Lakers' Farmar Grows in Confidence



LAS VEGAS - Outwardly, Jordan Farmar has expressed supreme confidence in his ability.

But Coach Phil Jackson didn't always see that last season. At times Jackson saw a rookie whose confidence was shaken.

Jackson has noticed a difference in Jordan Farmar this year.

"His confidence had been ... I wouldn't say he lost it, but it was hidden for a little while," Jackson said Friday. "He didn't know what he really could do. He lost confidence in his outside shot and started getting in that 'tween area where 6-foot guards have trouble in the NBA.

"Now he's got a little more idea of what he can expect when he goes in the lane, and what's available to him. His shot has been really good."

With a year under his belt and having learned how the NBA game is played, Jordan Farmar said his confidence has grown.

"It's them having confidence in me," Jordan Farmar said, referring to the coaching staff. "That really helps that. Him (Jackson) letting me play, letting me push, letting me make decisions, letting me make plays. That's what I do. I know what I can do."

Jordan Farmar improved his jumper and got better in his decision-making playing on the Los Angeles Lakers' summer league team in Las Vegas.

"I'm not trying to impress them to show them I can do this, do that," Jordan Farmar said. "I'm just playing the way I know how to play. I've been taught to play basketball the right way."

Andrew Bynum Leads Win Over Kings

Even with Kobe Bryant home in Newport Beach resting his sore right wrist, Jackson had designs on defeating the Kings in Friday night's final exhibition game at Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center. And the Los Angeles Lakers did, winning 101-97 to finish the exhibition season 3-4.

Kobe Bryant is expected to play when the Los Angeles Lakers start the regular season Tuesday night at Staples Center against the Rockets.

Andrew Bynum had 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting with seven rebounds, and Ronny Turiaf had 18 points on 5-for-7 shooting with eight rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers had 24 assists on 33 field goals. Luke Walton led the Los Angeles Lakers with eight assists.

"They enjoyed themselves tonight," Jackson said. "They liked moving the ball. I think they felt good about their play."

More Notes

Maurice Evans didn't play because of a sore left hamstring -- the same one he injured in Hawaii and that forced him to miss several days of practice. Evans said he'll be ready to play in the regular-season opener.

Kings guard Mike Bibby didn't play Friday night because of torn ligaments in his left thumb. He's expected to be out six to 10 weeks.

The Laker Girls presented a cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to Andrew Bynum, who turns 20 today.

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