JamFan Coach Jackson made a guest appearance at the Lakers practice at Staples on Tuesday and fueled speculation that he would indeed be on the Laker bench for the season opener. Kobe Bryant participated in his first full court workout but his status for the opener is still questionable. Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm have both been declared out for at least the first couple of weeks of the season.
So where does that leave the Lakers? This has got to be one of the youngest teams in the NBA. And they will be relying on their youngsters more than anyone can remember in the history of the franchise. All for a coach who does not have a history of playing rookies and young players. It is also a team who is benefitting from players they got in the draft of all places.
Yesterday, coach declared Andrew Bynum the starting center for the opening game and praised his progress. He also praised the play of Sasha Vujacic and called the play of Jordan Farmer an inspiration when he comes in. Does that mean Jordan will indeed get significant minutes when the season begins? He did say that these youngsters, as well as Mo Evans, could play important minutes off the bench. Is he trying to tell us that these players are in the rotation? Let's hope so.
Here is a look at the Lakers youth movement and where some of these players were drafted by the Lakers
Andrew Bynum, 18, drafted #10, first round, 05 draft
Jordan Farmar, 19, drafted #26, first round, 06 draft
Von Wafer, 21, drafted #39, second round, 05 draft
JR Pinnock, 22, drafted #58, second round, 06 draft (trade)
Sasha Vujacic, 22, drafted #27, first round, 04 draft
Devin Green, 23, undrafted
Ronny Turiaf, 23, drafted #32, second round, 05 draft
Kwame Brown, 24, via trade, first high school kid to be drafted #1
Smush Parker, 25, summer league walk on last year
Vlad Ramanovic, 25, signed as free agent
Luke Walton, 26, drafted #32, second round, 03 draft
Brian Cook, 26, drafted #24, first round, 03 draft
Shammond Williams age 31, Kobe Bryant 28, Mo Evans 27, Chris Mihm 27, and Lamar Odom 27, are the gnarled veterans on the Lakers. Provided the Lakers send Aaron McKie off to the old folks home (pleeeease), that would mean they only have one player over 30 years old. Never before have the Lakers relied so much on such a young squad and players they drafted themselves. This squad is deep with talent. This is going to be an interesting year as we watch this squad of young kids grow and develope into a playoff contender.
Will teenagers Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmer, be in the starting lineup by seasons end? Stay tuned!
JamFan
