Lakers Find Rhythm on Road

Six games in ten days were just what the Lakers needed. After getting off to a shaky start in Chicago, the Lake Show got on a roll. With today’s win in Toronto, the Lakers have ripped off 5 in a row and have done so in impressive fashion.

Yes, the competition on this trip was all sub .500, Chicago notwithstanding. But these are the teams the Lakers have been playing down to recently.

Back again is the offensive efficiency we saw early in the season. With the rock moving, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom each took turns taking over games. Toss in the inspired play of the bench and the return of Andrew Bynum and you’ve got yourself a team focused on a big game come Christmas Day.

But that is overlooking the first game in Staples in nearly two weeks. Before the Miami Heat arrives in L.A. for the Holiday it’s the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

Another big part of the rebirth has been Ron Artest. On the trip, Ron Ron had a couple of games where he actually contributed on the offensive end but most important of all was his defense. That defensive intensity is going to be mandatory to defeat the Heat.

Hopefully, this team is hitting its stride. The road bonding couldn’t have come at a better time. Still, there is some concern as Bynum’s knee gave him a little trouble in Toronto.

Things are definitely looking up but Phil Jackson knows his team cannot afford to overlook Milwaukee. The Lakers need to keep things rolling as the Miami matchup looms.