THE (REAL) LAST SEASON

A coach who has found his soul.

By Tim David Harvey



"Basketball, unlike football with its prescribed routes, is an improvisational game, similar to jazz. If someone drops a note, someone else must step into the vacuum and drive the beat that sustains the team."PHIL JACKSON, 'The Last Season'.

This is it, no album, no movie. The greatest figure in the game during the 90's not named M.J. is hanging up his smart shoes and dry erase board. No more smells of incense in the locker room, no more meditation at half-time. After this season in locker-rooms everywhere in the NBA, from the STAPLES centre to the staples of other teams, after this season a calm will have left the building. Where not talking about the lockout, but the retirement of the greatest coach in NBA history after the cigar smoke has cleared. Phil Jackson reiterated Thursday that this would be 'The Last Season', autobiography or no autobiography. It is written.

Appreciate him now, while he's still here. There will be no honour rolls throughout the league, there wasn't even one in Chicago. There will be no Jerry West press conferences, despite the jokes. This enigmatic man who loves the game, but doesn't suffer fools isn't one for the hoopla surrounding hoops. He'll appreciate his time, but will slowly and calmly go about and on his way. He's already had his Jordan moment, coming out of retirement. He's not going to do it again, he knows better. Besides your not going to want to disturb this man while he's in the middle of nowhere, finding peace love and understanding.

So let's celebrate and look back now as Jax looks forward to know press conferences and basketball politics as usual. The Zen is what has given the association it's spirit for the last two decades, from the eccentric to the sarcastic, the candor to the calm. He's the master who has taught two of the greatest students of all-time. Turned the "uncoachable" into the untouchable. Taking care of Chicago like Elliott Ness, guarding L.A's Hollywood stars like Kevin Costner.

Jackson has had a lot of different shapes to deal with in his time and he's turned it all into a beautiful triangle, whether you understand or not. From M.J. To Kobe, Scottie to Lamar, Rodman to Artest, Kukoc to Gasol, Kerr to Fisher and...erm, Longley to Shaq. No matter the talent Phil has made sure each man brought the best out of himself, whatever the frustration. Now that and the Zen calm is what makes P.J. The best coach ever, day or night. Besides Phil's seen Red and raised him a championship. Now that's a 10 out of 10 career.



Still Kobe's promising us and him one more. Kobe always wants to win but this year he's doing it for Phil, to show his appreciation. These two guys have had an incredible journey, with all the peaks, valleys, vestibules and alleys that you'd expect...and then some. When we all thought Phil was done, in more ways then one in 2006, it wasn't hinted it at it was stated in his best-selling, all-telling book ('The Last Season: A Team In Search Of A Soul') that his relationship with Bryant was in a state of disrepair. You would never believe in a million years back then that these two would lick their wounds, heal and be on the verge of a possible second three-peat and Jax's fourth overall.

Whatever went on between them since the death of a dynasty has rocked every critics argument that both men and their teams had seen their best days. Whatever was said will remain between Kobe, Phil and the bait when they go fly-fishing together and reminisce in years time. Still whatever was done renders his last book forgotten and somewhat obsolete (it's still a great read though). This is the 'real' last season and by changing his mind and Kobe as a player, Phil successfully re-wrote his own and his basketball second sons history. They really got it together. Thank God for the dream of Jeanie.

Jackson has proved that you can catch lightening in a bottle twice, or three times over even. Decades after Kob unlaces them one last time, the debate will rage over who was better, him or Mike. Still no one will quite know both men and have quite the qualified gospel to speak on them like Phil Jackson. He truly brought the best out of them and helped them become the icons they are. Now that's influence, now that's inspirational. Jordan was trying to dig his way out the East with Coach Collins but he didn't win anything until he was 'Dougless'. No offence to Doug Collins, but Jackson truly understood Jordan and together they made history, season after season, after championship, after championship.



No man has ever been synonymous with two teams, but still regarded in his own legend like Phil Jackson. A legend on two coaches and a great role player in his on-court days for New York, Phil's always been reliable. They say the worst players make the best coaches but Coach Jackson is no average man, he's played his role to a tee, Basketballs true iron man in stark contrasts. Speaking of reliable Jackson is moulding a successor in the form of assistant and former three-peat champion role-player Brian Shaw. Normally an inexperienced head coach on a championship, calibre team would raise doubts but not when he comes with the tutoring and endorsement of a sheer legend of strategy. With this co-sign, you know there will be peace of mind.

