Changes The LA Lakers Make to Return to NBA Finals in 2008-09

Even though all the Lakers did this offseason was re-sign Sasha Vujacic, replace the departed Ronny Turiaf with Josh Powell, and sign the so-called Chinese Magic Johnson, Sun Yue, they enter the 2008-09 season substantially improved. They exercised restraint, knowing that Trevor Ariza, Chris Mihm, and especially Andrew Bynum return in good health.    Here are the new keys to success: 1) Kobe Bryant, following his great Olympic experience, steps up another level in leadership by facilitating the new Laker inside game and intensifying his play on the defensive end.   2) Vladimir Radmanovic/Luke Walton/Trevor Ariza start at SF. Lamar Odom comes off the bench a la Manu Ginobili—playing starter minutes at PF and SF—and relishing his new role as leader of the Bench Mob while finishing with the first unit. Additionally, he embraces his NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidacy.    3) Andrew Bynum does emerge as the beast anticipated by the Laker front ... (link)