First of all, let’s welcome Andrew Bynum back to the Lakers line-up for the first time since January 31st (was it really that long ago?). 16 points and 7 boards in 21 minutes is not too shabby considering he missed 35 games, although “Bynumite” might be a little strong considering the man’s potential. There are, however, some excellent reasons to think that his return will prove ‘explosively’ beneficial for the Lakers. First, and most obvious, is the defense and rebounding that he clearly didn’t forget how to do during his time off. Second, and probably more importantly, his return allowed Lamar Odom to give the bench a much-needed lift. Having Lamar come in with the second unit provides a versatility off the pine that few teams in the league can match, and the seeming emergence of Shannon Brown only adds to the potency of the mix. In fact, I think Shannon Brown fits in perfectly with Ariza at the 3-spot and Lamar at the 4, because when he and Ariza trap guards on the perimeter our defense is at its best. That type of defense limits the dribble-drive opportunities for the opposing team, which has been a big problem I’ve seen in the Lakers defense over the last two years. That’s not to say that dribble penetration isn’t something that all teams struggle to defend, but as I’ve stated in previous posts, stopping the initial drive consistently and not allowing easy baskets are two of the biggest things the Lakers need to be able to do if they want to win…period.

That being said, tonight’s game exhibited the team play and toughness that has come to define the Lakers this season. As good as our roster is, I’m not sure too many people thought we’d be in a position to win more than 65 games. Just like last year, the Lakers have surprised every with just how good they are, but none of it will matter if they can’t bring home the big prize. The things that the Lakers lacked as a team mentally, physically and emotionally last year seem to be coming much more naturally this year. Bynum’s injury notwithstanding, the team has played with a flow that is amazing to watch. Pau to Kobe, Kobe to Pau, Kobe to Odom, Odom to Kobe – there are just too many scenarios that the team happily exploits for the crowd’s benefit. I have to give it up to Kobe too, since this year he has really made himself look great while getting his team involved. For all his exploits as an incredible individual offensive player, he may even be underrated in his passing creativity and overall vision. At one point in the second quarter of the Nugget’s game, Kobe led a little misdirection and slipped Pau the ball behind his back. He faked me out and I’m sitting at home watching from the vantage-point of the camera!

Granted, at times (mainly due to poor defense) this season the Lakers have been painful, if not downright awful to watch. Still, the good times have most definitely outweighed the bad, and considering what the organization as a whole has been through since our last championship in 2002, isn’t that all one fan can really hope for?