Well, it is time for a Los Angeles Lakers blog. It is halftime of the Lakers - Wizards game which the Lakers lead by 22. I have only seen a couple games this season and thought it would be a good time to give a summary of how I think things have progressed with the addition of Karl "the Mailman" Malone and Gary "the Glove" Payton.

You may or may not be aware that Shaq is out with an injury right now and has been for about a week. The Lakers have played exceptional ball in his absence - and the new guys are GREAT pickups. Karl looks to be having more fun than he has had in years and is playing great. I am super impressed with Payton... I have never been a big fan of his, but I guess its kinda like when Deion Sanders joined the Cowboys... he sorta grew on me then.

Payton is playing like a madman. He runs down the court faster than anyone - in fact, him and Malone are the first two down the court each time and they are the senior citizens. I can't remember seeing this intensely tenacious 'D' on any player before - the Glove is the real deal.

Kobe Bryant is being his usual ball-hog self. He doesn't hustle on defense and he rarely works to help other players get their shots. All he seems to care about is getting his numbers. Talk about your spoiled brat. If I were the GM, I would send him packing - trade him away for some other superstar that isn't so selfish.

Hopefully, Shaq will get back in the lineup soon and Kobe will start to play team ball. (I blame their playoff loss last season entirely on Kobe's selfishness.)

This year's team is a TON of fun to watch with the big starters and a ton of good backups.
- posted by Chris @ 10:34 PM