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With Malice: LA's team of the decade... E-mail
Written by Don   
Thursday, 31 December 2009 15:40
LA's team of the decade, a very tough team to work out - and inevitably I'll have missed someone... but here goes...
(notes: 1) it looks at any player, at any stage of their time in the last decade that they had with the Lakers.  2) I went with a 12 man roster)

Starting rotation
PG - Derek Fisher - Derek Fisher at the turn of the new decade was a perfect point guard for LA.  Tough, uncompromising and capable of hitting the big shot when needed to (Got Fish?).
SG - Kobe Bryant - Already acclaimed as the second greatest Laker ever, this would be the Kobe of the last few years.  Incredibly focused, and possessing leadership coupled with a driving intensity to win.
SF - Robert Horry - "Big Shot Rob" - yet another guy capable of those important shots.  I don't care if you don't play him all game, you gotta have him on for the last few minutes of a game.
PF - Pau Gasol - The best power forward in the game today, Pau would be a perfect compliment to prime-time Shaq.  Has the length to really bother anyone quick enough to keep up with him, and has the finesse to trouble anyone tall enough to stop him.
C - Shaquille O'Neal - Shaq in his prime was nigh on unstoppable.  An under-rated passer, with this many weapons playing around him, he'd be devastating.

Bench:
Andrew Bynum - In a small slump at the moment, but when he's on, he's very, very good.  It's difficult to believe (at times) that he's only just turned 22.  Big men don't normally peak until their mid-to-late 20s... scary thought.
Lamar Odom - Lamar Odom brings it all.  He's quick for his size, has a good handle, and can take it to the rim.  A very good rebounder, LO's often underestimated due to his somewhat laid back demeanor.
Ron Artest - Only just barely a Laker in this decade, and has seen his best years go by, but Ron's still one of the premier defenders in the NBA.  A worthy "best-of-the-decade" player.
Ron Harper - Ron Harper at the turn of the new millenium was a perfect fit for the Lakers.  Big for a #1, Harper possessed an excellent basketball IQ, and phenomenal vision.
Rick Fox - Much-maligned for his not-so-excellent acting career post basketball, Fox was a very good basketballer, and an integral part of the 2000-01 Championships.
Horace Grant - Another veteran who's best years were arguably behind him when he was a Laker, Grant still had quite an important role on the 2001 title team.
Trevor Ariza - TA's impact in the 2008/09 Championship winning team can't be overstated.  One of the major steps this team made during the season was when Trevor Ariza began to start.  Very good defensively, and more than capable on offense, Ariza deserves inclusion.

Coach:
Phil Jackson - no brainer.

There you have it.  The LA team of the last decade.
 

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