Andrew Bynum ties NBA record for most Blocks in playoff game!

 

 'Big Smack' was turnt-up against Nuggets in game 1 of NBA playoffs!

In the Laker's first game of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, Lisa Leslie said of L.A. Laker's center: "Andrew was 'Bynumite'!" Leslie also said she "had to give 'props' to my twitter followers for that one", referring to Bynum's explosive play during the Laker's 103 - 88 victory over Denver.

 [Stat:  winner of game 1 wins series 78% of time]

And even though [the] 'Black Mamba' did his usual thang ('sho-nuff' cold as ice until the second half, scoring a total of 31pts), it was BIG Andrew Bynum who dominated and flossed hard in the paint, earning a triple-double, a first since Laker legend - Magic Johnson did it in the '91 NBA finals, with 10 big blocked shots, 10 points and 13 rebounds in game one against Denver!

With 30 points scored against the Nuggets on 4.13.2K12, in spite of his 10 buckets today, "his timing was impeccable", said Kobe about 'Big-Bang's' blocking and rebounding ability in today's game. According to Laker head coach - Mike Brown, "The difference in the game was Adrew Bynum."
 

"He was an absolute BEAST down there!" -Coach Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers

Talk about doggin'-um, number 17 caused Nuggets to crumble with just 16 of 44 shots scored in the paint; he was blocking, dunking and rebounding with high energy. Laker legend - Michael Cooper said, "his play was stellar"! 

The other 7 footer - Pau Gasol also put-in-work on 'D', as he almost triple doubled, too, but laced-up a nice set of digits to help his team secure the 'dub':

13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks

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Once upon a time [young] Andrew Bynum
 

was harshly and just about routinely criticized for his perceived lack of will, strength and endurance. Many fans, critics and analysts forgot that although he joined the NBA in a mans frame, he was still a developing 'youngsta' trying to figure out how to run with the big doggs. 

With tutelage from The Cap (Kareem Abdul Jabbar), experience, growth, dedication to his craft,  and maintaining good health (*this year only one game missed due to injury) - he'll likely continue to reek havoc on the opposition! 

And as Bynum becomes more confident and settled in his physicality (coordination, reflexes, etc.), the evolution of his 'b-ball' I.Q. will allow him to continue to dominate the middle for seasons to come. 

Think about it:  Andrew Bynum has been playing pro ball for six years, most of which has been spent healing battle wounds his developing frame wasn't used to absorbing from more powerful and physically seasoned NBA centers. But at 25 years old, 'Big Drew' is poised to become one of the NBA's next [most] dominating 'Big Men' to play the game - go hard, 'Big Bang'!

Angelino's and Lakers say sad "so long" to Derek Fisher

 5 Time NBA Champion, point guard - Derek Fisher [aka:  'D-Fish']

It came as somewhat of a surprise to Laker fans when Los Angeles Laker point guard - Derek Fisher signed with the Golden State Warriors, after a long run and 'three-peat' championships with the Lakers. 

When he was traded to the Utah Jazz he helped lead them to the NBA - Western Conference Finals. L.A. fans were, no doubt, surprised and more than happy when 'D-Fish' returned home, in 2007, to help his beloved Lakers conquer the NBA crown, once again in 2010, for his fifth championship. 

Until today, most Laker fans assumed or anticipated that Pau Gasol would get traded, not 'D-Fish'!

No disrespect to Luke Walton, but hardly any fans were surprised to learn he got traded; many believe trading Luke was long overdue, and perhaps Shannon Brown should have stayed and played in the land of "G's", instead of Walton. 

But the news of Derek Fisher getting traded to the Houston Rockets for forward - Jordan Hill, hit L.A. like a ton of bricks!

No he's not the best PG in the league. No he's not the biggest baller, physically. No he's not the fastest or the best defensive player. What Fisher may have lacked, he more than made up for with smart play, hustle, emotion, heart, leadership and 'right-on-time' offensive juice. 

 NBA 'Ballers' Rep - Derek Fisher:

L.A. fans [do] realize and respect the business aspect of sports, but when Laker vets like Derek Fisher get

the hook, it is a bitter pill to swallow -- 'fuh sho'. "But no matter where he is, and who he balls with, Derek Fisher will always be a Los Angeles Laker...heart and soul". Big love to you and your fam, 'D-Fish'. "It was a stone cold groove, my man"!

Jackson secure, Gasol not sure about team destinies

Today one athlete, wide receiver - DeSean Jackson, 

has secured his future by signing a five year, 51 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. But another professional athlete, Pau Gasol, is still not sure about his fate as a starting forward-center for 
the Los Angeles Lakers.

No doubt, Mr. Jackson is feelin' pretty good about things, with regard to his continued cash flow from the same provider. PG (Pau Gasol), on the other hand, appears to be handling the anxiety of not knowing if he'll continue to play ball with the Lakers or not, "with grace". In other words, he's keeping his true emotions in check. But at the house, you can bet Pau is like "What the deal, Buss?" 

No worries, PG! As you already know, when it comes to the NBA; it's strictly business. Plus, the Lakers probably needed to see you 'up' your productivity this season to see where your head and heart is. It could also be a simple matter of philosophical approach considering there's a new coach in town -- Mike Brown. Whatever the case, with the Lakers or not, PG is a champion big man with big skills, and it is understandable why he'd want to remain in Los Angeles. Who wouldn't?

Lesson to all pro athletes:  

You're only as good as your most recent performance. Get lazy with your smash-game and you'll be the topic of "trades" conversation(s) for the shot callers. In business, productivity always trumps history. Right DJ?