Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

C'mon man really? What year were those shots in?

Watch games this year and see how he airballs shots from 23 feet out. He shouldn't be taking those shots. Your argument is so terrible man that I can't honestly fight it. It's just... So because he could make shots like that before, he can always make them? Do you think Jordan in Washington looked the same as Jordan in Chicago? You think Jordan in Washington could dunk from the free throw line? Of course not. You adjust to your abilities. Kobe has done it forever and he should continue doing it this year. He shouldn't just take the same shots he was taking as a young man with far fewer miles on his legs.

C'mon. I've been one of Kobe's greatest supporters for 20 years. That doesn't mean I have to be blind to what he is now as a player.

 

Not a fan of the Kobe excuses going around right now. He had a good game yesterday and it was great, I was happy for him. But it was like his 3rd good game of the season, he gas been inexcusably bad. I hope he can continue to be more balanced, but we will see. The excuses and we should just appreciate him stuff is just annoying me though. If Kobe hadn't announced his retirement and instead had said he planned to come back next season and he was playing like this, nobody would be saying to appreciate him, they'd be saying he's out of his damn mind and continuing to criticize his play. Genius move by Kobe to announce his retirement and turn the narrative on his play this season around immediately. I'm still telling it like it is though, and if you want to call me a hater that's fine. I've defended Kobe his entire career from real haters on fans of other teams and Shaq-first Lakers fans.

 

But last night was the the first time I've seen him have his legs all year man and that's the point. He knows better than anyone when he doesn't have it so he knows when to push it and when to take better shots.

 

The man can still play. But he's old and now MUST play limited minutes and play smart. Worthy's commentary on the after game highlights was spot on. He needs to be playing the old man mid-range game of post moves and turn around Js. An occasional wide open 3 is ok, or last second 3. He should impose a limit of 4-5 attempts from deep per game. Anymore than that is just foolish.

 

If he can't make them? Yes.

 

^He also has a coach that enables him instead of asking for a balanced, efficient game. Scott is on record recently that the crew will live and die by Bryant's shooting. Not the most encouraging opinion given the desultory results so far. The truth is that 24 being uber competitive can't, won't and will never be able to harness that will to dominate. He is just a different breed.

 

Yes 24 is still a game changer when he produces... What I would like to see is for him to let Russell set him up for easy scores, move without the ball. It would give our prized rookie confidence and empower him to do more. No one is asking 24 to be Reggie Miller but it would make the game so much easier for him. Those quick, no-look passes right on the button that the young man makes means he won't have to work so damn hard to beat his defender. His mid-range game which is his bread and butter hasn't been utilized as much.

As far as Bryant's legs are concerned, he has to gauge that himself. He has spoken of how they disappear as his minutes pile up. He and Scott should find a common ground as to how to manage his time on the floor. This crew at this point should live and die by the kids. I believe more often than not, we would be better of plus it accelerates their growth as players.

 

24 also has taken the time to give support and advice for Porzingis and Okafor of late... Nice touch.