Bench Mob No More: Lakers Second Unit Dubbed ‘Renegades’

Out with the old and in with the new.

This summer, Mitch Kupchak sought to redefine the bench by giving Phil Jackson some new weapons in his championship arsenal. Enter Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff, mix in the ever expanding game of Shannon Brow, add a couple of impressive yet green rookies (Derrick Caracter, Devin Ebanks) and you’ve got yourself a group of ‘Renegades’.

At least that’s what PJ is calling his second string.

On Saturday, Jackson gave his starters some early season rest and held a practice session with the bench players only. Afterwards, while speaking to the media, Phil unveiled the ‘Renegades’ moniker to some mixed yet excited reviews.

Shannon Brown seems more than happy with being a part of the Renegades.

"“When you think of renegade, you think of someone who’s almost mean, but going out there and getting the job done.”"

Steve Blake, on the other hand, took more of a business-like approach to his appraisal of the nickname.

"“We’re not going to worry about nicknames,” Blake said. We’re just going to go out there and keep doing what we’re doing. “"

In previous years the Lakers’ second unit became known as the Bench Mob. With new faces and the infusion of a different mentality it was time to make the change.

Naturally, Matt Barnes took a real liking to the name. His words should become the Renegades’ mantra.

"“Renegades are people that are out there reckless and taking care of business.”"