Los Angeles Lakers - "The L.A."

The part of Sandy Cohen has been transfered to Phil Jackson. Like Sandy, Phil's is the one who keeps the whole family together. None of his players have won titles without him. Also, Phil and Sandy share a "Zen-like" mentality. Both would rather spend time out on the water than in the office. If Phil continues to follow in Sandy's footsteps, he just might leave The L.A. for fishing in Alaska. Now that would really make things fall apart!

Kobe Bryant has taken over for Ryan Atwood this season. The two share a common bond in that they both pride themselves on being "loners". Both of them seem to have a certain connection with women. However, while Ryan's antics force him to chose between his girlfriend and the girl he got pregnant, Kobe's actions have lead to a bit more serious situation. To date, Kobe doesn't have a criminal record to match Ryan's, but that could change in later episodes...

Ryan's arch-nemesis is Luke, so it's only fitting that his role is taken over by Shaquille. Of course there's more than just there hatred towards their fellow cast-mate that links these two together. Both have been known to get a little violent at times. They also have tendencies to spout of some of the most idiotic lines on the show. Fortunately for Luke, his are scripted. Shaq just says idiotic things because... well, he's an idiot. Is there any chance that Shaq drives his dad's SUV into a telephone pole and is forced to move to Portland too?  Yeah, didn't think so.

Some folks just have a way with words. If your looking for some witty banter on The O.C., then Seth's your man. If you're looking for someone to babble on incoherently thinking it's witty banter on The L.A., then let me introduce you to the Glove. Like Seth, Gary is dependent on his relationship with the other cast members in order to maintain his social status. Seth never had a girlfriend until Ryan showed up. Payton was never a real contender for the title until he decided to ride Kobe's coat tails.

Karl Malone has filled in for Julie Cooper as the shameless gold-digger of the series. Like Julie, Karl's best days are far behind him. But that won't stop him from latching on to anyone who will give him the best shot at getting a ring. People wonder how Julie can trample over everyone and still come out on top. Fans wonder how Karl can elbow people in the throat and not get suspended. As Julie did, Karl may get the ring he so desires, but that doesn't mean justice hasn't been served. To rephrase Jimmy Cooper's statement about his ex-wife, "He has to wake up every morning and be Karl Malone."

The role of the self-absorbed diva could have easily gone to Kobe, but he can only play one role. Thus Summer's character goes to Derek Fisher. Although Summer had more fashion sense than to wear a headband over her ears like an idiot, she has pulled some wacky outfits from her closet. Derek Fisher is considered by many to be a class act, but I just don't see it. I see a cocky, one-trick pony, who lies down on the floor and whines when a call doesn't go his way (kinda like when Summer's dad takes away the credit card).

I'll admit that it's hard to find NBA players to fill women's roles, but somebody had to take on the part of the leading lady. And while it's probably a bit of a stretch, here's why the part went to Rick. First, Marissa has problems with substance abuse. Although, to my knowledge, Rick's never been to an AA meeting, he does tend to look like he's on something. Plus there was a period where Marissa had a really bad "bang-thing" going on with her hair, and we all know that when it comes to bad hair, Fox is your man. Depending on the day he could have a Buckwheat/Jesus/Al Queda Terrorist look going on. So it's a perfect match by no means, but Marissa never really stole the show anyway - kinda like Fox.

So that's it for DeROK.Net's sneak preview of The L.A.. Will Phil leave? Will Kobe do hard time? Will Gary shut-up? Will Rick see a stylist? And will Karl still be able to play now that he has to wear adult diapers?  Find out the answer to all these questions and more on The L.A.!