Los Angeles Lakers NBA 2K10 Ratings

2009-2010 OVERVIEW
The Lakers have gone to two straight NBA Finals, and took home the championship last season. They made a highly debated move this offseason when they signed the unpredictable Ron Artest instead of re-signing the younger Trevor Ariza, but are still the favorites to win another championship this season (or at worst, lose to the Celtics in one of the greatest Finals matchups we've ever seen).

ROSTER
96 – Kobe Bryant (SG/SF)
84 - Pau Gasol (PF/C)
78 – Andrew Bynum (C)
78 - Ron Artest (SF/PF)
74 – Lamar Odom (PF)
70 - Shannon Brown (SG/PG)
68 – Jordan Farmar (PG)
67 – Derek Fisher (PG)
67 – Luke Walton (SF)
67 – Sasha Vujacic (SG)
63 - Josh Powell (PF/C)
60 - DJ Mbenga (C)
55 - Adam Morrison (SF)

LINEUP
C Andrew Bynum (34)
PF Pau Gasol (34)
SF Ron Artest (34)
SG Kobe Bryant (37)
PG Derek Fisher (26)
BENCH
PF Lamar Odom (28)
PG Jordan Farmar (18)
SG Shannon Brown (17)
SG Sasha Vujacic (7)
PF Josh Powell (5)
C DJ Mbenga (0)
SF Adam Morrison (0)
RESERVE
SF Luke Walton (INJURED, ETA JANUARY)

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Kobe Bryant

VITALS
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 205
Hand: Right
College: Lower Merion (HS)
Years Pro: 14
Age: 31
Jersey Number: 24
Personality: Unpredictable
Position: SG
2nd Pos: SF (from N/A)
Style: All-Around

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 96 (down from 97)
Inside 87 (down from 90)
Close 92
Medium 87 (down from 90)
3PT 77 (down from 79) (80)
LowPost 93 (up from 88)
FreeThrow 86 (up from 84)
Layup 99
Dunk 75 (down from 85)
StandDunk 50
OffDribble 85
InTraffic 85
Handle 94
OffHand 92
Security 92 (down from 97)
Pass 68 (down from 73)
Block 37
Steal 88 (up from 73)
Hands 99
BallDef 88 (down from 91)
OffReb 45 (up from 40)
DefReb 42 (down from 50)
OffPost 83 (up from 78)
DefPost 62 (down from 70)
OffAwr 99
DefAwr 88 (down from 93)
OffClutch 90 (99)
DefClutch 60
Consistency 99
Stamina 91
Speed 88
Quickness 91
Strength 63
Vertical 94
Hustle 90
Durability 93
Potential 99
Emotion 60

CONTRACT
Role: Starter
Opt: Player (from None)
NT: Yes
2010: 23.03
2011: 24.81

ANALYSIS
A top 5 player in the league, and perennial MVP candidate. Spent the summer working on his post game (ala Michael Jordan) in order to preserve his effectiveness as his athleticism begins to decline. On top of his offensive excellence, he is also a great defensive player, which makes him a rare breed indeed.

FUTURE
The 11-time all-star could become the league's first 20-time all-star (eclipsing Kareem) if he decides to play until he's 40. He could also become the first 7-time champion since the 60s Celtics. He's obviously sticking in LA for the rest of his career, which will be however long he sees fit.

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Pau Gasol

VITALS
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 250
Hand: Right
From: Spain
Years Pro: 9
Age: 29
Jersey Number: 16
Personality: Neutral
Position: PF
2nd Pos: C
Style: All-Around (from Back to Basket)

