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.

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Los Angeles Lakers 94-99 Utah Jazz



Back again in the Staples Centre it may have been the Lakers house but the Utah Jazz made sure that L.A. played by their notes as they won 99-94 yesterday to the tune of 26 points from promising sounding rook Gordon Hayward. Bryant scoring 19 on a bum knee and preseason still gave a second scorers output as he continues to improve returning from injury. The Staples faithful got their London 02 on when they chanted for Kobe's return late in the fourth but by then his knee and the game were on ice. He may have hit nothing in the first but he took it all in the third showing everyone the form of the franchise player that he really is. Raja Bell had the closest seat in the house however watching and guarding Kobe. The former Sixers 2001 World Champion runner up was unable to contain the foe who he could of made friends with this offseason before he opted for Utah.



He will always be a part of the Lake Show's showtime but Laker legend and part owner Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has sold his share of the team to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. The Laker and Johnson family with this move have let Soon-Shiong into the Magic circle. The price of this lucrative share was not disclosed but Magic did release this statement, “After heavy deliberation and a weighing heart, I have decided to sell my share of the Lakers to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Dr. Soon-Shiong is a super Lakers fan, an outstanding businessman, a dedicated philanthropist and one of the most active community leaders in Los Angeles.” Earvin also stated that he will continue to support the Lakers and help the organisation's owners Dr. Jerry Buss, Jeanie Buss and Mitch Kupchak with his work.

Soon-Shiong's resume speaks for itself he is the Chairman of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, Chairman and CEO of All About Advanced Health and founder of the National Coalition for Health Integration. He is also the Executive Director of the UCLA Wireless Health Institute and Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering at UCLA. whilst also being a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The credentials go on for this incredible man. Soon-Shiong at press time said “The Lakers’ leadership and spirit of community engendered by Dr. Jerry Buss and his family is an inspiration to us all. Our family looks forward to a future filled with the excitement this team brings to the city and the nation. Earvin Johnson is a shining example of excellence on and off the court, and it is a privilege to have acquired his ownership position.” So we welcome Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to the Lakers family, but somehow it just wont be the same without Johnson's sprinkle of Magic. We'll miss ya Earv. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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Los Angeles Lakers 102-92 Denver Nuggets



Lakers gold shone brighter than Denver's Nuggets on Saturday night as the Lake Show triumphed 102-95 in their first preseason shootout at Staples. LA felt right at home and were paced by Kobe Bryant's (who is looking even more comfortable coming back from injury) 18 points and 8 rebounds. Kobe, however sat out the fourth quarter to rest but Lamar Odom and the Trevor Ariza, born again reserve Devin Ebanks did the rest chipping in with 14 each. It was a great showtime, homecoming for the Lakers, despite the absence of of Denver's Carmelo Anthony who was rested after his 30 points and 24 rebounds against L.A.'s sister team the Clippers. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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The 'machine' Sasha Vujacic suffered a malfunction during time on the assembly line at practice. Sasha suffered a concussion after inadvertently taking an elbow to the face by forward Lamar Odom. Hey L.O. watch the hair! Vujacic was struck just below his left eye during yesterdays practice and will need some TLC as he is believed to be out indefinitely from basketball action. The Lake Show will miss his sharp shooting and emphatic energy. Sash' will be re-evaluated today but may have some Adam Morrison time on his hands. I bet it's times like this Vujacic wishes he was still with Paris Hilton...or maybe not! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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The heirs to the Jordan throne, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will always be linked. The two have been duking in out for years like Grant Hill and Jeff Mullins in practice, circa '94. Whether it be on the court playing or off the court in peoples debates. From MVP's to championships and puppet commercials to dual 'SLAM Presents' covers the heat has always been on. Since LeBron joined Miami this summer however it has cooled a little bit. The Lakers and Kobe have surprisingly become an under the radar outsider as James and co have all the hype and championship promise. So What does Kobe make off all this? Well for the most part he's remained Joe 'Jellybean's' wife on this one but today Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times has reported that Bryant has finally spoken out about the new Miami Heat big three of James, Wade and Bosh. Bresnahan reports that Kobe's first reaction was at the GM savvy of former Lakers player and coach Pat Riley, "Wow. How did Pat Riley pull that [expletive] off?" Bryant said (in so many words). Bryant is obviously looking forward to the challenge as he said to himself "I've got to get my knee healthy", but he is not fazed by it, or the team that has been created as he simply stated towards the new motivation "I don't need it". Good for Kobe treating every competitor the same whilst sitting on the fence and as for the Las Vegas odd makers who are making the Heat the favourites to win. You should take a look at the team that beat the Kings in your city last night. Kobe, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest anybody? That's a big four...and there's more. TIM DAVID HARVEY

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The Lakers played their cards right in Las Vegas as they won an exhibition game in UNLV's Thomas & Mack Centre. The Lake Show beat the Sacramento Kings 98-85 behind 18 points off both Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. Rising star and free-agent re-signee Shannon Brown also added 17 and showed great range between the NBA and college 3 point line markings. The Lakers took a gamble on playing the recovering Kobe Bryant but he showed a good hand in 19 minutes of play coming up with 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. The Lakers may have lost big and looked as embarrassing as Chevy Chase on their European vacation but in their homecoming game in America they were as welcome as Brandon Flowers in fabulous Las Vegas. They looked comfortable in familiar surroundings, leading by 15 going into the final quarter as the red hot Lamar Odom went coast to coast and confidently drained a 3 in the waning seconds of the third. Sacramento didn't look like queens however staying in the game in the final quarter, chipping away LA's shine behind 23 points from Landry and 13 and 8 (assists) from reigning Rookie Of The Year Tyreke Evans.

Ron Artest has certainly left his mark on Nevada's Sin City more than the 18 points he dropped on Wednesday. Ron, Ron has been given the keys to Las Vegas. The Mirage Hotel recognises the reformed Artest for his charitable efforts for mental health issues. Now this one-time party hard player has all the doors to the city unlocked it would seem hard to resist temptation but Ron is a new slimmed down, work hard, sober man. Ever the character though Artest desires to make good use of his new privilege and try on some of Floyd Mayweather's jewellery and try a duet with Celine Dion. Hey if R. Kelly did it Ron sure can. How about it Celine?



(Ron and D.J. may no longer cut it for the same team, but one time they shared this curious cut)

The well-travelled Los Angeles Laker free agent D.J. Mbenga didn't join Los Angeles on their European preseason tour. The 7 foot centre has now been picked up instead by the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets have added more honey to their golden frontcourt with the addition of the defensive minded, 'Baby Mutombo'. D.J. recorded 10 points and 12 rebounds for his first ever double, double against N.O. last season and now the NBA champion is in demand in Louisiana thanks to New Orleans request. Mbenga averaged 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds last season and is a strong player who can impact even in the limited minutes he receives. The post presence will help New Orleans build towards having a strong squad for the playoffs. TIM DAVID HARVEY

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It looks like a partnership of injuries will result in a marriage of inconvenience for the Los Angeles Lakers. As the champions open their season they may be down on two knees. We already know that Bynum's definitely a no show but it now looks even more doubtful that Kobe will turn up in time for the Lake Shows first clash of the season. It seems that knee injuries are becoming a pain in the leg for the Lakers who will have to start the showtime without two of their opening acts. Although the Lakers have the talent (even on the bench) to still compete they'll want Bryant and Bynum back as soon as possible. To win the west you need a postman and to win the championship you need a star man. The Lakers will want to guarantee deliveries and wishes on shooting stars.