In the past 20 years, 40 point games by Lakers: 1. Kobe 121 2. Shaq 26 3. Young 2 4. Bynum 1 5. Campbell 1 6. Meeks 1 7. Rice 1 8. Williams 1
Just remembering how dominant Bynum was. Not only did he average 19 and 12 with 2 blocks for the season in 11/12, his March was ridiculous: shot 64% from the floor, TS% of 68%, ORtg of 121, DRtg of 104, and in 38.3 MPG, he averaged 22.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and blocked 33 shots. What a beast. Miss you, big fella.
^ It should have been even higher. The dude was ridiculously hot. Then we brought Kobe in the game and things got more muddled to the point where Kobe takes the last shot. *sigh* Still though, what a crazy game for Lou. He was as hot as I've ever seen anyone in that quarter. Sure it puts Kobe into perspective who could do it from the first quarter to the last, but still it's so fun to watch someone who is just "on" like that. THAT is why he was brought here and THAT is what will make guys take a second look at Los Angeles. It's also why I don't want to trade him. I don't know that anyone else on the team is capable of heating up that way.
...should have been given the opportunity in that last possession with the game in the balance. Williams looked dejected walking off the floor.
It drives me crazy that Byron is starting and overusing Lou, but with the right coach playing him as a sixth man Lou has a lot of value. He can get smokin' hot as we saw last night and that's why we were so stoked on Mitch signing him for a pretty friendly contract. I would rather trade Nick just because I'd rather have a better defensive backup 3 and not another guy who needs the rock a lot to get hot. As many have said it's a bit redundant. Lou is the guy you keep moving forward. He has a role and he does it well. It's not his fault that Byron is ignoring that role - wouldn't be the first guy he's doing that to.
man i miss drew its such a shame he was never able to stay healthy. its crazy to think about how good he truly could've been with no injuries and a better work ethic
God I miss that team. I love what RonRon did for us and of course beating THOSE guys in the finals, but I liked our roster with Ariza much more. Just so dynamic and showtime-esque.
You guys hear Lou's post-game interview? What a stand out guy. Reporters kept asking him about his performance and he just kept talking about the team and how a loss is a loss. He said a lot of good things about the kids. What a great vet to be around our young guys, he's a stud and a great role model. We need to keep this guy around.
Not to brag ... but that's me in the bottom right corner of this frame rocking my purple road Odom jersey (I know, it's super blurry lol) Easily one of the best games I've ever been to. I was already a huge Bynum fan but seeing him dominate that close up was crazy. I really miss the guy too. I think I always had a soft spot for him because since I started watching basketball in the middle of the three-peat, I never really witnessed the rise of a young Laker star. I wanted to see Bynum flourish and become the next great Laker center. And the crazy thing is he was on pace to do that if his knees weren't so bad. When healthy and engaged, he was easily the best center in the league the last few years with us. He still had a great career though. Starting center and defensive anchor on two championship teams. His last year with us, he was a legit first option and putting up some crazy stats. Obviously it's still disappointing because he could've been so much better. He was always a complimentary player for us when I thought he had the potential to be the guy to take the torch from Kobe. That's why I'm so excited to see Russell, Randle, and Clarkson now. Other than Bynum, I've never really had a legitimately talented young prospect to root for during my entire time as a fan. Sorry for going so off topic lol
I was just thinking the same thing, loved watching that team. It's a shame Bynum couldn't stay healthy in the end, he was a beast when engaged.
We will. He's with us for at least 2 more years after this season I believe and on a very favorable contract. Mitch did a great job signing this guy.
