Some Lakers are getting less playing time
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The 7-0 Lakers are the last undefeated team in the NBA. They’re drawing attention for their inspired defensive play, as well as their skillful second unit, which chips away at an opponent’s lead or pads what the Lakers’ starters have left behind.
Coach Phil Jackson’s biggest change at the start of this season was turning starter Lamar Odom into the second unit’s anchor. The biggest surprise has been the blossoming of forward Trevor Ariza, whose size and athleticism make him a dangerous defender off the bench.
Jackson basically uses a rotation of 10 players. That translates into a dramatic reduction in playing time for some players -- notably Luke Walton, who is averaging about 20 fewer minutes a game.
The reduced playing time could keep players’ legs fresh for the playoffs and improve the team’s chances of again playing its way into the NBA Finals.
Player Minutes per game this season; MPG during 07-08 season
Kobe Bryant 34.3 38.9
Vladimir Radmanovic 22.6 22.8
Pau Gasol 34.7 34.0
Andrew Bynum 29.4 28.8
Derek Fisher 27.0 27.4
Lamar Odom 26.8 37.9
Trevor Ariza 22.5 17.9
Sasha Vujacic 13.6 17.7
Jordan Farmar 21.0 20.6
Luke Walton 3.7 23.4
-- Barry Stavro
