I think

 

1.) the Lakers are playing a lot better team ball than compared last year.  It seems like now the players are very very comfortable with each other (esp. when the pass the ball to each other and when others move without the ball). 

 

2.) Kobe is getting is team mates more involved now.  It seems he has more trust now as compared to the last 2 years. The result is that he does not have to carry the scoring load all by himself.  He now can start doing other things like doing more rebounds and get to be more defensive minded from time to time, esp vs the marquee players of the other teams.  This is an excellent opportunity for him to be a more complete player

 

3.) the laker players have a better understanding as to how coach Phil Jax wants his system done in the laker team.  Bottom line is the players seems comfortable, and its producing more than adequate Ws as of now.

 

4.) Perimeter shooting has improved - thanks to Sasha V. and Rad-man the martian cadet.

 

5.) Trevor Ariza seems for now a very good pick coming from that trade where we gave away Evans and Cook.  So far good move.

 

6.) Andrew Bynum! Yeah- He seems to have arrived on his own.  His physical physique has tremendously improved.  he has bulked up.  We now have again an almost legit center. I say that because I believe he has not reached his full potential.  Wait til he has reached it. he will be awesome.

 

7.) Fish and Farmar are doing very -ok jobs at the court - providing back court stability.

 

8.) Overall - this will be a much better laker team this year as compared to 2 years ago. I just hope we go past the 2nd round of the playoffs this time.

 

Sherwin