From Pau Gasol to Joe Smith: Assigning Each Laker A Nickname

Kobe Bryant is by far the most popular player on the Los Angeles Lakers, and for good reason. Bryant has been the face of the franchise for several years, and he is regarded by many as the greatest Laker of all-time.

Every great superstar that has played in the NBA is remembered by a nickname. Michael Jordan is known has “Air Jordan” and Earvin Johnson is recognized by the name “Magic.”  Kobe Bryant has recently adopted the name “Black Mamba,” and it is one of the most unique nicknames in the game today.

However, the other 13 players on the Lakers’ roster deserve to have a unique moniker of their own. The Lakers have an incredibly talented team, and each player should be given the honor of a nickname.   LakersNation has already looked at the top 8 Kobe Bryant nicknames, but now it is time to give the other players a creative title.

Next: Ron Artest

Ron Artest – The Humanitarian

Ron Artest developed this nickname over the past year as a result of his various donations to charities. Artest came to the Lakers with a dark past, and many people believed that his attitude would ruin the Lakers’ chemistry.

However, Artest did the exact opposite. He fit in with the Lakers’ system and he helped the Lakers’ win their second consecutive NBA championship. After Artest received his championship ring, he decided to raffle it to charity.

Artest generated a surplus of money for his championship ring, and the benefits were used to raise awareness for mental health.  Artest spoke about his mental struggles as a child at various schools, and he wanted to help children facing the same situation.

Before Artest was a Laker, he had the reputation of being a bad guy and someone who just could not behave professionally. However, during his stint with the Lakers, Artest has been a generous, caring individual.

Next: Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes – The Security Guard

Matt Barnes is known for his feisty presence on the defensive end and as someone who can shut down an opposing superstar.  Last year, Barnes irritated Kobe Bryant with his fierce defense.

Ironically, Barnes joined Kobe and Lakers in the summer of 2010.  Barnes came to the team with one job, and only job only – stop the opponents best scorer. Basically, Barnes’ job is similar to that of a security guard. A security guard protects his station from intruders, and Barnes protects the Lakers from prolific scorers.

Currently Matt Barnes is sidelined due to injury, and the Lakers are missing his defensive tenacity.  With Barnes in the lineup, the Lakers are an improved defensive and overall team.

For now, let the Security Guard rehab and get his knee back to 100%.

Next: Steve Blake

Steve Blake- Silent Assassin

Steve Blake played in Los Angeles last season – with the Clippers. However, in the off season Blake signed with the better half of LA – the Lakers. Blake made an immediate impact with the Lakers, as he hit the game winning shot on opening night.

Blake has amazing talent, and he fits in perfectly with the Triangle Offense. Phil Jackson can trust Blake to run the offense effectively, and he also provides a reliable backup for veteran Derek Fisher.  Despite his stellar plays and game-winning shots, Blake has a quiet demeanor.  It is very rare to see Blake get overemotional during a game, unlike many players on the Lakers roster.

If Blake hits a half-court “swish” or if he gets knocked down to the floor, he will have the same facial expression. He gets the job done for the Lakers, but he does it in a discrete manner.

Next: Shannon Brown

Shannon Brown- The Energizer Bunny

Shannon Brown’s popularity had risen over the past few years. Fans are dazzled by his explosive play and incredible leaping ability. Although Brown occasionally misses dunk, the ones he makes are “jaw-dropping.”

Fans and analysts have given Brown some very interesting nicknames: UPS and What Can Brown Do for You. Although these nicknames are great, they do not capture the full essence of Shannon Brown. Brown has made it a priority to become more than just a “dunker,” he wants to be a more all-around player.

This season, Brown has improved his jump shot and also his decision making.  Whenever Phil Jackson subs Brown into the game, the Lakers receive an immediate spark. Just like The Energizer Bunny, Shannon Brown gives the Lakers a much needed boost off the bench.

Next: Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum- Mr. Opportunity

Andrew Bynum is the man in the middle for the Lakers, and he is the anchor to the team’s defense. Bynum has the ability to block shots and his presence is something the Lakers cannot replace. The Lakers need Drew to stay healthy in order for them to win their third straight NBA title.

