What about Odom? The multi-skilled forward was having a career year, the one constant on a Lakers team that has everyone surprised. He's out for at least a month with a sprained knee, probably longer. His absence leaves a vacuum of minutes, shots, and plays that Kobe cannot possibly fill on his own (or can he?) In their first game sans the 6'10" ball handler, Luke Walton seems to have gotten the bulk of Odom's playing time (40 minutes) and shots (13 attempts from the field and 8 from the line). This makes sense as Luke has reasonable ball handling skills - he brought the ball up the court on multiple occasions, though he didn't exactly look fashionable doing it - and provides a calming presence and a reasonable jump shot. He missed most of his attempts which led to a paltry .575 on the game, but I have feeling that he will ultimately embrace this new role.

-Broham

12/4/2006

Around the Bucket Week 5 (2007) 

Phil's arrival could work wonders for Odom as well. The 6'10" forward has always been known for his ball-handling and passing skills. His 3.7 assists per game last season were close to a career low; he once averaged almost six. Odom can hit a 10-foot jump shot, and he's athletic enough to take it the hoop and dunk. He could also be the main beneficiary of Jackson's mental manipulations. Phil will help him deal with Kobe and improve on the disappointment he was last year--though to be fair, he was regularly stuck guarding some of the game's best power forwards, and his 10.2 rebounds per game were a career high. This year, the team will look for more scoring out of him, and his assists and steals should creep up to career norms. This could be Odom's first .900 season.

-Broham
8/30/2005
Lakers Preview, Kentucky Fried