2010 Los Angeles Lakers Look like the Chicago Bulls of Old
By now, most of you have heard of the popular transfer of Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers. Though many have apprehensions on his addition due to his confrontations with Kobe Bryant, his addition brings us back to the time when “Bad Boy” Dennis Rodman joined the mighty Chicago Bulls of the 90’s. With his addition, the Lakers look a lot like the Bulls of that era. And to cap it all off, coach Phil Jackson will be back on the Lakers bench, practically putting icing on the cake.
Compare the positions:
- Lamar Odom- Scottie Pippen
- Pau Gasol-Luc Longley
- Derek Fisher-Ron Harper
- Ron Artest-Dennis Rodman
You will ask why I did not compare Kobe with Michael Jordan. Well for one, I still believe Jordan was a lot different. Kobe still lacks the tools to be considered a heir to his Airness. He lacks the leadership and respect from the other players and teams. As far as his team is concerned, to they have any choice? Believe me once the Lakers fall, Kobe will be the black sheep. Give it time. It has happened. And this is one thing you never saw against Michael Jordan. That idea looms in the background no matter how good (or bad) you are.
So who will be the X-factor here? Phil Jackson. He was able to manage egos back then but this new Lakers team will have a lot of egos, probably higher, than the Chicago Bulls.
Will the Los Angeles Lakers win again next year? It all depends on Coach Phil. If he can control the ball hogging Bryant and gain the respect of the league (young and old) then maybe he can. But for now, I am keeping the 2010 NBA title up for grabs. I wouldn’t even hand it to Lebron James and Shaquille O’ Neal just yet nor the Boston Celtics who are reportedly baiting the aging Rasheed Wallace to their team.
Comments
It is more natural to compare the players at there natural positions. Dennis Rodman was more of a small power forward. Ron Artest (Unless you compare disposition doesn’t really match up with Rodman) is a small forward that is bigger and stronger than Scottie Pippen. Pau Gasol is a Power forward and matches up more with Rodman.
This is a more interesting comparison. LA has a little more flexibility than Chicago since Bynum would be better than Longley and Pau/Odom would kill Rodman. Artest would be even against Pippen. Jordan and Kobe would be a fantastic matchup.
* Ron Artest – Scottie Pippen
* Pau Gasol/Odom – Dennis Rodman
* Andrew Bynum – Luc Longley
* Derek Fisher – Ron Harper
* MJ – Kobe B.
Yeah, if you think about it, the possibilities are endless. Unlike before, players today can be used in multiple positions. But in the end, it will all lie on the hands of Coach Phil Jackson.
Having a team with such talent is nothing if you cant mix the egos and playing time. That is perhaps the X factor if you consider it and hopefully he can retain that magic once again.
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