Recently, Andrew Bynum said if he is given the opportunity, he can be the best center in the NBA. What is a more fitting nickname for Andrew Bynum? The kid has big ambitions and he believes he is capable of achieving his goal. Don’t be surprised to see Andrew Bynum blossom once Jackson decides to give the big man more playing time.

Next: The Rookies

Devin Ebanks- Mr. Potential

Did it ever occur to you that Devin Ebanks looks a lot like Trevor Ariza? Ebanks may resemble the beloved ex-Laker, but he has the potential to be very similar to the ex-Laker. Ebanks is a very athletic player and he can run baseline-to-baseline in the blink of an eye.

If Ebanks continues to work on his game – particularly his jump shot – Phil Jackson will undoubtedly give the rookie a lot more minutes.

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Derrick Caracter- The Prodigy

Derrick Caracter has seen much more playing time than Ebanks has this season, as he provides much needed strength for the Lakers.  Caracter has the ability to become a great bench player and valuable center for the team.

Caracter is currently being mentored by Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum – two of the best big men in the NBA. The future is looking bright for the 6-9 forward out of Texax-El Paso.

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Next: Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher- The Professional

Derek Fisher is a consummate professional, and he is the Lakers’ leader in the locker-room. Fisher, also known as the President, is in charge of the National Basketball Players Association.  Fisher is currently in his 12^th season with the Lakers and has always been a fan-favorite in Los Angeles.

Fisher has won five NBA titles with the Lakers, and he has hit multiple clutch threes en route to those championships. Fisher is a great human being and no other word sums up his demeanor better than, “professional.”

Next: Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol- The Savior

Pau Gasol changed the direction of the Lakers the minute he joined the team, transforming them from a playoff team into a championship contender almost overnight.

Gasol can dominant the paint and he has the ability to take over the scoring load if needed. Since acquiring the Spaniard, the Lakers have won three consecutive Western Conference champions and two consecutive NBA titles.

Perhaps the worst era in Lakers history occurred during the middle years of the 2000s.  The Lake Show was a mediocre team, and a bid to the playoffs was considered  a successful season. Luckily, Gasol saved the Lakers from humility and helped bring them to the top of the league.

Next: Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom- Mr. Versatility

Lamar Odom can play every position, from point guard to center. He has an array of talent and he is the Lakers’ best bench player. No other member of the roster has the versatility that Odom has, and whenever he is having a good night, the Lakers are unbeatable.

Odom has been great in his previous seasons with the Lakers, but this year is by far the best season of his career. He is putting up all-star numbers, and he is also making a case for Most Improved Player. The Lakers would not be where they are now if it were not for Odom’s versatile and multi-dimensional play.

Next: Theo Ratliff and Joe Smith

Theo Ratliff- The Back-Up Plan

Theo Ratliff has been injured for most of the season, and Laker fans have not seen much from the “old-man.”  Ratliff was brought to the team to back up players such as Bynum and Gasol; unfortunately for the Lakers, that plan has completely failed.

However, Ratliff will be a very important player in the Lakers’ rotation once he returns. If Ratliff is on the floor, Bynum and Gasol can preserve their energy for the end of the game.

Joe Smith- The Outsider

Joe Smith was acquired by the Lakers from the New Jersey Nets. Just like Ratliff, Joe Smith was expected to back up the Lakers’ big men.  However, Smith has not seen a lot of playing time this season, and it seems as though it will stay that way. Don’t expect to see Smith on the court unless the Lakers are dominating an opponent.

Next: Luke Walton

Luke Walton- The Star Student

Luke Walton comes from a basketball family, and he has a very high basketball IQ.  Walton understands his role in the Triangle Offense, and his passing abilities are something the Lakers cannot replace.   Although he was considering retiring due to his back injuries, he is beginning to see more playing time with the Lakers as the season progresses.

Walton is one of Phil Jackson’s favorite players; he does whatever he is told to do and never complains. He is loved by both the Lakers’ coaching staff and of course the Staples Center crowd. The “Luuuuke” chants at Staples occur just as often as the “MVP” chants for Kobe at the free throw line.