Still for all the concern gone there will be commiseration aplenty because between the Windy City and the Californian sun, the calm and the storm, the red, purple and championship gold, the Eastern philosophy and promise and the triangle and the shape of things to come, there is, hasn't been and won't be anyone quite like Phil Jackson. Still rest-assured, he isn't done yet.

"I thrive on challenges, and there is no more imposing challenge for someone in my profession than winning an NBA title."PHIL JACKSON, 'The Last Season'.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 100-95 SACRAMENTO KINGS



Kobe Bryant might have evened 'The Score' with Hakeem Oloujawon and then passed him as eight on the NBA's all time scoring list but it was Sacramento that had the highest numbers beating the Lake Show, 100-95. In a surprise win in this Californian clash at STAPLES Sacto' looked like their old selves shocking the Lakers. The Kings dethroned the defending champions home-win streak with a royal flush. DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points and 10 rebounds and Omri Casspi's 20 points put the Lakers in the toilet. Kobe had an impressive 38 points. Still even with 20 more then he needed to pass 'The Dream', (he had his 18, with 21 in the first) it wasn't enough to prevent this nightmare. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol struggled with 4 and 9 points respectively, which with all due respect even added together subtracts from these guys regular form this season. This is the first time since 2008 that the Kings have beat the Lakers landing a rock on their throne. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

NBA STATE OF MIND Pt. II

Mind Games

By Tim David Harvey



It's been said before, this game is as much about the mental as it is the physical. Skill versus will, motion versus emotion. During a recent water-cooler esque conversation about a game with a die-hard, this writer was further inspired by this notion.

A couple weeks past, in a prime Eastern Conference clash, the Boston Celtics took on the Orlando Magic, or should it be said Kevin Garnett took on Dwight Howard. A lot was to be said for what determined the game, beyond star players and key shots. The mental battle between Garnett and Howard played the most significant role however. The two differing sides of passion, from K.G.'s emotion to Dwight's smiling devotion. It was time to see and hear who was tougher then the rest. Sure there is nothing wrong with Dwight's fun and happy go lucky approach to the game but it was 'Da Kid's', snarling, growling, glaring, staring and chalk tossing and chest pumping, thumping passion that was King Kong. K.G. talked so much trash that he needed a sanitary towel. Sure trash talk is throw away but it's also an important way of throwing off your competitor and getting into their heads.

Sure on another night, Dwight's constant smiling at everything may have been Garnett and Boston's plight but not last week. Kevin's passion and heart was too much, attacking and screwing with Magic. Still this is just the tricks of K.G.'s trade, no foul play here. Just look at the highlight reels of this Boston great, you'll see just as many slow-mo jersey tugs, heart thumps and head pounds, as lay-ups, dunks and blocks (and there's a lot of those). Nine times out of ten the only thing not standing up about Kevin at the end of the game is the elastic on his jersey...and you can bet he'll still be talking, even after the presser.

See 'trash talk' is more than just 'your momma so fat she's sitting next to everyone in the Garden', it's more than jokes, it's a tactic not to be played with. Even Mr. T couldn't tell K.G. to stop his jibber jabbering, or Gary Payton for that matter. You best believe that the legendary point guards mouth was damn near as effective as his handle on defence. The D student was so good at getting under his opponents uniform mentally and physically that he frustrated everyone from Sam Bowie to Michael Jordan. It's this play that made sure 'The Glove' had his hand on more games then Goldstein.

Payton's one season team-mate on the Lakers, Rick Fox was another great instigator. A great defender and one of the best game changers that didn't show up on the stat-sheet. Sure it isn't recorded but everyone in the Los Angeles and Sacramento areas of Cali know how killer Rick's game was. Especially Peja Stojakovic who paid the cost for Fox's no holes barred D. In those legendary Laker/King series the Lakers where crowned victorious because Rick made it virtually impossible for Peja to take any shots at the throne. Stojakovic's killer three point shot was dead and out the water as the European sensation couldn't wet anything. This shooter was in the foreign territory of not getting his own way, thanks to Fox's sly off the ball defence. A style that is mental as it is physical, as will destroying as it is skill employing. Sure you have to be strong, athletic and fast to prevent someone from getting touches but it's vital to have a mental edge too. When this D is in effect the only buckets will be left for tears, because these mind games really get to opponents. Now who's left playing?

