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LAKERS
The backup center isn't always smooth, but Coach Phil Jackson likes Mbenga's quickness, strength and effort -- all of which were on display in Tuesday's victory over Memphis.
By Broderick Turner
March 5, 2009
It was more than just his stat line of four points, two rebounds, three blocked shots and one steal in 19 minutes in the Lakers' win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
It was his hustle, drive and determination that Lakers reserve DJ Mbenga played with that was most impressive Mbenga averages only seven minutes per game, and even when he does play, he's not always the smoothest player on the court.
But that's not what the Lakers want out of the 7-foot, 255-pound Mbenga.
The Lakers like when he plays with effort, like Mbenga did Tuesday night at Staples Center.
"If he [Lakers Coach Phil Jackson] gives me minutes, I'm going to do my job," Mbenga said. "I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm not expecting to play a lot. The only thing I want, if he puts me on the floor, it's because he needs me because he expects me to do something."
Mbenga was on the court when the Lakers made their push in the fourth quarter.
He blocked a shot by Rudy Gay that brought the crowd -- and the Lakers' bench -- to their feet. Gay was on a two-on-one fast break when Mike Conley threw a lob pass that looked as if it would be a dunk.
But Mbenga hustled back and leaped into the air for the block.
Then he ran back down court and demanded the basketball.
Once Mbenga got it, he knocked down a 15-foot jumper.
"DJ is quick off his feet," Jackson said. "He surprises people because he gets explosion. He gets up quick and got some blocked shots and did some things good on the defensive end, offensive too."
Marc Gasol, the younger brother of Lakers center Pau Gasol, was using his strength and bulk to push around his older brother.
That wasn't the case when Mbenga was in the game.
Jackson said the Lakers will use Mbenga against centers who are strong down low.
With Lakers center Andrew Bynum (torn ligament in right knee) still out, the Lakers will lean on Mbenga at times.
"Tonight he looked like he had a feel for the game," Jackson said. "The other night, Sunday, when we played Phoenix, he didn't look like he had a feel for the game [against Shaquille O'Neal]. That's DJ's acclimation to what the game is, what the game plan is. But he gives effort and that's important."
Mbenga had a steal later in the fourth quarter that led to a basket by Sasha Vujacic. He also showed his range on a jumper, hitting one from 21 feet.
"He works extremely hard, day in and day out," Kobe Bryant said. "He's a great example that when your number is called, you've got to be ready."
