Pivot Points: Is The L.A. Lakers’ Bench Overrated?

The whispers have already begun, and it may be time to stop perpetuating the myth. If the Los Angeles Lakers are to repeat as NBA champions it will probably be on the backs of their top six players.

The reserves have failed to live up to their "bench mob" moniker, and have instead been one of the weakest parts of the defending champion's team.

In two out of the first three games the bench has been responsible for blowing double-digit leads, and forcing coach Phil Jackson to re-insert his starters on short rest.

In last night's win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Lakers held a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter. Within a six minute span, the reserves allowed that lead to be whittled to eight before Jackson recalled the cavalry.

Honestly, I can't understand why so...

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