Rick's dawg Kobe is a doberman on defence two and just think how much mental pressure comes with playing one-on-one with one of the greatest of all time? Knowing he's watching your every move and then you have to deal with every one of his. Kobe recently faced former team-mates Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmer in New Jersey just mere months removed from better days. Sure off court it was all love but on the floor Kob made sure there was "no mercy" just like he's reiterated before. This killer instinct, which we've talked about before is exactly why Kobe's murder game has so much conviction, for better or hearse.

Bryant's back-up, Shannon Brown has his back in more ways the one. From dunks to blocks and more dunks, Shannon is the true definition of a spark-plug, re-charging his teams energy in crucial lows, emphasis on crucial. You see every minute of a game is important and this underrated, spark of energy can sometimes be 'clutch' even with two quarters left in the bank. Bench legend, Vinnie Johnson was nicknamed 'The Microwave' during his Detroit days in the 80's. Nothing complicated here but sometimes it's the simple things, when the Pistons needed more fuel, they went to someone who could heat up and be ready in seconds, which sometimes in basketball is all the time in the world, all the time you have and all the time you need.

It can be argued that Chris Anderson has as much love as Carmelo Anthony in Denver (even before now). Sure he'll never average 30 or be a high-roller baller like his rap Birdman namesake but baby's got talent. From dunks to blocks, he gets the fans off their seat and puts the opponents on their backsides. He's a real momentum changer and just like gravity all you need is a little push for things to quickly spiral from one way to another. This jokers no clown he's the Nuggets ace in the hole. The high socks, tattoos, accessories and Vanilla Ice hair are all part of the unique mind-set of a guy who can bring the energy like M.C. Hammer. Energy is such an important factor of basketball and all spirits. When your bodies out of fuel and your running on fumes in need of a pick me up, the reserves of energy come from inside, the mind. That's how you then take care of business, by 'minding' it. Think on.

There are an infinite amount of examples here that we can not put it all in one, let alone two pieces. A sound state of mind speaks volumes and that makes the winners sing while the losers are left trying to hit the right notes. It's evident in any for of Basketball from Motown to California, it's supreme in all the three degrees, the college, the pro's and the streets. In high-school and college there's that undying passion from every contributor, one through to the fan sitting up top at the back. Everyone is passionate, excited that young exuberance that those past it wish they never passed on. From replica game sweats to instruments these guys are as bold as brass, with passion perspiring out of every pore. Same perspiration in the streets whether it's coming off a Jordan replica or a white tee that's now a shade of off grey. From one on one to 'I'm Mike your Mars'. From five versus, whoever you got, to next basket wins, it's all the same trend.

Some people wish they saw the same passion, the same exuberance in the big leagues, in the NBA. Trouble is they aren't looking. From the Birdman to the cash money of courtside, armchair fan Mark Cuban. From the guy taking the last bucket to the guy on the bench in a suit, just glad he isn't in the D-League, but just wishing he could play. From Kobe to the next 10 day. From the look in K.G.'s eyes to the white in Dwight's smile. It's all there. It's a state of mind.

LAKERS LATEST

The starters for this years All-Star game in Los Angeles have been announced. Once again Kobe Bryant is the best in the league leading all the vote getter's. With 2,380,016 votes Kobe was the best in the West, while slam dunk, entertainer, big talent Dwight Howard left everyone else in the East least with 2,099,204 ballots cast. Kobe will lead his Western squad in his home court of STAPLES in L.A. The team will also feature other top vote-getter's, including the Hornets' Chris Paul (1,281,591), the Thunder's Kevin Durant (1,736,728), the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony (1,299,849) and also the Rockets' Yao Ming (1,146,426) who again draws a lot of votes from Asia but is injured. In the East joining Howard we have, LeBron James (2,053,011), Amar'e Stoudemire (1,674,995), Dwyane Wade (2,048,175) and Derrick Rose (1,914,996). As for the reserves they will be voted in by NBA head coaches who will vote for seven players within their conference, including two guards, two forwards, a center and two players additional players but not their own teams players. Will the right players get picked? After our 'Odom A Favour' campaign, will the Lakers Lamar will be returned the favour he deserves? David Stern also will pick the replacement for any player who can't participate. With Yao sidelined will the other Lakers great Bynum be picked? He is one of the last true centres left and is playing strong amongst all the Hollywood stars. The 60Th All Star game will be broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages on Sunday, Feb. 20.. Super...what? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THE SCORE

Let's get academic as we report on how Kobe is taking the legends to school.

