L.A. story
May 20,2006
by Commercial Appeal
The Los Angeles Lakers had every chance to steal their first-round series from Phoenix and advance to the second round. But even though that didn't happen, Lakers coach Phil Jackson is terming the season a success.
"I don't in any way believe this team could have a won a championship this year," Jackson said. "We were about getting to the playoffs and making noise in the playoffs. That has been my whole message to these guys, and we did that. We accomplished the goal."
Jackson further explained that for this Lakers team, the first-round playoff series was a "growing experience."
"Usually," said Jackson, "you have to go through two, three rounds of the playoffs before you can jump into the championship."
Asked if next season was too early for the Los Angeles Lakers to contend for a championship, Kobe Bryant said: "Well, we'll see. The strides that we made this year were big steps."
If the Los Angeles Lakers do contend, Bryant will lead the charge wearing No. 24 instead of No. 8. He wore No. 24 in high school and said it's "time to start a new chapter."
NBA Future:
Glen Davis
Glen Davis showed that even though he is a lighter version of himself, he is still a lot to handle in the paint.
Glen Davis scored 26 points and Tasmin Mitchell added 21 as No. 7 Louisiana State pounded the ball inside frequently in its 88-57 victory over Louisiana-Monroe.
Despite being down 37 pounds from his playing weight of 326 last season, Davis continued to be a force inside, making 10-of-15 shots and grabbing eight rebounds.
Behind the reigning Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, the Tigers (2-0) finished with a 42-12 advantage in points in the paint and won the rebounding battle, 43-28.
Mitchell, who made all five of his shots in the first half, hit three 3-pointers and scored 15 points as LSU rolled out to a 44-22 lead after 20 minutes.
Darnell Lazare scored 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting and Dameon Mason chipped in 10 for the Tigers, who finished 62 percent (36-of-58) from the field, including 7-of-17 from the arc.
Jordan Payne scored 13 of his 21 points in the second half for the Warhawks (2-2), shot 33 percent (21-of-64).
Glen Davis
Position: F
Class: Junior
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 289
College: LSU
Hometown: Baton Rouge
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