5 Reasons Not To Discount The Lakers
- Updated: November 7, 2014
After an 0-5 start to the 2014 NBA season a lot of Los Angeles Lakers fans are asking, “why should I continue to watch this years team?” The defense is horrible, there’s no ball movement on offense, Kobe shoots too much, Jeremy Lin is playing awful, and Carlos Boozer is old and washed up. I’m here to tell Los Angeles Lakers fans to hold on. Here are 5 reasons to continue to watch and enjoy the Lakers.
1. Kobe Bean Bryant,
Yep, the ageless wonder! At 36 years old and coming off 2 major injuries Kobe continues to impress us. Through 5 games this season, Kobe is averaging 27.6 points per game and he just dropped 39 points against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Kobe is only shooting 40.2% from the field so far this year, but for his career he shoots 45.3%, so I completely expect that to even out through the season. Most Lakers fans know how much pressure Kobe puts on his teammates to succeed.
Kobe has a win-at-all costs attitude and it shows in his play. Hopefully he can start to trust his teammates it will help take some of the pressure off his 36-year-old body.
2.Kobe Bryant passing his idol Michael Jordan on the all time scoring list.
Currently Kobe is at 31,838 career points only 454 points behind Jordans 32,292 career points. At Kobe’s current 27.6 pts per game he should pass Jordan in about 16 games, possibly against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 7th or against the Sacramento Kings on December 9th. Kobe has mastered a lot of Jordans moves through out his career including the fade away jumper, the pump fake up and under and continues to chase that 6th ring. Whether or not Kobe would ever admit it, it would be a huge accomplishment and honor to pass His Airness.
3. Only 2 more years to watch one of the greatest players to ever step on the court.
Kobe Bryant’s career is coming to an end after signing a contract extension at 2 years 48.5 million dollars. The Lakers have made it pretty clear that for the next 2 years this is Kobe’s team. There have been some great moments from Kobe throughout his career. From breaking Scottie Pippen’s legs to throw the huge alley oop to Shaq in the 2000 Western Conference Finals against Portland, to dropping 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. Kobe has been an icon in the NBA with 16 All Star appearances, 7 NBA finals appearances, 5 NBA titles, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVP and 4 All Star MVP’s just to name a few of the things he’s done since becoming a Laker. What im trying to say is don’t tune him out now or you might miss something great.
4.Can Kobe Bryant at the age of 36 win an NBA scoring title? Yeah I know it’s a long 82 game NBA season but right now Kobe’s 27.6 pts per game is second in the NBA behind only Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors at 29.7 pts per game. If Kobe Bryant can win the scoring title at 36 years old it would be his 3rd and make him the oldest player in NBA history to win it
5. The rest of the Roster
I don’t know if anyone has noticed but Jordan Hill is straight ballin. He definitely has his ups and downs but he’s a decent scorer, great rebounder and shot blocker and seems like he gives 100% when he’s on the floor. Jeremy Lin has really struggled so far with the Lakers, but I think when he learns to play with Kobe and quits being so passive he can contribute 14 pts per game along with 6 or 7 assist. Ed Davis is one of my favorite new Lakers and while he’s not much of a scorer his shot blocking and hustle brings a lot of energy off the bench.Check out our article on Ed Davis here.
Most of you have completely bashed Carlos Boozers play so far and that’s warranted, nicely put he’s been awful. But what did we expect? He’ s undersized and well out of is prime. If Boozer can give the Lakers 13pts per game and 8 boards I think that’s a win.
What im trying to get across to Los Angeles Lakers fans is don’t tune out this Lakers team. Take it game by game and don’t let your expectations of the past Lakers teams ruin what is gonna be a tough year but a year full of things that can make you excited to be a Lakers fan.
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