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 84 (up from 83)
Inside 90
Close 92
Medium 72
3PT 39 (35)
LowPost 94
FreeThrow 81 (up from 79)
Layup 60
Dunk 55 (down from 58)
StandDunk 80 (down from 85)
OffDribble 57
InTraffic 79
Handle 48 (up from 43)
OffHand 36 (up from 31)
Security 63
Pass 61 (up from 53)
Block 61 (up from 58)
Steal 39
Hands 88
BallDef 46
OffReb 85 (up from 82)
DefReb 78 (up from 72)
OffPost 92
DefPost 85
OffAwr 91 (down from 93)
DefAwr 76 (down from 79)
OffClutch 60
DefClutch 25
Consistency 99
Stamina 77
Speed 49
Quickness 48
Strength 57
Vertical 37
Hustle 83
Durability 78 (up from 70)
Potential 94
Emotion 60

CONTRACT
Role: Starter
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 16.45
2011: 17.82

ANALYSIS
A two-time all-star who made his first all-nba team last season (3rd team), Gasol is easily one of the most underrated players in the league. It should not be lost on anybody that the Lakers went on a 10 game winning streak after he returned to the lineup. He is so efficient offensively that it will be a legitimate question for years to come whether Gasol/Kobe was as good as Shaq/Kobe.

FUTURE
One would have to think he's retiring a Laker. At 29 years of age, that shouldn't be for awhile.

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Andrew Bynum

VITALS
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 285
Hand: Right
College: St. Joseph (HS)
Years Pro: 5
Age: 22
Jersey Number: 17
Personality: Laid Back
Position: C
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: Back to Basket

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 78 (up from 76) (74)
Inside 86 (down from 88)
Close 80 (down from 84) (80)
Medium 40 (35)
3PT 25
LowPost 84
FreeThrow 74 (up from 71) (69)
Layup 45
Dunk 55
StandDunk 90 (up from 85)
OffDribble 43
InTraffic 70 (up from 60)
Handle 37
OffHand 25
Security 52 (41)
Pass 33
Block 75 (down from 85)
Steal 39 (down from 44) (32)
Hands 79 (up from 74) (66)
BallDef 36
OffReb 85 (down from 87) (86)
DefReb 81 (75)
OffPost 85 (82)
DefPost 81 (up from 78)
OffAwr 76 (up from 73) (71)
DefAwr 78 (up from 70)
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 80 (up from 60)
Stamina 77
Speed 33
Quickness 37
Strength 71 (up from 66)
Vertical 31
Hustle 57
Durability 63 (down from 70)
Potential 87
Emotion 25

CONTRACT
Role: Starter
Opt: Team
NT: No
2010: 12.50 (from 12.53)
2011: 13.70 (from 13.84)
2012: 14.90 (from 15.16)
2013: 16.10 (from 16.47)

ANALYSIS
Has quietly developed into an excellent offensive player next to Kobe and Gasol, and anchors their post defense as well.

FUTURE
At only 22 years old, Bynum still has quite a bit of growing to do. He has already shown much improvement in the post and on defense since being drafted out of high school, and it's difficult to fathom how good he'd be not been struck by some freak injuries the past two years. He should continue developing into one of the top centers in the league. Which is fortunate, since he's paid like one. He'll be fine as long as he stays healthy.

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Ron Artest

VITALS
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 260
Hand: Right
College: St. John’s (NY)
Years Pro: 11
Age: 30
Jersey Number: 37
Personality: Unpredictable
Position: SF
2nd Pos: PF
Style: Defensive

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 78 (down from 80)
Inside 74 (down from 77)
Close 68
Medium 71
3PT 82 (down from 84) (89)
LowPost 68
FreeThrow 62 (down from 72)
Layup 67
Dunk 58
StandDunk 40
OffDribble 67
InTraffic 69
Handle 64
OffHand 56
Security 62
Pass 55 (up from 50)
Block 36 (up from 34)
Steal 74 (down from 79)
Hands 67
BallDef 88 (down from 90)
OffReb 49 (up from 39)
DefReb 42 (down from 52)
OffPost 61
DefPost 82 (down from 87)
OffAwr 72 (up from 69)
DefAwr 90
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 60
Consistency 60
Stamina 91
Speed 64
Quickness 67
Strength 91
Vertical 61
Hustle 87
Durability 70 (down from 93)
Potential 90
Emotion 99

