In 2005-2006, Kobe Bryant set Lakers records for most 50-point games (six) and most 40-point games (27) in a season.

In the 2005-2006 season Lamar Odom was the second leading scorer on the Lakers averaging 14.8 points per game.

“My hat is off to Mitch Kupchak for not making a move,” Pacers Coach Jim O’Brien said. “He saw what he had. [Andrew Bynum] is just a terrific talent and a huge presence inside. . . . He seemed like he’s 8 feet tall to me. His development is a credit to him, their staff and the whole organization.”

Andrew is becoming a reason for the victory more and more these days rather than in past times when Kobe was the reason. His hard work is showing enough to where the Lakers are #6 in the ESPN power rankings.

The key word is ‘maturing,’ from Bynum to the whole team. The team is not depending on Kobe anymore. The second unit comes out and dominates teams that would run all over them 2 years ago, all while Jordan Farmar is running the point guard position.

This upcoming 9 game road trip will be a great test for this Lakers team. I think we will see if they are for real and can withstand the rigors of the east coast swing. I really think the second team will be the difference in that roadie because Phil is utilizing and testing them more and more in his grand scheme of things. Andrew really plays well with the first and second teams, he will be the difference down low for the bulk of the teams we face. Almost in all of the games the Lakers have played to date, whenever Andrew comes out aggressive, he sets the tone for the oppositions backcourt and low post savviness.

Here’s Andrew after the win against the Pacers.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Wow, it’s been a while since I have posted, sorry guys been crazy busy with work and the holidays. I will be posting more form now on.

Here’s your factoid.

Kobe Bryant’s average of 35.4 points per game in 2005-2006 was the highest ever by a Laker’ player.