It could be his name, but more likely it's the flair with which he plays and the results he has produced early in the season.

Either way, Laker guard Smush Parker is quickly becoming a star, and he has the car to prove it.

Parker, second on the team with a 20.5 scoring average in his first two games, drives a 2004 silver Cadillac Escalade he has dubbed the Smushcalade.

"Because it's all Smushed out," he said.

He leads the Lakers with five steals and has only two turnovers, despite a sometimes flashy style he learned growing up on playgrounds in New York City.

Coach Phil Jackson said the key is whether Parker can continue to play at that level.

"We just hope he can sustain it, "Jackson said. "He's going to go around the league a couple of times ? and we hope he has the strength and physical ability to contribute as he's contributed so far."

Parker, who is 16 for 26 from the field, including five for 12 on three-point attempts, said he's up for the challenge.

"I'm ready," he said.