The Lakers’ Biggest X-Factor

THE TRIPLE Bs

Houston Rockets small forward Chase Budinger (10) and Los Angeles Lakers small forward Matt Barnes (9) battle for the ball in the first half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on October 26, 2010. The Lakers won 112 to 110. UPI/Lori Shepler Photo via Newscom

The Lakers have a much improved bench this season, the team kept high-flyer Shannon Brown, while adding Steve Blake and Matt Barnes.

Shannon Brown is looking for his third straight NBA title with the Lakers, and he has quickly become a fan-favorite at Staples Center.

His insane jumping abilities have landed Brown on multiple “Top Ten” countdowns and his quickness greatly benefits a relatively slow Lakers team.  Brown occasionally makes key three-pointers down the stretches of games, and big steals to seal victories for the Lakers.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW5BDtEQimY

The other guard on the Lakers bench, Steve Blake, has impressed the coaches and fans from opening night.  Blake is a proven point guard, who can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting.  In his first game with the Lakers, Blake hit the game winning three to take care of the Rockets.

Blake will play valuable minutes for the Lakers this season; He will be playing the majority of the minutes so Derek Fisher is ready to go in the Playoffs.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS8ESzEQibg

The Lakers also added Matt Barnes to the roster, a player who adds toughness and three point shooting to the team.  Barnes is known for his defensive tenacity, and his never back-down personality; Laker fans got to see Barnes at his best last season when he squared by with Kobe Bryant.  He will play valuable minutes this season, as Barnes will be given to task to guard players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Paul Pierce.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5ZcOYfeTWg

Next: Who Is the Biggest X-Factor

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