Players who need to step it up for the Los Angeles Lakers – NBA Feature
Los Angeles Lakers are currently on the 3rd playoffs spot in the Western conference with 6 more games remaining.
Things can change dramatically for them though as they are being closely followed by Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies. With Kobe Bryant missing games due to inflamed left shin, Lakers are clearly handicapped.
Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum have stepped up well in the last couple of games to make up for the loss of Bryant, with both seven footers turning up big performances. However, Coach Mike Brown will have to discover
more options within the team in order to sustain the momentum.
Devin Ebanks tallied 12 points and 4 rebounds against Suns, an unprecedented performance. He also played for around 29 minutes in the last 2 games. If he keeps on the current path the improved number of minutes
on court will result into confidence.
With 5.0 points and 3.2 assists per game in this season Steve Blake might not strike as an impact player. But it was the same Blake who netted a game winning jumper at the death against Hornets. He also displayed
an assertive show coming off the bench and that is what Lakers require at this time.
Forward Josh McRoberts has been a nuisance for oppositions throughout the season. However he has been committing careless fouls and was often found on an awkward offensive position in the recent game. Also much
is needed to be done to harness his aggression and foul play. The best way to induce responsibility in him will be to increase his play time.
Metta World Peace had an inconsistent run lately the coach expects a lot from him and he even pulled out Kobe at the crucial moment to let Peace play. He has averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in this
season while starting 38 of 57 games. With the playoffs around the corner, the Lakers could rely on him if he gets his act together.
With more time on the court these players can share the burden with Kobe, Gasol and Bynum and the chances for the postseason success will get brighter.
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