Mr. Clutch is back for the Los Angeles Lakers
31-year old Kobe Bryant can still take over a game whenever he wants to but he has turned into more of a team player and that’s a good thing. Bryant played in all 82 games for the Lakers last season and he has averaged 36.1 minutes, 26.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Look for similar numbers in 2009-2010 for Kobe. 25-year old Sasha Vujacic will be Kobe’s caddy again this season. He played in 80 games for the Lakers last season and he averaged 16.2 minutes, 5.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Vujacic is also learning how to play point guard during training camp which will make him even more valuable to the Lakers this season. 23-year old Shannon Brown will be #3 on the depth chart at shooting guard. He played in 48 games for the Bobcats and Lakers last season in which he averaged 9.9 minutes, 4.2 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game.
PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SHOOTING GUARDS IN 2009-2010: A+
I still think Kobe is the best player in the league over LeBron, even though Kobe’s age is starting to slow down his athleticism. Kobe has that killer jump-shot with almost limitless range, but it his killer instinct that I think still gives him that slight edge over LeBron. Yeah I might take Lebron over Kobe during a regular 82-game season, but in the playoffs its Kobe. Kobe is the closest thing to MJ, and not because of the fade-aways and the similar mannerisms on the court, but it is the ultimate competitiveness, drive, will to win, and ability to come through in the clutch.
I’m not sure how well Vujacic at PG is going to work out. He had a big drop-off last year in almost every stat, especially shooting which is what he is supposed to be known for. His FG% went from 45% in 07′ to 39% last year, and his 3 pt. FG was 44% in 07′ compared to only 36% last year. He also has a shoot first mentality. I am big on Shannon Brown, since he played so well in the playoffs last year and is way more athletic than Vujacic. The former Proviso East High School star looks like he has finally found a home in the NBA, and I think the Lakers should play him over Sasha.