Right now things are progressing great in Lakerland but most fans are still weary of another collapse. Last season the Lakers got off to a blazing 24-12 spot before limping into the playoffs in the 7 seed. Obviously this team is a lot different than last years team but just how good are they? Right now the lakers are one game back of dallas (two half games) for the third seed, and own the 4th best record in the western conference.
    Well the players seem to think that they have turned a corner Kobe Bryant has continually praised his bench and young teammates Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar. After the win against the Bulls Kobe said that everyone has seen what Andrew can do offensively but his biggest contributions have come defensively where he has 10 blocks in the past two games and is seemingly changing shots almost every possession.  Phil Jackson has said that Andrew is doing a much better job of getting up the floor and owning rebounds this season and has shown much more consistency and heart.
    The bench has been huge for the Lakers this season and the starting point guard position has also been upgraded with fish coming in for smush. Sasha Vujacic has been hot of late and many scouts and GMS have been saying Jordan Farmar is starting to look like a young Tony Parker. All of this success and still you'd be hard pressed to find content Laker fans in L.A. While there is a lot of clamoring for a second true scorer to back up Kobe, this team has very quietly put up 107 points per game the third highest to only Phoenix and Golden State. While averaging a decent 101 points against, the biggest difference has truly been the tempo and defense. This Laker squad is a lot more athletic and looking to break out a lot more and that comes in large part to better rebounding,  an increase in steals and an all around better effort defensively.
     I personally am excited about the future of this Laker team as there young players are starting to develop and excel with the emergence of Farmar and Bynum and the promise and athleticism shown by Javaris Crittenton and heart shown by Ronny Turiaf. The Euros seem much more comfortable out there in their roles and Walton is starting to find the form he was in before injuries plagued him last season.
   
    Laker fans dont forget that Kwame Browns contract comes off the books at the end of the season and the Lakers should have around 14 million to spend on free-agents in a crop that could include.... Ron Artest, Luol Deng, Shawn Marion, and of course Elton Brand.....