By Tim David Harvey



TITLE:

A report on Kobe Bryant's rise up the all-time NBA scorers list, investigating how far he can climb with relation to an analysis of his offence and a comparison to the legends above him.

ABSTRACT:

13 is an unlucky number for some, but not for someone called Kobe Bryant. 13 is the number of points that Kobe needs to pass Hakeem Olaujwon to become the 8Th leading scorer in NBA history. The Mamba is slithering up more than the average weekly Top Ten ladders. Kobe's next chance to shake the dream like Christina Milian is this Friday when the Lakers face the Sacramento Kings. Still, years from now, when Kobe calls it quits and retires, where will he be crowned amongst the all-time scoring royalty of the association? You can count on him being affiliated with the top guys.

INTRODUCTION:

Kobe hits milestones every season, he's being doing it his whole career going from youngest ever to best ever records. This year however Kobe's been drawing milestones and breaking records in his sleep. Despite recovering from a knee injury and some ill form, Kobe has still been playing sick, having one of his most successful years for achievements. Kobe's already made Dominique Wilkins (26,668 points) highlights look human in comparison, passing his position and his big offence already passed 'The Big O', Oscar Robertson (26,710 points) in the top ten scoring and now for the rest of his career he could pass even more. So let's take a look at who and how far he could really get up the scale.



FINDINGS:

Kobe's got the best of the best to best if he wants to become the all-time greatest scorer. Here they are;

Hakeem Olajuwon-26,946 Points: Kobe's about to send one of the leagues greatest postmen to ninth place. As Kobe's offensive repertoire has evolved over his career so have his deliveries in the post. Example, when Robin Lopez was torching Bynum and Gasol in a recent Phoenix/Lakers game, Kobe still went hard posting up the seven footer, who had plenty of size and bulk on Kobe.

Elvin Hayes-27,313 Points: Hayes is one of the most underrated legends of all time and right now Kobe's scoring achievements aren't receiving as much praise as they should be. With Hayes you had a tall inside guy who could score in bunches, big bunches. Kobe's more of an all over the court guy, shooting and slashing inside. It's this kind of diverse play that will leave Hayes outside of Kobe's range soon.

Moses Malone-27,409 Points: The second Houston legend and the first of two Malone's is one of the greatest centre's ever. Goggles or not, it aint hard to see that. Kobe's number 24 isn't retired yet like Malone's but by the time this happens, Moses will have already parted from sixth place, allowing Kobe to pass through. This isn't rocket science.

Shaquille O'Neal-28,582 Points: As Kobe gets older and the scoring ladder gets harder to climb the mamba is going to meet an old friend as he tries to enter the top five. The question is will the corvette hit the brick wall? It looks like the red car could drive round the wall no matter how old the model. When Kobe passes Shaq sure everyone will try and make something big out of it, but in reality it's nothing.

Wilt Chamberlain-31,419 Points: As we get into 30, 000 territory will Kobe be out of bounds or will he find a home amongst the elite. Chamberlain's position is on a high stilt, that's what happened when you score a century in a game. Still Kobe's not far behind him as this current and one-time Laker have a lot in common. Kobe's career high of 81 has put him right behind Wilt in another scoring category and many critics have talked about whether he can go one better. In a game maybe not, but over a few more 82's? That will do.

Michael Jordan-32,292 Points: If you thought there was a lot riding on overcoming Shaq, how about if Kobe has a chance to enter the top 3? He could take M.J. Throughout Bryant's career the like Mike similarities and comparisons have been drawn out. Could it be that Kobe could actually beat Mike? Now this won't end the debate of who's better, or start it for those that know that Michael will always be king. Still with almost identical offensive skills and age not offending Kobe right now, number 24 could really be more than number 23.

