Lakers Practice Report: 11/10/09

After winning five games in seven days, the Lakers took Monday off before reconvening for a Tuesday afternoon practice in preparation for an intriguing Thursday-Friday back-to-back against Phoenix (7-1) and Denver (5-2), who along with L.A. (6-1) round out the West’s top three teams.

The good news for L.A. is that Andrew Bynum not only returned to practice, but also showed no sign of having injured his right elbow in the first place after he had missed two games due to a strain suffered against Houston on Nov. 4.

“He looked great,” confirmed Kobe Bryant, “Like he was never injured.”

Lamar Odom added that Bynum looked “sharp,” and Bynum himself expressed confidence that he’ll return immediately to the 20-point, 10-rebound form he showed in L.A.’s first five games.

“It’s good,” he said. “A little bit of pain today but something I can play through, so I’m going to be able to be out there and playing. Practice went well for me today and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.“

Bynum said that the elbow hadn’t been allowing his usual range of motion, but the swelling had gone down daily until his range of motion fully returned.

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol remains doubtful for Thursday, missing practice in favor of treatment on his hamstring.

“I don’t have any hopes for him on Thursday for sure,” said Jackson.

Suns Scorching Out of the Gates
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the young NBA season has been the outstanding play of the Suns – not that Phoenix doesn’t have talent, but because they missed the playoffs last season and didn’t appear to be the deepest of teams on paper. However, after winning three relatively easy games against the Clippers, Warriors and Timberwolves, Phoenix reeled off an impressive 4-1 Eastern Conference road trip that included tough wins over previously undefeated (at the time) Miami and Boston, plus victories in Washington and Philadelphia.

“Phoenix is hot as a pistol,” said Bryant. Yep.

The key for the Suns has been how the outstanding play of backcourt mates Steve Nash (averaging a league-leading 12.9 assists) and Jason Richardson (who has led the team in scoring with 34, 22 and 29 points in the last three games) has prompted the return of the “seven seconds or less” offense that has Phoenix leading the league in scoring. The Suns are also tops in field goal percentage and three-point percentage, though they do rank just 24th in points allowed due to their frenetic pace, versus 11th for the Lakers*.
*L.A. also ranks 11th in points scored.

“I think it’s an adjustment for teams that are facing them now because the style that they played last year was drastically different,” said Bryant. “They’re back to playing the way they feel more comfortable playing, back in their element.”

Jackson added that Phoenix is simply an “outside, speed team again,” playing Amare Stoudemire – instead of Shaquille O’Neal – at center and Channing Frye at forward. Frye may be listed as the team’s center, but he spends much of his time on offense roaming the perimeter looking for open three-pointers.

Looking to scout the Suns for yourself? They play New Orleans on Wednesday night before heading to L.A. after a taste of Chris Paul and Co. We’ll then prep for the L.A. - Phoenix matchup by speaking with assistant coach Brian Shaw, and posting it on our Lakers.com Gameday page.