The 7-minutes To Go, Tied Game, Chips Are On The Line Lineup: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, and Pau Gasol.
According to 82games.com, this is our 3rd highest rated lineup. This is the lineup that Jackson rolls with when the game is on the line, and for good reason.
Andrew Bynum, for as good as he is, is still young and learning the game. Pau Gasol’s brilliant passing and sublime understanding of the game (and outside shooting) make the Bryant-Gasol pick and roll devastating in late game situations. Due to the awkwardness that can show itself during times that Gasol and Bynum share the court, Odom is inserted for spacing purposes.
This is a lineup that has won 10 NBA Championships, combined. Last year, this was the lineup that carried the Lakers to championship gold. They’ve been to war before and Jackson trusts that. While Artest hasn’t won a ring yet, he’s a veteran, whom despite the critics’ wishes, hasn’t imploded on the court. He will also be responsible for locking up the likes of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony (guys Ariza had trouble with), that will be better able to save the legs of Kobe Bryant, in case any late game heroics are needed.
It’s the lineup I expect to be on the court at the end of Game 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, this June, when the Lakers claim their 17th championship in the franchise’s history.
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