Forget about
Jason Kidd and Stephon Marbury swapping addresses, Hakeem heading north,
and C-Webb and Michael Finley staying put. Forget about Abdur-Rahim, Mike
Bibby, Derek Anderson, Elton Brand and other big names on new teams. The
L.A.Lakers’ signing Mitch Richmond was by far the most significant transaction
of the busy NBA off-season.
If Richmond
still has anything resembling the skills he displayed during his long,
successful NBA career, he’ll be the answer to the Lakers long elusive search
for a dependable third scoring option.
The Lakers
have been looking for a scorer to compliment Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe
Bryant since Phil Jackson took over. Glen Rice, though a proven offensive
force throughout his NBA career, never fit into the Triangle Offense. Hoping
that J.R. Rider would be their man was never more then pie in the sky.
In the end, Derek Fisher unexpectedly became the Lakers’ third scorer during
last season’s playoff run. Fisher was never intended for the role, and
besides, once again, a serious leg injury will keep him sidelined for a
large portion of the upcoming season.
Phil Jackson’s
recipe for success has always been simple. Find two studs, then shuffle
and experiment until you surround them with the right mix of complimentary
players.
The Lakers
and the 36-year-old Richmond seem like a perfect fit. For the great majority
of his 13-year NBA career, Richmond has been a consistent 20 points-per-game
scorer. He is steady, unassuming, a decent 3 point shooter and particularly
effective in clutch situations. Just the type of cool headed veteran that
the Lakers could benefit most from. After playing for unusually lousy teams
for the vast majority of his career, Richmond is probably overjoyed for
a chance at a championship ring, even while playing for a salary far below
his market value.
No true challenger
to the Lakers appears on the NBA horizon. Philadelphia could be weakened
by the loss of Tyrone Hill, Jumaine Jones and Todd MacCollough. San Antonio
will definitely be hurt by the loss of Derek Anderson. Sacramento will
be improved by Mike Bibby’s steady floor game but still they lack the toughness
to really challenge the Lakers. Toronto is maturing, but 20 quality minutes
a night from Olajawon will still leave them far below the Lakers’ level.
The Champion
Lakers went 15-1 in last year’s playoffs, and now the rich have gotten
even richer. Look for them to breeze to another title.