CONTRACT
Role: Starter
Option: Player
NT: No
2010: 5.85
2011: 6.32
2012: 6.79
2013: 7.26
2014: 7.73

ANALYSIS
Artest is theoretically a better fit for the Lakers than Trevor Ariza was. He is a better 3pt shooter, better passer, and a strong enough defender to hang with the likes of LeBron James and Paul Pierce. On the other hand, he is 6 years older than Ariza, will lose quickness as he continues to age (which would push him into the dreaded tweener status), is somewhat of a ball stopper on offense, and is a considerably worse finisher around the basket (another trait that will not improve with age). And that's before we even talk about his personality and the potential suspensions and effects on team chemistry.

FUTURE
Aside from the 2014 player option, Artest has an early termination option after 2012. He is unlikely to opt out, as it is highly doubtful anyone will want to pay him 15 million for his age 34/35 seasons. He's with the Lakers for the long haul, for better or worse.

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Lamar Odom

VITALS
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 230
Hand: Right
College: Rhode Island
Years Pro: 11
Age: 30
Jersey Number: 7
Personality: Neutral
Position: PF (SF)
2nd Pos: N/A (from SF) (PF)
Style: Point Forward

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 74 (down from 78) (77)
Inside 81 (down from 91)
Close 65 (down from 70)
Medium 72 (down from 77)
3PT 73 (up from 69)
LowPost 78 (down from 81)
FreeThrow 62 (down from 64)
Layup 67
Dunk 64
StandDunk 55 (down from 60)
OffDribble 73
InTraffic 64
Handle 76
OffHand 70
Security 68
Pass 60 (up from 57)
Block 52 (down from 66)
Steal 57 (down from 62)
Hands 75
BallDef 58
OffReb 58 (down from 73)
DefReb 82
OffPost 75 (down from 78)
DefPost 75
OffAwr 70 (down from 76)
DefAwr 75 (up from 67)
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 50 (down from 60)
Stamina 85
Speed 55
Quickness 60
Strength 51
Vertical 52
Hustle 75
Durability 70
Potential 86 (down from 89)
Emotion 25

CONTRACT
Role: Sixth Man
Opt: Team
NT: No
2010: 7.50
2011: 8.20
2012: 8.90
2013: 8.20

ANALYSIS
One of the most versatile players in the game, but has not been himself this season. Perhaps it's his controversial marriage to Khloe Kardashian, or that he's eased up now that he got his contract extension, or maybe he's not a good fit next to Ron Artest. Whatever the reason, his play on the court has been less than stellar. He is shooting only 40% from the field, and has doubled his threes attempted despite taking fewer shots overall. At first glance it would appear Odom isn't getting the shots he did last season. He is still rebounding, passing, and defending as well as ever, so maybe this will pass.

FUTURE
Odom is signed for the next four years, and you have to think they will be rocky if the Lakers don't get better production out of him as he ages into his 30s. Otherwise he will be a very overpaid backup when all is said and done.

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Shannon Brown

VITALS
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 211
Hand: Right
College: Michigan State
Years Pro: 4
Age: 24
Jersey Number: 6
Personality: Expressive
Position: SG
2nd Pos: PG
Style: Athletic

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 70 (up from 66) (67)
Inside 72
Close 78
Medium 60 (up from 54)
3PT 75 (up from 70) (75)
LowPost 43
FreeThrow 74 (down from 77)
Layup 82 (down from 87)
Dunk 94 (up from 84)
StandDunk 55 (up from 35)
OffDribble 69
InTraffic 57
Handle 73
OffHand 67
Security 54
Pass 49
Block 36 (down from 39)
Steal 76 (down from 81)
Hands 72
BallDef 74 (up from 69)
OffReb 35
DefReb 36 (up from 32)
OffPost 37
DefPost 39
OffAwr 62 (up from 55)
DefAwr 67
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 25
Stamina 85
Speed 91 (up from 78)
Quickness 81
Strength 67
Vertical 92 (up from 87)
Hustle 73
Durability 85
Potential 67
Emotion 60

CONTRACT
Role: Role Player
Opt: Player
NT: No
2010: 1.99 (from 2.00)
2011: 2.15 (from 2.21)

ANALYSIS
Nearly found himself out of the league prior to joining the Lakers. Has quickly turned into the one of the most popular players on the team thanks to his incredible dunks. He's also become a respectable 3pt shooter off the catch, and is capable of defending either guard position.

