centres gravitate towards the power forward position then they do now. Bottom line this top big man could be one of the best in the league-if not all-time-when his career is done...period.

Since the All-Star break the Lakers have won all but one game and are on a streak that is making them look more like the deserved, reigning champions that they are and this has so much to do with a guy who should have been an easy vote for the All-Star this year. Still, it's easy for a quiet, well-mannered guy like Bynum to be lost in the galaxy of stars out in L.A. See it goes beyond the Kobe's, Spanish, reality and hip-hop stars and the players wives sitting courtside. There's also a throng of music, movie and other sports stars that lace the STAPLES Centre night after night, from Jack Nicholson to Justin Bieber. Still they all see Bynum and what they look at is more then just a star in the making. They look at the man that's going to take this Lake Shows legacy to new heights even when number 8 or number 24 is raised to the rafters with the greats.

Right now too Bynum is the difference maker between contention and condolence. Just think years ago the Lakers almost 'shipped him out' for a point guard. Trade him these days? You must be kidding! There will be no Jason for this Argonaut. Argonaut in the sense that he touches everything-from rebounds to points-like had had the arms of an Octopus, inking championships and tattooing his legend. As the Lakers get ready to clash with the titans they need their front-court God, their saviour. The man who's about to help engrave the latest chapter of Laker legacy in stone with yet another 'chip.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 112-104 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS



The Lakers and the Clippers met yet again last night. So as you would expect there was more rivalry, passion, energy and jaw-dropping Blake Griffin dunks. I mean this time he really broke everybody's teeth when they hit the floor, but at least Shannon Brown and Ron Artest tried to match them with their baseline drives and muscle flexing jams. Still in yet another highly competitive game featuring the two L.A. teams the game was a close call, (even professionals Kaman and Fisher almost got into it). The Clippers side of Los Angeles had 105, while the Lakers had 112 like they where a onetime Bad Boy R&B band. Kobe scored 37 points, while Pau Gasol added 26 as the Lakers balanced attack tipped the Clippers. Ron Artest also had 15 points, while Andrew Bynum saw double from the clip with 11 points and 12 rebounds on his return from a two game suspension picked up against Minnesota. Mo Williams had 30 points while Griffin had 22, but still the Lakers who technically had home-court advantage over the Clippers at STAPLES held court and owned the floor and their rivals. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

STRAIGHT FROM THE FOX HOLE

In the latest of our 'LAKERS LEGACY' series we look at Rick Fox, who's defensive trap set off the three-peat.

By Tim David Harvey

Who says the only way you make a mark on a basketball game is on the box-score? Who says championship role players are just average guys catching a lucky break and the coat-tails of a superstar? To those, take a look at the basketball career of Rick Fox and say that again. Lost for words? That's because like the opponents he faced, one-on-one you got nothing on Rick.

Rick had it all, offence, defence and X and O's. Sure he was no superstar, but he embraced his role and that's what made him the star of all role players. He could score 20 on his night, but at the same still make an impact on the boards and opposite end of the court, even if registering a zero like he was a DNP-CD. This coaches favourite hero could steal, block, dish and score in all sort of ways. From dunks, lay-ups to treys Rick found his shot, all because he could find himself on the floor. Fox went to the Magic Johnson, Laker legend school of knowing the floor and Rick knew his like a team leader. No wonder he was such a positive influence. His hard work and hustle however was his bread and butter. His passion allowed him to be a potent force on the court.

Sure in the early 2000's, three-peat Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant may have had the stardom and Derek Fisher and Robert Horry the big shot fame, but that didn't leave Fox out the limelight. Were not talking about this double-threats Hollywood career either because beyond 'He Got Game', 'Blue Chips' and 'One Tree Hill' this was no act, Rick could play. Even when Payton and Malone arrived Rick was no fifth Beatle. He was a significant other like Vanessa Williams or Eliza Dushku. Right before Bynum became 17, the original number 17 Laker was putting up numbers and other fundamentals that went beyond statistics but could be measured by the sweat in his jersey and the ice water in his veins.

Maybe it was this Canadians upbringing in the terrific city of Toronto that made him able to withstand anything or anyone, whatever the weather. This maple syrupy, smooth class act was all smiles off-court but not afraid to shed the 'Mr. Nice Guy' persona when it came to the crunch time of any game, big or small. Fox sent opponents due south, the Lakers had to thank him kindly. Maybe it was the tar he picked up on his heels as part of a legendary North Carolinian alumni that made him such a professional, or maybe it was his time at Boston that made him tougher and stronger then Irish whiskey. After being drafted by the Celtics in the early 90's Fox not only learnt from the best, he was next. The Lake Showtime of the 80's and the Lakers of now could have sure used and used the tough mettle of a guy like Rick.

Ask anybody, especially in Sacramento about how frustrated Rick's tough, no-b.s. play made them. Rick was willing to get his hands dirty, but he always did what it took to help his team and he was always fair as fair, by champion standards. You see Rick's harassing, restraining-order defence was the Lakers x-factor along with Phil Jackson's zen, Horry's clutch, Fishers streak, Shaq's strength and everything about Kob's game. Fox's input went beyond his impressive, balanced 6.1 points per game, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists playoff averages or his 8,966 career points. Rick proved best outside of the stat-sheet for all he did and all the statistics and box-score showings he prevented for other teams. Namely, points, rebounds, assists etc. The things that make up a basketball game. Fox was on them and his opponents like white on rice.

