LestersLegends.com

While people are settling in and admiring the work they did with their fantasy basketball rosters, you have a chance to pick up a couple of guys that could help you get off to a quick start.  Perhaps you can even sell them high and be ready for the long haul.

There were a few such instances in last night’s opening games.  Never put too much stock in one game, but here are some opportunities you can take advantage of:

Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards
I like Blatche because he contributes in multiple categories. He can help you in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. He shoot at a decent clip both from the field and from the stripe. With Antawn Jamison (shoulder) sidelined, Blatche has fantasy value for at least a month.  He’s owned in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Kendrick Perkins, Boston Celtics
With Big Baby sidelined with a broken thumb thanks to his poor lack of judgement, which is putting it mildly, Perkins has a chance to be a nice source of rebounds and blocks. Unfortunately he had just one of each last night. I know he played Shaq, Big Z, and Varejao, but one rebound is disheartening.  He’s owned in 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Craig Smith, Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Kaman had a monster game (18 points, 16 rebounds) as expected with Blake Griffin out, but the Rhino Craig Smith had a nice game as well. He had 12 points on six of nine shooting, five rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. Meanwhile DeAndre Jordan played 11 scoreless minutes.  Smith is owned in 4 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Los Angeles Lakers Bench
If you were thinking about grabbing one of the Lakers bench players not named Lamar Odom, perhaps it’s time to think again. With their #2 scoring option, Pau Gasol, out of commission, the Lakers bench combined for a whopping nine points in 50 minutes of play. That was with Ron Artest struggling on offense.

ESPN is reporting the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms with Ron Artest.  It won’t become official until July 8th, but unless the deal his a snag, the Lakers can almost be penciled in for another trip to the Finals.

The Lakers already got a gift when they were handed Pau Gasol for Marc Gasol and some scraps.  Now Ron Artest will take less money to join the Lakers squad, which is shaping up to be a dynasty.  I cannot fault Artest for wanting to win a ring.  There have been many players who have taken cuts to win titles.  He point blank came out and said “I’m not playing for the money anymore.”

There aren’t many players who can somewhat keep Kobe in check.  Now one of them is on his team. 

It wasn’t all good news for the Lakers as Trevor Ariza, an important part of their title team, has agreed to join the Rockets.  Cleveland, who was interested in both wing players, has to feel a little left out in the cold as they missed out on two chances to add more firepower to the LeBron-Shaq marriage.

Game FiveKobe Bryant – 30 Points, 6 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 4 Blocks, 2 Steals
Lamar Odom – 17 Points, 10 Rebounds
Pau Gasol – 14 Points, 15 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 4 Blocks
Rashard Lewis – 18 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Assists
Dwight Howard – 11 Points, 10 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
Trevor Ariza – 15 Points, 5 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Rafer Alston – 12 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals
Derek Fisher – 13 Points, 4 Rebounds
Courteny Lee – 12 Points, 4 Rebounds
Hedo Turkoglu – 12 Points, 3 Assists

Game Four

Kobe Bryant – 32 Points, 8 Assists, 7 Rebounds
Dwight Howard – 16 Points, 21 Rebounds, 10 Blocks
Hedo Turkoglu – 25 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Trevor Ariza – 16 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Pau Gasol – 16 Points, 10 Rebounds
Mickael Pietrus – 15 Points
Derek Fisher – 12 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Steals

Usually that title fits the Yankees like a glove for me.  Right now the Lakers are rocking it though.  Maybe I should let Orlando share it.  What a frustrating finish.  I feel so bad for Magic fans, because if it was as painful a finish for me, I can just imagine what it felt like for those who bleed Orlando Black & Blue.  As if the misses in-bounds play in Game 2 weren’t enough, the Magic actually botched this one even more.  They had a 12 point lead at the half, and they just gave it away.  And when they went to the extra session, did anyone think Orlando had a prayer?  I know I didn’t.  I don’t know if Nick Anderson rubbed off on the fellas, but the missed Free Throws were the ultimate downfall.  All Dwight Howard had to do was clank one of those two FTs in and we’re looking at an even series.  If you’re going to steal someone’s nickname, why don’t you at least steal someone’s that can make FTs?

It’s inevitable that the Lakers are going to win the NBA title this year.  Kobe will get the monkey off his back by winning his title without Shaq.  Aside from Game 1 though this has not been vintage Kobe.  Kobe’s play in Game 3 is the main reason this isn’t a sweep.  He did a Dwight Howard impersonation with five missed FTs.  Tonight, he may have scored 32, but he took 31 shots to do so.  You can also put away any Mike comparisons.  I can’t recall a time when Mike missed so many shots at the end of a game that would have sealed a victory.  If you look in the boxscore you might think Kobe with his points, rebounds, and assists made the difference, but he was bailed out by Derek Fisher and Trevor Ariza, who made so many clutch shots tonight.  Speaking of clutch shots, can someone file a missing person’s report for Rashard Lewis.  He was nowhere to be found tonight.  While you’re looking for him, maybe you can find Jameer Nelson’s missing defense.  I just ask the basketball Gods to end this in Game 5.  I can’t take it anymore.  I’m well past my tolerance level for Pau Gasol’s whininess.  Please don’t prolong the misery.

Game Three

Dwight Howard – 21 Points, 14 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
Kobe Bryant – 31 Points, 8 Assists, 3 Rebounds
Rashard Lewis – 21 Points, 5 Rebounds, 5 Assists
Rafer Alston – 20 Points, 4 Assists
Mickael Pietrus – 18 Points, 3 Steals
Hedo Turkoglu – 18 Points, 7 Assists, 6 Rebounds
Pau Gasol – 23 Points, 2 Blocks
Trevor Ariza – 13 Points, 7 Rebounds, 2 Steals

Game Two

Kobe Bryant – 29 Points, 8 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Lamar Odom – 19 Points, 8 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
Rashard Lewis – 34 Points, 11 Rebounds, 7 Assists
Dwight Howard – 17 Points, 16 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 4 Steals, 4 Blocks
Pau Gasol – 24 Points, 10 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals
Hedo Turkoglu - 22 Points, 6 Rebounds, 4 Assists
Derek Fisher – 12 Points, 3 Assists, 3 Steals
Trevor Ariza – 8 Points, 7 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 3 Steals