FUTURE
Aside from sticking around with the Lakers (or moving on after his contract expires), you just know he's going to win a dunk contest at some point.

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Jordan Farmar

VITALS
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180
Hand: Right
College: UCLA
Years Pro: 4
Age: 23
Jersey Number: 5
Personality: Neutral
Position: PG
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: Scoring

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 68 (up from 66) (67)
Inside 73 (down from 80)
Close 68
Medium 70 (up from 58)
3PT 78 (up from 75) (77)
LowPost 27
FreeThrow 65 (down from 68)
Layup 85
Dunk 64
StandDunk 30
OffDribble 71
InTraffic 54
Handle 79
OffHand 73
Security 73
Pass 60 (down from 65)
Block 35 (up from 33)
Steal 83
Hands 72
BallDef 65 (up from 60)
OffReb 32
DefReb 36
OffPost 25
DefPost 25
OffAwr 69 (up from 58)
DefAwr 67
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 55 (down from 60)
Stamina 85 (down from 91)
Speed 85
Quickness 85 (down from 90)
Strength 31
Vertical 82
Hustle 88
Durability 85
Potential 72
Emotion 60

CONTRACT
Role: Role Player
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 1.95

ANALYSIS
Farmar has been very erratic for most of his career, and it's the reason he hasn't been able to steal the starting job away from Derek Fisher. Farmar is a good 3pt shooter, has developed into a pesky defender, but is a mediocre playmaker and terrible finisher at the basket (ala Fisher). The difference between the two is Farmar is 12 years younger and has some room for improvement, while Fisher is only getting worse from here on out.

FUTURE
Farmar and the Lakers are in an interesting spot, as they surely have him in mind as the heir apparent to Fisher, yet have been reluctant to give him minutes. It is possible that another team throws some money at Farmar (who is only 23) as a free agent, and forces the Lakers to overpay for his services. It's also possible they may not want anything more than backup minutes from him and bring in a more established PG. Or they decide to promote Brown or Vujacic to the starting unit when Fisher's time passes. Either way, Farmar's future is a bit murky, and some consistent play from him would certainly bring some clarity to the situation.

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Derek Fisher

VITALS
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 210
Hand: Left
College: AR Little Rock
Years Pro: 14
Age: 35
Jersey Number: 2
Personality: Neutral
Position: PG
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: 3pt Specialist (from Pass First)

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 67 (down from 72) (70)
Inside 62 (down from 67)
Close 79
Medium 81 (down from 84)
3PT 82 (down from 83) (84)
LowPost 33
FreeThrow 88
Layup 63
Dunk 25
StandDunk 25
OffDribble 72 (down from 74)
InTraffic 57
Handle 75
OffHand 69
Security 86 (65)
Pass 55 (down from 65)
Block 27
Steal 75 (up from 70)
Hands 82
BallDef 72 (down from 87) (80)
OffReb 28 (up from 26)
DefReb 38 (up from 31)
OffPost 27
DefPost 33
OffAwr 66
DefAwr 72 (down from 79) (69)
OffClutch 25 (down from 60)
DefClutch 25
Consistency 50 (down from 60)
Stamina 77
Speed 70
Quickness 75
Strength 52 (down from 72)
Vertical 58
Hustle 92
Durability 85
Potential 80
Emotion 25

CONTRACT
Role: Starter
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 5.05

ANALYSIS
Fisher has been terrible this season after having surprisingly good seasons the last two years. Fisher would be a backup on any other team but the Lakers, where he has always been a good fit due to his 3pt shooting and defense.

