Game Rewind: Predictable – Lakers 99, Clippers 92

The Lakers did exactly what they were expected to do tonight and take care of business against the Clippers in the season opener.  You couldn’t have drawn up a more predictable script than what transpired in tonight’s game.

Even this sight was predictable tonight.

To nobody’s surprise, the Lakers jumped out to an early lead over the Clippers thanks to an adrenaline surge from the ring ceremony only to let the Clippers get back into the game after the rush wore off.  But because we all knew the ending, nobody really got to nervous when the Clips outplayed the Lakers in the third quarter and cut the Laker lead to one.

Sure enough the Lakers awoke in the fourth quarter to put the Clippers away for good, the crown barely making any noise in the process.  Why?  Because they knew it was coming.  The Lakers always beat the Clippers.  The defending champs weren’t about to let some upstart team pull off a comeback on them on opening night.  That just isn’t how it is done, it is right there in the manual, you can check for yourself.

Even the individual results were no surprise.  Ron Artest tried hard to make a good impression with his new mates but ended up struggling on offense, just as everyone knew he would.  Kobe Bryant got his 33 points but was a bit inefficient in the process which is typical of a guy playing on a bad foot.  Bynum torched the Clipper interior because that is always what he does to the Clipper interior.

So, yeah, it was a boring, predictable way to start the season.  I wish I could tell you different.  But predictable is a good thing for the Lakers.  After all, everyone is predicting them to be champions again.  I think we can all live with that, right?

Another championship ring? Don’t mind if I do!

• 26 points and 13 rebounds for Andrew Bynum is a heck of a way for the kid to start what is supposed to be his breakout year.  One can’t help but be impressed by his overall performance tonight.  He was moving very well and was brimming with confidence.  In other words, he looked the exact opposite of how he did when we last saw him playing in the NBA Finals.  To top it all off he even managed to play 38 minutes without looking too fatigued or getting in foul trouble.
• Ron Artest looked terrific on the defensive end of the floor tonight.  I’d feel a lot better about it though if he wasn’t mostly matched up against Al Thornton who just might be the dumbest player in the NBA.  Forcing that guy to take a bad shot is easier than “forcing” David Letterman to hit on one of his female staffers.
• Screw you all that say Kobe just puts on a happy facade for the cameras.  Go back and watch him receiving his championship ring and shaking hands with all the Lakers greats.  That was one genuinely ebullient Mamba right there.  The pride and joy that getting that ring brought to him was etched all over his face and if he was acting so he could seem like he was a good guy, then give him an Oscar too.

Lake Show Outtakes:

• Do I really already have to scold DJ Mbenga after the first game?  I love the energy DJ, but you are pretty much not allowed to shoot unless it is a dunk or a layup, much less taking five shots in nine minutes of action including a freaking 18-footer.  No, Mbenga!  Bad Mbenga!
• Memo to Shannon Brown, it is the regular season now so how about a little less flash and a little more results.  Quit worrying about making highlight reel dunks and make sure you make the play.  Screwing up your dunk, getting fouled and then missing your free throws is no way to earn minutes with Phil Jackson.

Tags: Andrew Bynum, DJ Mbenga, Game Rewind, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Clippers, Ron Artest, Shannon Brown