Karl Malone-36,928 Points: now where going deeper does Kobe have the good to deliver more points then the Mailman? Or for that matter does he have the strength and conditioning to play into his 40's. When Kobe's goatee sports greys will he still be able to pick his spots and roll to the basket like Malone could. Karl ended his career playing with Kobe in L.A. and although things didn't end so well then, it's clear the conclusion of these two players hasn't been wrote yet.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-38,387 Points: Records where meant to be broken and everyone wants the top spot, but can Kobe cap Kareem's and the leagues total, becoming the all-time Laker and the all-time player? 11, 453 is a lot of points for a guy who has already done this twice over but is way into the third act of his career. Still, if anyone in the league right now could do it, it'd only be Kobe. The guy is a scoring machine, and a regular franchise feature in the early Summer. Still, if only Kobe had a signature shot like Jabbar then the limit would be the sky. You know Kobe would then have this hook line and sinker. Now the question is, will he score big, or will he fadeaway.



CONCLUSIONS:

Kobe Bryant-26,934 Points: There are too many variables here to determine, for example injuries and playing time etc. Kobe's knee is a factor as are the team-mates he shares the ball with. How longer can Bryant play for and at a high-level to boot? 35? Maybe. 40? Perhaps if he puts on airs and mirrors the 'Floor Jordan' era. Still, the more time Kobe has left the more likely he is of climbing the charts. At 32, he could definitely still play at a high level for many years, perhaps until he's 37. With that idea in mind he could still make it. If he kept up an unlikely 30 point average to his late 30's he'd clear Kareem like a high jumper with 12, 300 more points in the books, just from regular season games of around 2, 460 points each year.

Now if we looked at this more realistic career average of around 25 points, (which he could more likely maintain) that would keep Kobe at around 2,050 points each season. Over 5 more years that would give the mamba 10, 250 points that wouldn't snake him the top spot. Still however this isn't taking in playoff games, that could take him further in more ways then one. With a more of Gasol, Odom, Artest and Bynum, who knows how far this Laker dynasty could go in the next five years. The more rings Kobe gets the more positions he'll take in this top-ten. Still taking playoffs out the equation makes up for the points that could be lost due to age, injury or ball-sharing (that's passing Kobe) that could help give us a more realistic conclusion.

So there are plenty of variables and things standing in the way of Kobe reaching the top, but he's going to make up more spots this year and he could definitely crack the top 5 or 3. As for going all the way, it may look doubtful in some degrees but it's still a possibility for a man who has defied the impossible. Winning is everything but you know in the back of Kobe's mind this is a mission he chooses to accept. Let's keep score, 11, 453 to go and counting. Catch up!

LOSS LAKERS

The Lakers right now could get by with a little help from their old friends.

By Tim David Harvey




It's no new news that the Lakers are in a spot of trouble right now. Sure they don't have a lot to worry about, there are always trials and tribulations and things will get better, but the Lakers could use a little help. Perhaps they could of got it from some old friends they should have never lost touch with. Here's the definitive list of the best Lakers lost after the post-Shaq era. The players missed the most and who could really be used right now. They sure do make a good team.

MARC GASOL (CENTRE)

If it wasn't for Marc, there would be no Pau. Sure Marc's the younger brother but his draft rights held by the Lakers where part of the trade that brought Pau and all those championships to Laker land. Sure Kwame Brown was part of the trade where Pau Gasol was 'given' to the Lakers but in reality the way Pau's young brother has grown up, it has been a fair trade in hindsight. Sure Marc's the only guy on this list that has never donned a Laker jersey or logged a minute of showtime action but still he would of been valuable. This post power is the centre of attention in Memphis and a solid, strong, big, 20, 10 guy. Sure with Bynum, Marc's absence is by the by, but it sure would of been nice to see two great brothers on the same team.

VLADAMIR RADMONOVIC (POWER FORWARD)

Vladamir was always one of those talents that could have had more of an output. From floppy hair and bandannas to buzz cuts and from skiing trips to slides out the rotation, Radmonovic has had his ups and downs. Still with that all said and done this tall, versatile forward is one hell of a talent. It seemed liked the Lakers gave him away to Charlotte for the talented Adam Morrison, but that was until Shannon Brown developed. That doesn't mean Vlad isn't missed however. With a Nowitzki like inside/outside game Rad is tall enough to go inside and has had one of the sweetest strokes from outside by any Laker present and past over the last decade. Right now Radmonovic would be the perfect guy off the bench, supplementing Gasol, bringing both shared and different talents off the bench. The Lakers already have a decent B-team but with Vladamir it would be the best in the league.