Just ask Doug Christie who fought him or any other player how agitating and frustrating this play was. Even Peja paid the cost as Rick Fox was like Rick Ross, the boss, or like Springsteen with the shaggy hair, tougher then the rest. Rick owned his competition. Pushing, shoving, boxing out anybody and anything to prevent his opponent the ball, whilst helping his teammate get it. Rick was the ultimate team player, just for his team that is.

Rick riled so many people up that this Canadian should have played Ice-Hockey. Rick had the right mindset though. He belonged in the company of 80's greats that played hard and sent everyone on their way home. Greats that displayed a toughness that is seldom seen today. Greats like his former Celtics or the Bad Boy Pistons. It wasn't until Motown had a renaissance that Fox and the Lakers met their match. Before that no one was close, as Fox got up, close and personnel with his man, wearing them down, on them like they where wearing Rick as a jacket. Taking another teams forward or off guard, off ball, off possession, off game and off the reservation.

He may 'Dance With The Stars' nowadays but a decade back he duelled with them. Shaq may have joked that Rick spent too long staring in the mirror but on reflection Rick was so dedicated to preening his game in a way that made the guy he was marking look bad. With his hairstyles and different looks, he may have appeared like the odd one out and his play may have been a little rough around the edges, but this Small forward was silky smooth like the Zohan. You didn't want to mess with him either. Fox left opponents and opposing crowds in fits with his triple threats like Jamie Foxx. From 2000 to 2003 he ensured the Lakers where winners. You want to attribute their success to someone other then the usual? Then blame it on Rick.

Fox hunting is illegal, but back in his day Rick stalked his prey and laid down the law (and not just in detective movie 'Resurrection'). He kept guard, stealing and reducing opponents numbers like their name was ENRON, reducing teams stock like it was Wall Street, all whilst remaining slick like Gordon Gekko and his Brylcreem hair. Fox made everything gel together perfectly, a true Small Forward. Along with Shaq and Kobe's dominance and Horry and Fisher's clutch, Rick tied everything together like a Lebowski rug. He ensured that his opponents aggression would not stand next to his true grit defence and he had a few bullets in his gun to boot as well. Just ask the Spurs, Indiana or anyone who was victim of his silent but violently deadly clutch threes.

This Hollywood, Staples icon had a calm but clinically measured demeanour like actor Terrence Howard and his hard-work and hustle helped the Lakers flow to the championships. Rick was kind of like L.A's Ron Artest now (without the NBA stardom, but a more successful second career), acting up and stealing the ball and the show in all the Hollywood drama of the NBA playoffs. Fox was sly and cunning, sending opponents barking mad. He was more of a hound, cutting and drying the grey areas to make victory for the purple and gold black and white. Sure Fox's sneaker deal wasn't like say a LeBron's, but Rick's jersey was soaked in a type of champagne some never got to taste. Sure when Rick catches a game at STAPLES when he looks up he may not see his name in the rafters, but he still saw ticker tape and balloons fall down in a celebration he earned back in his day. Sure Kobe will always come before Fox, but true warriors are more then just the guy leading the charge, their the ones behind their leader 100%. That's what Rick Fox was going to battle in some of the NBA's greatest victories. This Canadian earned his stars and stripes, and the Lakers patriot's purple heart earned him championship gold. When the Lakers dynasty was written, Rick stuck to the script, his own one.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 139-137 PHOENIX SUNS



(Looks familiar? Only the jersey is different)

Just when people where writing Ron Artest off and initialling it he rose like a Phoenix to burn the Suns like it was last years playoffs, kisses and all. The Lakers beat the Suns 139-137 in four quarters and three thrilling overtimes like they where the Nets and Raptors duelling in London. Both temas wore the 'Los' jerseys that the Suns made a huge statement with last season. Still with all this 'Los', the Los Angeles Lakers won. At one point the Lakers where in party mode, looking like they where going to blowout the Suns by 21, but Phoenix soon burnt those candles. Still once the 51-20 Lakers prevailed they made it a lucky 13 wins out of the last 14 games. Kobe had 42 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists and Lamar had 29 and 16 rebounds sinking Phoenix in a game that lasted longer then the 'Titanic' movie. Ronny however was huge in overtime and finished with 18 points on the clip. His huge overtime 3-pointer (you know he can shoot those in the clutch now Phil) was good unlike the last time he shot a crucial 3 against the Suns in a big game as he blew kisses to the crowd just like he did against Boston in Game 7 of last years finals. As the game went through two more overtimes however the Lake Show would need more players to act up and Pau Gasol was clutch from the free-throw line as he helped end the night of drama with the most nerve-wracking of shots. Speaking post-game Odom said of fellow New Yorker Ron Artest, "a basket in those situations are worth 20 points as far as what it does for the team. He made some big plays, especially sometimes when we get in that isolation with Kobe and (the other team) starts hanging off (us) and it's time for somebody to drive the ball and make a play. Ron is tough." Ron and the Lakers are clearly looking like champions again. TIM DAVID HARVEY