Lakers win opener. New zone defense?

Fun game to watch last night. A healthy Ariza and Bynum with a brand new starting line up. As expected Lamar Odom will not be a starter (for now). That mean Vlad-Rad gets the start at the 3.

Whether is was the Blazers athleticism that made Phil Jackson go to a modified 2-3 (and sometimes 3-2 zone) is unclear. But it worked well. The defense stiffled ball movement and likely contributed to the Blazers' poor 1st half shooting. But finally Phil gives in and toys with a zone. This team is far to big not to. When your front line is 6'10, 6'11 and 7'0 you have the length to make corrections and provide immediate help - even from the weak side.

Bynum was somewhat disappointing. I know it was his first game back, but the guy shows very little fire; and routinely elected not to bang with other bigs for rebounds. But most irritating - he did not lay a body on screens. Is he concerned about his knee? Time will tell if he has that mean streak. Heck, Kobe out rebounded Bynum in the first half 9-2 - all with Portand shooting around 35%!

Now I get, and support, why the Lakers will not engage Bynum on a contract extension. He is a restricted free agent after this year, so they WILL match any offer. But thus far it's hard to know his value. I will say his presence opened up lanes and created more space on the court. He makes it nearly impossible for the defense to double other players. If that's all he provides all season, I'll take it. A healthy Bynum will average 13 pts, 8 boards/game. But his presence will mean Gasol's averages will improve.

Player of the night (beside Kobe): Trevor Ariza. I did not realize how big this guy plays. He is in incredible shape with an improved jump shot. If he can hit that 15-20 foot jumper at 40% and his 3's in the high 30's. He will start by midseason.

Did you notice? Luke Walton did not play. Now buried behind Vlad Rad and Ariza. How deep is this team?

Coaching criticism: Why put Kobe in with the game in hand with 6 minutes on the front end of back to back games? He ended up guarding some gangly rookie from France who first shoved Kobe in the back, then slammed Kobe in the chest with an elbow or shoulder. You could see Kobe think to himself, "Ok, we won. I'm not going to let this guy hurt me." I just did not understand that decision my PJ.