The Battle of Los Angeles: Analyzing Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum vs. Chris Kaman, & Clippers-Lakers Game
December 17 07
On Sunday night I watched Los Angeles’ NBA teams battle for Staples Center supremacy. The Lakers-Clippers contest had several subplots, storylines, and developments.
Mamba plays hurt …
The best place to start is with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers’ superstar set an example playing through a nagging groin injury. Bryant, like most nights this year, facilitated for others and seemed to enjoy himself.
His final numbers were impressive: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Kaman versus Bynum ...
Sunday’s game featured two of the NBA’s up-and-coming bigs. Chris Kaman has played like an All-Star, while Andrew Bynum could secure the league’s Most Improved Player award.
I like that both centers stick to the paint and avoid the perimeter. On paper, Kaman’s 18 points and 16 rebounds edged Bynum’s 14 points and 9 rebounds.
However, points and rebounds don’t tell the real story. Bynum shot a higher percentage from the floor, knocking down 7-of-9 shots, while adding 6 blocks.
The final score favored the Lakers, so Bynum wins this match-up.
Kaman, Brand, & Maggette an impressive frontcourt …
The Clippers, once Brand gets healthy, could have an excellent front-court. Kaman and Brand are a nice center-power forward duo, while Maggette, like most great scorers, lives at the free throw line.
But will this trio share the rock and play together?
The Lakers are deep …
The purple-and-gold has the deepest bench in the Western Conference. Zen-Master Phil Jackson can look down his sideline and call on almost any player.
The Lakers are especially strong at point guard. They don’t have one superstar, but do have three solid table-setters in Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, and Sasha Vujacic.
Last night, Vujacic stood out, contributing 14 points in just 19 minutes. And the three-headed monster combined for an impressive 25 points, 10 dimes, and 2 steals.
What did you think of yesterday’s Clippers-Lakers game? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts or hit us up in HoopsVibe’s revamped fan forum.
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