CARON BUTLER (SMALL FORWARD)

The Dallas Mavericks have a lot of fire-power, but one of their best all round guys is Caron Butler. Now, however a knee injury has ushered Butler out of playing for the rest of the season. As this news broke it hot former team-mate Kobe hard who is a close friend of Caron. Kobe still reiterates his disappointment of how the Lakers traded Butler. The Lakers practically let him disappear to the Wizards for Kwame Brown, but then again Kwame did bring the Lake Show Gasol. It was another trade disappointment for L.A. when they lost Shaq to the Heat for Odom and Butler. Still despite the losses, Bryant, Odom and Butler made for a wonderful three that could have lasted and won together. The Lakers liked Caron so much at one point they where even rumoured to be shipping Odom to get their Butler back in the past. If Caron was to ever come back (trade or free-agency) he'd be the most welcome return to the Laker family since Fisher. A heralded defender in all aspects with an even more underrated, diverse offensive set. This strong player is built for all aspects of basketball and when he returns this Butler is going to be at it, for whoever he serves.

TREVOR ARIZA (SHOOTING GUARD)

Of all the people on this list, Trevor Ariza is one of the most missed Lakers by fans. Even with the much loved Ron Artest and the Ariza look-a-like, play-a-like Devin Ebanks the Lake Show loved the rising talent of Ariza. The swingman, who does it on both ends of the floor is still one of the most underrated players in the L and he practically gave L.A. their first ring post new millennium, three-peat. With great defence on and off the ball, gazelle like speed and thieving steals, this tenacious, versatile talent was a fast-break starter. He was also a fast-break finisher, with rim rocking dunks and twine, tweaking threes for days. There's no one quite like this guy, expect one man. The Lakers had a problem when Ariza signed with Houston, so it was a good job they inked Ron Artest, because it takes an enigmatic man to replace an enigmatic talent.



JORDAN FARMER (POINT GUARD)

It still seems strange that this UCLA grad is now in the Garden State, sporting a New Jersey with other former L.A. story, Sasha Vujacic. See, Farmar was always the man meant to take over Fishers crop at point guard once the clutch retired, but not everything works out. The Lakers are doing more than alright with the tough, sharp-shooting Steve Blake but still Jordan's missed here like legends in Chicago. A starter for the future this man has speed, finesse, and savvy in reserve. With his complete Point Guard skills Jordan could become a franchise guy. It's just a shame it won't be for the Lakers.

MAURICE EVANS (SIXTH MAN)

Basketball teams these years are nothing without their sixth men and reserves these days don't come much better or more underrated then Maurice Evans. With Mo Evans, you have no problems because this swingman covers more spots then Clearasil. With speed, finesse and athleticism. This guy doesn't just look like a prototype ball player, he is one. The slasher cuts through to the basket like Wes Craven cuts through college kids. As for his finishing talent, where do we start, his dunks are amazing and his lay-ups and finger-rolls are amazing grace, whether straight-forward or off-balance. This guys put down so many circus-shots like they where nothing, it's a shame he couldn't be a ringmaster here in Laker land. Now wouldn't that be something.

So there you have it, five guys and one in reserve that the Lakers may have replaced but still wouldn't mind a reunion with. Players that not only make up a team but helped make up the Lakers squad and now make the most of their contributions to their current sides. At the end of the day, no matter the colour, there's nothing like the Laker family.

LAKERS LATEST

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 120-91 UTAH JAZZ



The Utah Jazz seem to be playing all the wrong notes at the moment. The Lakers beat them all throughout L.A.'s 120-91 win, Tuesday. Utah don't look worth their salt at the moment with a five game slide. This is their second-worst loss of the run, right now the Jazz sound flat. For the Lakers Kobe only needed three quarters to notch 21 on his record. If he had a spare quarter to make change, Kobe could of tramped up the all-time scoring list and pass as Hakeem Olajuwon as eight best. Kobe now needs just 13 points. More Lakers had points for proof as Gasol hit 20 and Bynum made his star shine, doubly bright with 19 and 11. Lamar Odom also furthered his case for leagues best sixth man with a Bynum jersey in points (17). The Lakers now also have an Odom jersey number for straight wins at home (7). The Lakers where up so much (38) that the crowd could even forgive reserve Shannon Brown for literally stuffing a dunk. Still despite this clanger the only turkeys Tuesday where Utah.