Lakers have enough with Pau, Kobe and Bynum to win in Sacramento

17/03/2010 14:52:00

Without suffering, but as almost always without showing their superiority. Early in the fourth quarter Lakers won by 16 while the final victory (106-99) was not so clear in Sacramento, where Pau, Kobe and Bynum added 79 points for the fourth straight win, third straight away from home.

They weren't brilliant in Sacramento but Lakers improved. Especially the inside game. Pau and Bynum are playing better, individually and as a couple, and the team notes it. But neither the Kings nor the Warriors are rivals to consider, and there won't be a real improvement noted in the two easy games coming at Staples. To confirm it, they have to wait for Wednesday, the beginning of another long and difficult trip.

But something seems to have changed. As Pau recognizes, everything could have started with another chat with Fisher, in this case in the halftime of the game against Toronto. Since then, four straight victories. The rivals, except Phoenix, were affordable, but the data may be significant. What there was said, apart from joining as a team and prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, and especially for the playoffs, perhaps went around the need to diversify the options to not depend so much on Kobe. And that is when Pau and Bynum are important.

The powerful inside game of the Lakers, with the stellar complement of Odom, must be imposed in many of the games. In Oakland and Sacramento, should be an obligation. And they did against the Kings with 17 points in the first half by Bynum and 17 in the second by Pau to certify their superiority in the zone. If the two towers work and Kobe is in shape and giving assists, added to his personal magic, the trio is more than enough to win in Sacramento. The three made 79 of the 106 team points, and Kobe was one rebound short to have the three with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, something that didn't happen since the 84 with Magic, Kareem and Worthy.

But Lakers do not learn to win games easily. With few exceptions, always leak clear differences. This time there wasn't suffering, but neither was an exhibition. They won the first quarter by 11, but lowered the level witht the reserves on court and the Kings lost only by 1 at the halftime. After the break, the level rose again and gradually extended their lead to 16 points entered the fourth quarter. At the end, the locals lost only by 7.

Kobe was very near the triple-double again. 30 points, but after 10 of 26 shots, 2 of 5 three points, 8 of 14 free throws, in addition to 9 rebounds and 7 assists. This time only 3 turnovers, he and the team improved, only had 10, for 24 the previous day.

Pau was remarkable again. Sacrament big men aren't big rivals, but he continues to improve. And the team finds him more, something vital to show his level. Will peak in the playoffs after a season not as bright as the previous one. In Los Angeles there is more talk of Bynum improving in his recent games, which is a sign that they always expect the maximum from Pau. Phil Jackson returned trusted him again for many minutes, 41, and Pau responded with 28 points after a fine 12 of 14 shots, 4 of 5 free throws, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block and 2 turnovers. This is the usual Gasol, the one  Lakers need. This will have to be ratified, as the team's performance, on the road next week.

Bynum completed the magical trio with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Fisher and Artest were again unnoticed in attack, with 5 and 2 points respectively, but Ron also contributed 7 rebounds, 4 assists and a good defense on Evans in the second half. Odom off the bench remains stable, with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Vujacic, trying to be in shape, improved and got 6 points.

Evans, as Curry the night before, was again a threat shooting and penetrating. Another wonderful rookie, with a great first half which ended with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Landry with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Thompson from the bench with 14 points and 10 rebounds also highlighted.

Timberwolves and Wizards should not be competing Friday and Sunday at Staples. On Wednesday in San Antonio will start 5 games that might not serve to reach Cleveland in the standings but to achieve the necessary level as to stop being worried about not having the home court advantage for a hypothetical final against them. Apart from improving the game, logical aspiration of the Lakers, who are 50-18, is to reach 60 wins, 10 more in 14 games remaining.