SPORTS WITH 3

By: Noah Miller

Are the Los Angeles Lakers what they are cracked up to me? I will try to word this my best without going to far. The Lakers are horrid; defensively and offensively. The playing style has went to a whole new level lately. The Lakers owner Magic Johnson questioned Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni's way of play. Johnson came out to say-"We have got to get back to playing solid defense." My main question is "How?" 

-Kobe's Backup? -"Kobe and Jodie"

Currently, SG Jodie Meeks is the backup of Kobe, but is he a fit? SG Kobe Bryant is 34 years-old and going to slow down without a doubt, but can Kobe handle playing 37.5 MPG (Minutes-Per-Game). I believe he can, but it will hurt him in the long run. When they reach the middle of the season, WILL Kobe hold up? If Bryant is hurt or fatigued, how will Meek take Kobe's role? I am sorry, but Meeks will fail.

Here is why:

Defense

Meeks doesn't play defense well, let's go back to November 9th, 2012 this season.

Offense

Jodie Meeks can come off the bench and score, but how reliable will he be? It is early, so Kobe is getting a lot of time, but when the middle of the season hits Kobe's minutes with decrease. You can bring up Meek's 54 point game in college, but it isn't college anymore. Meeks will face tougher and maturer shooting guards. If Kobe somehow gets hurt, Meeks will need to take Kobe's role.

All in all, Meeks will need to improve now before something happens. I am not saying something WILL happen, but if it does happen Meeks will need to be ready. He is still young, which is a positive since he can control a fast tempo game.

-Pau Gasol's Backup

PF Antawn Jamison is behind PF Pau Gasol in the depth chart, but will AGE effect both of them? Pau (32) and Antawn (34) both play a "Pass-First" style of play, and try to pick up as many rebounds as possible. Magic Johnson recently spoke about Pau's style of game and said- "When Gasol was on that (low) block, he averaged 18 points, he shot 53 percent from the field and he still is the best passing big man in the game." -ESPN

Defense-

Jamison plays with confidence on "D", especially when someone drives into the basket.

Offense-

If you missed the game against the Denver Nuggets, Jamison scored 33 points.

The Lakers will need to find Jamison in the paint, because that's a specialty to Antawn. If Jamison finds his prime inside, you might need to double cover him. Age is going to be a factor, but if both power-forwards stay healthy they will be fine.

Review-

Keys to Improve:

- Find Jamison "In-The-Paint"

- Dwight Howard to shoot more WISE

- Gasol and Jamison to be more aggressive for rebounds, especially Jamison.

- Meeks maturing over time

- Find Kobe outside and avoid turnovers