10. Darius Morris’ improvement
It’s customary for an NBA player to improve greatly in his sophomore season, but Darius Morris seemingly went from bad to good over the summer. During the 2011-2012 campaign, I cringed every time Morris stepped on the court and knew it would result in a turnover if he dribbled too much–which he did often. However, his level of play throughout the 2012-2013 campaign made me change my tone completely. Morris’ decision making went from horrible to solid, he now has the ability to effectively attack the basket, and most importantly, he’s basically the Lakers’ best defender at the point guard position–which is a huge plus. The numbers (5.0 points, 2.1 assists) won’t show it, but Morris’ improvement has provided the Lakers with a solid combo-guard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8y_mvqd5zA
9. Metta World Peace’s elbow
Well, this can’t be too surprising, as Ron Artest was known for being a little crazy on the court. But, we thought the new Metta World Peace was all about love and peace, so when he followed Ludacris’ advice and threw his ‘bow at James Harden, it was a little shocking. The seven-game suspension at the end of the season was also something most Lakers fans wouldn’t have expected.
Next Page: Lakers’ Slow Start, Kobe’s Efficiency
8. Lakers’ lackluster start
Some thought there was sure to be an adjustment period for the Lakers, but most people had already pegged the Lakers as the favorite to win the title. However, when the Lakers got off to an awful 1-4 start, and continued to struggle, it was quite surprising to most. With the Lakers currently hovering around the .500 mark, it has definitely been an unexpected start, to say the least.
7. Kobe Bryant’s level of play
This one isn’t too much of a surprise since every Lakers fan knows how hard Kobe Bryant works in the off-season, and how he continually tries to get better somehow; despite his age. Two seasons ago, Bryant couldn’t even practice due to a battered knee, was playing less than 34 minutes per game, and even contemplated retirement. Then, over the 2011 off-season, Bryant had a surgery performed in Germany which seemingly invigorated him and allowed him to attack and play more like we, as fans, have become accustomed to seeing him play.
However, after performing in the Olympics over the summer of 2012, Bryant somehow managed to come into this season in incredible shape and has played an extremely efficient, attack-minded game. Bryant is currently averaging 30.1 points on a career high 47.8 percentage from the field, and 37.1 percent from three-point land (which is his third-highest clip); additionally, Kobe is also averaging 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. What’s really surprising is that he can still get to the rim and attack more consistently than he has since probably the 2008-2009 season–or even earlier than that; the free throw attempts per game will prove that.
Next Page: MWP’s Resurgence, Dwight Howard Becomes A Laker
6. Metta World Peace’s resurgence
Another thing fans probably didn’t expect was Metta World Peace’s resurgence. After dropping weight and practicing hard over the summer, World Peace has been arguably the Lakers most consistent, or at least second most-consistent (behind Kobe Bryant) player this season. World Peace bumped up his stats from 7.7 points per game on 39.4 percent shooting from the field (29.6 from three-point land), and 3.4 rebounds last season, to 13.8 points per game on 42.7 percent shooting (3.7.0 from behind the arc), along with 5.9 rebounds this season. World Peace’s conditioning has also upped his minutes from approximately 27 to just over 35.
5. Dwight Howard traded to the Lakers
I think a lot of fans were clamoring for Dwight Howard, but it was talked about so much throughout the season that it wasn’t too much of a surprise when it finally happened, either. However, Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss’ persistence and magic paid off as they somehow got the three-team deal to go down. What was most surprising to me was how the Lakers managed to not give up any other player than Andrew Bynum–not Pau Gasol or even Metta World Peace–in the deal.
Next Page: Mike Brown Fired, Derek Fisher Traded
4. The firing of Mike Brown
Plenty of fans were calling for Mike Brown’s firing, but not many thought he would actually get the boot after just five games. However, the Lakers had had enough, and couldn’t let an awful start go on any longer.
3. Derek Fisher traded to Houston
One of the most surprising moments took place last season when the Lakers traded fan-favorite point guard and team leader, Derek Fisher, for Jordan Hill. The news came shortly after the Lakers acquired Ramon Sessions at the mid-March trade deadline, and had many fans–like myself–heartbroken.
Next Page: Mike D’Antoni Hired, Steve Nash Joins Lakers
2. Mike D’Antoni’s hiring over Phil Jackson
More surprising than Mike Brown’s firing was Mike D’Antoni’s hiring! Not that D’Antoni wasn’t an option, but fans had voiced their desire to have Phil Jackson captain the Lakers’ ship once again, and it appeared to almost be a done deal. Reports had stated how the job was Phil’s to turn down, and that it was all but set in stone. However, a midnight news break shook Los Angeles with the hiring of Mike D’Antoni. Many are still shocked by this, and continue to wonder why the Lakers seemingly rushed to a decision over the weekend instead of reconvening with Phil Jackson on the following Monday as previously discussed in a face-to-face meeting with Phil Jackson, Mitch Kupchak, and Jim Buss.
1. Steve Nash signs with Lakers
It could really be a toss-up between surprises one and two, but the sign-and-trade deal for Steve Nash was straight out of left field. Most fans never envisioned it, and even Nash had mentioned he couldn’t see it happening not too long before it actually did. However, Jim Buss insisted that Mitch Kupchak at least give it a try, and Nash’s desire to be close to his children helped him convince the division rival Phoenix Suns to pull the trigger on a deal in which they received draft picks in return. That was the most shocking aspect of it all–how the Suns were actually willing to deal with the Lakers, and give away their greatest player.