FUTURE
At age 35, this may be Fisher's last season in the NBA. He'll be a decent veteran backup if he wants to continue his career another year or two, but there is definitely no way he should be a starter after this season.

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Luke Walton

VITALS
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 235
Hand: Right
College: Arizona
Years Pro: 7
Age: 29
Jersey Number: 4
Personality: Laid Back
Position: SF
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: Point Forward (from Defensive)

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 67
Inside 82 (down from 86)
Close 68
Medium 74
3PT 69 (up from 64) (62)
LowPost 49
FreeThrow 73 (up from 71)
Layup 54
Dunk 48
StandDunk 40
OffDribble 59
InTraffic 59
Handle 55
OffHand 45
Security 79 (down from 89)
Pass 68 (down from 88)
Block 35 (up from 33)
Steal 54
Hands 64
BallDef 63
OffReb 52
DefReb 47
OffPost 45
DefPost 55
OffAwr 67 (up from 58)
DefAwr 61
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 50 (down from 60)
Stamina 77
Speed 60
Quickness 55
Strength 58
Vertical 55
Hustle 85
Durability 70
Potential 76
Emotion 25

CONTRACT
Role: Role Player
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 4.84
2011: 5.26
2012: 5.68
2013: 5.80 (from 6.10)

ANALYSIS
The son of Bill Walton, who unfortunately didn't grow to be seven feet tall like his dad did. Luke is a jack of all-trades, master of none. He does everything moderately well, has an excellent basketball IQ, and is easily the best passing backup forward in the league. He is a bit of a tweener though, stuck between the 3 and 4, and is nothing more than a role player on either end.

FUTURE
With a contract paying him 16.5 million dollars between 2011 and 2013, it's probably safe to say Walton is sticking around in LA for the rest of his career (which probably won't extend past that contract - he'll be 32 by the time it's done).

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Sasha Vujacic

VITALS
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 205
Hand: Right
From: Slovenia
Years Pro: 6
Age: 25
Jersey Number: 18
Personality: Expressive
Position: SG
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: 3pt Specialist

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 67 (69)
Inside 67 (down from 69)
Close 56 (up from 50)
Medium 76 (down from 79)
3PT 81 (up from 80) (88)
LowPost 36
FreeThrow 88 (up from 84)
Layup 62
Dunk 42
StandDunk 40
OffDribble 67
InTraffic 43
Handle 70
OffHand 64
Security 71 (95)
Pass 46 (down from 56)
Block 30
Steal 79 (down from 84) (99)
Hands 67
BallDef 75 (up from 70)
OffReb 29
DefReb 40
OffPost 28
DefPost 33
OffAwr 57
DefAwr 75 (up from 70)
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 45 (down from 60)
Stamina 77
Speed 78
Quickness 76
Strength 31
Vertical 69
Hustle 70 (up from 55)
Durability 70
Potential 66
Emotion 99

CONTRACT
Role: Role Player
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 5.00
2011: 5.48

ANALYSIS
"The Machine" never saw a three point shot he did not like. He brings an aggressive (if not always effective) brand of defense that seperates him from the numerous 3pt specialists who couldn't guard their own shadow.

FUTURE
Sasha has seen his playing time dissipate with the emergence of Shannon Brown. Sasha is too overpaid to trade until next season, so they are stuck with each other (though they certainly keep him if Fisher retires or Farmar leaves as a free agent).

