The Good with the Bad

Once again, the injury bug strikes at the height of success.

Andrew Bynum is out for eight weeks. Eight weeks. That’s two months. The kid’s been stellar in his third season, averaging 13 and 10 with 2 blocks. He’s been shooting a scalding 63 percent, and has been a key component in the Lakers’ rise to the top of the West. Over his past five games, all Lakers’ victories, he’s been phenomenal. 17.5 points, 11.5 boards, with 2.4 assists and 2.2 blocks, while shooting an insane 69 percent from the field.

And now he’s gone—for eight weeks. The news is devastating. Although, not as bad as it potentially could have been. At least he’s scheduled to be back this season. Before the injury, the Lakers had won 16 of their last 19 games and, prior to today’s news, looked set to challenge the league’s elite this year, with a very, very real possibility of winning it all. Obviously, this injury derails such ambition, though it doesn’t squash them. After all, the Lakers are one of the deepest teams in the league. They’ve done all this winning while missing Chris Mihm (a perennial visitor to the disabled list), Sasha Vujacic, and Vladimir Radmanovic (no, not a snowboarding accident).

All the injuries have given more time for Luke and Ariza and even Javaris Crittenton (dude’s got game). There’s even been a few, albeit brief, Coby Karl sightings.   

Of course, after highlighting Kwame and his importance last week in this blog, losing Bynum leaves Mr. Yang without his offensive counterpart. See, the beauty of the Yin and the Yang is how it represents perfect balance. When one part is missing, well, the equation just simply doesn’t work.  

Enter Ronny Turiaf.

Last night, on his birthday, he was highlighted on Fox Sports Net West in a segment called Before the Bigs. Now, his game will be highlighted the next eight weeks. He’s the kind of guy you know is just itching for some action, and he’ll be able to show everyone how far endless energy and enthusiasm can carry a team. He’ll have to be the replacement Yin.

Who knows, maybe he’ll play like Keanu Reaves’ Falco and fill Bynum’s shoes, help lead the team to the playoffs, and then take a back seat as Bynum comes back just in time for the playoffs. In 13 games this season with 20 or more minutes, he’s averaging 9.3 points, 4.6 boards, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 57.5 percent. Not bad for a dude who’s been playing behind Bynum and Odom and recently Kwame. The numbers also don’t take into account games like the one he had against Utah. In only 11 minutes, Turiaf had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks. 

So, don’t fret too much Lakers fans. Things aren’t as glum as they might first appear. We still have Kobe (which used to be all we needed). We still have a healthy and motivated Odom. We’ve got the confidence and big game shooting of Fish (see how much he helps? Last night, in crunch time, he hit some key baskets, big ones—that runner in the lane for the and-one, to help edge out the Grizz).

And we’ve got Ronny.

All I know is boy’s got that extra something. A big heart. That 5^th gear. The dreads. Whatever it is, as down as I am about the news of Bynum being out, without a doubt, Ronny’s going to shine.