Lamar Is The Right Answer To Replace Ron-Ron Tonight

“I haven’t said anything about it,” “You know I’m not going to say anything about that. Why would you even ask?” – “The Zen Master”, addressing the media on who’s going to start for Artest tonight.

With the Lakers facing a must-win situation down 0-2 in Dallas tonight for Game three, they (meaning Lamar) have decided to call upon Lamar Odom’s number (at least according to him) in the vacant spot left by the suspended Ron Artest.  Odom had this to proclaim: “I’ll try to fill another role.”  All signs and indications point towards Odom, not Brown or Barnes, starting for Artest.

Although, there was some speculation Shannon Brown would be inserted into the starting five at shooting guard; sliding Kobe over to small forward.  Well, at least that’s what the Lakers offical game notes would tell you.  Matt Barnes was a considered option, too.  Yet, in the end, Phil Jackson will more than likely go with the most dynamic and versatile option in Odom.  It will be the Lakers most interchangeable man trying to fill another role. “He’s versatile enough to play all five positions,”  The Black Mamba explained.

The Rhode Island product scored only six points in 26 minutes of action in the team’s Game two loss to the Mavs.  It was a frustrating night for the 6-foot-10, 230-pound swingman/point forward, as he missed on nine of his twelve shot attempts on Wednesday.  However, in the opening game, he fared much better, producing a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Which Odom will show up in Game three?  The one that had a strong showing on Monday or the guy who looked out of rhythm two days ago?

The L.A. Times says the change in the lineup will alter the Lakers’ dynamic. Surely, Odom proves to be a legitimate offensive upgrade over the struggling Artest.  His added length will help the club out defensively, too.  Looking at it strictly on paper, you wonder why Odom doesn’t start over Artest in the first place.

ESPN Los Angeles reports it’s a big change with Odom filling in for Artest.  The question is: Could this big change provide a spark for the Lakers against Dallas tonight?  Expect the purple and gold’s front line to decide the outcome of Game three; in either a win or a loss, it’s all on them – and that’s the way it should be.