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Josh Powell

VITALS
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 240
Hand: Right
College: North Carolina State
Years Pro: 5
Age: 27
Jersey Number: 21
Personality: Neutral
Position: PF
2nd Pos: C
Style: Rebounding (from Faceup)

Overall 63 (down from 64)
Inside 70 (down from 75)
Close 81 (down from 88)
Medium 72 (down from 75)
3PT 55 (up from 25)
LowPost 64
FreeThrow 75 (up from 74)
Layup 48
Dunk 66
StandDunk 55
OffDribble 42
InTraffic 60
Handle 42
OffHand 30
Security 30
Pass 29 (up from 26)
Block 45 (down from 48)
Steal 34 (up from 32)
Hands 52
BallDef 45
OffReb 86 (down from 91)
DefReb 63
OffPost 60
DefPost 54
OffAwr 52
DefAwr 43
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 55 (down from 60)
Stamina 70
Speed 52
Quickness 55
Strength 72
Vertical 54
Hustle 72
Durability 85
Potential 61
Emotion 60

CONTRACT
Role: Bench
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 959K (from 855K)

ANALYSIS
The 4th bigman on a team that has Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. He would obviously see more minutes on another team. Solid rebounder and with a solid mid-range shot. Powell even added 3pt range to his arsenal as he is 4-9 from distance this season.

FUTURE
At only 26 years old, Powell is waiting for a team to make him an offer he can't refuse. Unless of course, he's okay with riding the bench making the minimum on a championship team. Things could be worse, I suppose.

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DJ Mbenga

VITALS
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 255
Hand: Right
From: Congo
Years Pro: 6
Age: 29
Jersey Number: 28
Personality: Laid Back
Position: C
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: Rebounding

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 60 (up from 52)
Inside 68 (up from 63)
Close 73 (up from 63)
Medium 55 (up from 45)
3PT 25
LowPost 56
FreeThrow 59 (up from 50)
Layup 31
Dunk 49
StandDunk 70
OffDribble 35
InTraffic 55
Handle 25
OffHand 25
Security 25
Pass 33
Block 95 (up from 75)
Steal 57 (up from 42)
Hands 27
BallDef 36
OffReb 73
DefReb 56
OffPost 54
DefPost 62 (up from 52)
OffAwr 30 (up from 25)
DefAwr 51 (up from 36)
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 25
Stamina 70
Speed 41 (up from 36)
Quickness 38 (up from 33)
Strength 91
Vertical 43
Hustle 58
Durability 78
Potential 57
Emotion 25

CONTRACT
Role: Bench
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 959K

ANALYSIS
Mbenga has managed to stick in the league thanks to his shot blocking. He is the perfect 3rd center for a championship club, where his flaws are not as pronounced.

FUTURE
I would have to think Mbenga is going to be a Laker for the foreseeable future. If any team wants to blow him away with a free agent offer, more power to them, I suppose.

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Adam Morrison

VITALS
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 205
Hand: Right
College: Gonzaga
Years Pro: 4
Age: 25
Jersey Number: 35
Personality: Neutral
Position: SF
2nd Pos: N/A
Style: Scoring

ATTRIBUTES
Overall 55 (up from 54) (55)
Inside 60
Close 84 (down from 87)
Medium 66
3PT 77 (79)
LowPost 46
FreeThrow 71
Layup 66
Dunk 48 (down from 51)
StandDunk 40
OffDribble 79 (down from 84)
InTraffic 49
Handle 64
OffHand 56
Security 51
Pass 40
Block 30
Steal 32
Hands 82
BallDef 40
OffReb 37
DefReb 39
OffPost 40
DefPost 34
OffAwr 61 (down from 66)
DefAwr 37 (up from 27)
OffClutch 25
DefClutch 25
Consistency 60
Stamina 77
Speed 58
Quickness 54
Strength 39
Vertical 49
Hustle 45
Durability 48 (down from 70)
Potential 76
Emotion 99

CONTRACT
Role: Bench
Opt: None
NT: No
2010: 5.26

ANALYSIS
Morrison had a decent rookie season for the Bobcats, but tore his ACL the following season. He hasn't been the same since. He is nothing more than a 3rd string right now, which isn't exactly what you'd want out of a former #3 pick.

FUTURE
Morrison will probably head to Europe or the D-League when his contract expires this summer. Regarding this season, the Lakers would be happy to find a taker for Morrison's 5 million dollar salary, since he's costing them double that due to the luxury tax.