Season Review: Josh Powell

OVERVIEW: Backup power forward Josh Powell stepped into a void created when the energetic, funny-loving Ronny Turiaf signed last summer with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent. It was a difficult role to fill, one that wasn't nearly as large as it was while Turiaf was with the Lakers, but the more sedate Powell had his moments. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 60 games after signing as a free agent in the summer of 2008. He made one start while Lamar Odom was suspended for a game and scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the Lakers' victory March 11 over the Houston Rockets. He also averaged 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds in 14 playoff games.

STRENGTH: Nice, soft touch on his mid-range jump shot.

WEAKNESS: Needs to find ways to get more shots because he's a fine shooter.

GRADE: B.

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2009-10.

Next: Sun Yue.