Lakers coach Jackson misses preseason opener with leg discomfort Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson
missed the preseason opener against Utah because of minor discomfort in his
lower legs.
Kurt Rambis took over the head-coaching duties in Jackson's absence. Jackson
didn't make the trip in part to avoid the 90-minute bus ride to the game's
site in Anaheim.
Lamar Odom came off of the bench in Sunday's 94-89 win over the Kings and managed just two shots in the effort. He did pull down nine rebounds and dished out three assists.
Our View:Odom has had one poor performance after another in the preseason and he may be in danger of losing his starting spot with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol manning the post positions. Even if he does come off of the bench, he will manage 25 minutes per game and put up solid all around numbers. But it may be time to drop him a few slots on your draft boards.
Andrew Bynum got his first start of the preseason on Sunday as the Lakers defeated the Kings 94-89. In 22 minutes, the big man scored nine points, grabbed five rebounds, blocked five shots and recorded a steal.
Our View:Whether or not Bynum starts or not, he is deserving of a fantasy roster spot. He knows how to get his share of blocks and rebounds and shoots a very high percentage from the field. Obviously, if he starts his stock will be much higher.
Forward Lamar Odom practiced mainly with the second unit during Saturday's practice. "We're having Lamar come in and play off the bench so that he can start thinking about how he can help the team and what he can do when he does that," head coach Phil Jackson tells the Los Angeles Times. "But I don't know if I'll experiment with it in a game yet."
Our View:We have to figure Odom will get his minutes even if he's coming off the bench, but the Zen Master seems to be messing with a good thing. Fantasy owners should still like what Odom brings to the table, but can he average over 10 boards alongside both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum?
