Powell Is Enjoying November

Thus far, November has been a good month for former NC State forward Josh Powell. He averaged 10.5 minutes, 5.5 points and 2.5 in two games in October. Since then he has become a much bigger contributor off of the bench for the Lakers. Through 5 games in November, Powell is averaging 6.4 points in 15.6 minutes of play. He has proven to be more efficient in the early parts of the 09-10 season, shooting 53% from the field (he shot 44% from the field last season). Josh had his best game of the young season on Friday night, scoring 13 points in 23 minutes of play, which were both season highs.

Laker head coach Phil Jackson has been pleased with Powell's spark off of the bench this season. "He's been our most reliable substitute this year off the bench," Jackson told the LA Times. "He's been shooting the ball well. He's much more comfortable playing in the offense. He knows the niches he can find, and plays and knows how to use them well."

According to the Times, Powell was stoked to hear of the compliment that his head coach had thrown his way. "Powell's eyes lit up when he was told of Jackson's compliment. 'If Jesus said so, I'm with it," Powell told the LA Times, smiling. "That's PJ, man.'"