Interesting stats that you could use for Hollinger. I thought it would be interesting to see the difference Bynum made this season. I took a look at the games that Gasol played with the Lakers including the western conference playoffs but not including the Finals against the Celtics. I left the Finals out of the equation because I wanted to see how the Lakers were performing in the two seasons against the rest of the League. Here are my findings:
Record
w/o Bynum: 36-7
w/Bynum: 35-8
PPG
w/o Bynum: 109.0
w/Bynum: 107.6
OPPG:
w/o Bynum: 98.7
w/ Bynum: 98.8
Pt Differential:
w/o Bynum: 10.3
w/Bynum: 8.8
Home Games vs Road Games
w/o Bynum: 21 home 22 road
w Bynum: 26 home 17 road***
*** 2 of the games were on the "road" against the Clippers in Staples. It should actually be 28-15 home vs road
Interpretation: The Lakers with Bynum are scoring less, allowing more points, have a worst point differential, and a worse record playing a far easier schedule than last year. All the talk (along with the Lakers "great bench") was how Bynum would be the difference this year. In truth, you could make the case, at least statistically, that the Lakers are not as good as last year.
I don't see the Lakers being that much better than last year. What really has changed? Ariza and Bynum are quality additions, but has that equated to a better team? The stats point out no. The Lakers have better personnel this year but they still have not played any better, at least up to now.
I maintain that the winner of the Boston/Cleveland series will win the Finals. The Lakers, with so much road games left, will fall behind Bos and Cleve in the all important home court advantage.
Another stat that goes to show the importance of home court: There have been 8 games played between Bos, Cleve, Orl, and the Lakers. The home team has won 6 of the 8. The exceptions being Orlando over the Lakers in LA and Boston over Orlando in Orlando.
Did you also know that in the Boston Cleveland series since the Big 3 was formed, the home team is 13-0. Wow! Home court against the Cavs is essential to winning another title.