Arash Markazi ✔ @ArashMarkazi I asked Kobe about Temecula. He hadn't heard about it so I told him. "Mamba Army don't f--- around."
Kobe looked fresh(er) and looked to be part of the team. I thought he did well. Can't complain Unless the heckler was Michael Jordan or Bill Russell, Phil etc, Kobe can tell most people "what did the five rings say to the face."
He played alright. I thought towards the end he tried to take over and couldn't, but he did alright. The real problem was the defense which was worse with Kobe back in the lineup. I'm not sure that's fixable.
^^ Agreed Realdeal. Well, it looked like Byron was going to play him too many minutes with that 11 minute first quarter, but I'm glad he kept to the script and limited him to 32. I didn't love his play in the fourth. But what can you do? He had some rust.
I think if Kobe sticks to yesterday's recipe but takes 5-6 more shots and attacks the rim to get free throws, we are looking good. The defense seemed ok until the 3rd quarter. I guess part of it was PHX missing shots that should have gone in in the 1st half.
"The defense is loading up on me all over the place," he said. "It was probably better for me to be a little more assertive offensively. The defenses are loading up on me completely and there's not much I can do without forcing it." It appears Kobe's time on the sidelines has given him some perspective, and it will take an adjustment by his teammates, Kobe and Byron Scott for the Lakers to make this work on a consistent basis. So far, there are signs of of a buy-in from all, but it's been just one game. -from ESPN LA
Could do with fewer TOs, but perhaps a few weren't his fault, and I'd rather a few more TOs with that shooting %.
Mike Trudell ✔ @LakersReporter Kobe in the walk off about his 11 assists: "I've got to evolve, focus more on the all-around stuff and setting up guys." By George I think he's got it! What I liked was how comparatively refreshed he was. Kobe being Kobe and letting the game come to him, rather than grinding himself down to eek out a win. The more the team does for him, the more he will do for the team - thanks Carlos, Ronnie,Wes etc for the help.
He did say though that key to keeping his legs fresh will be limiting his time to 30-32 a game. So far, Byron has upheld his part these past two games. I look for that to continue since Kobe is into it as well.
Yep, case in point was last game against the Suns. Kobe passed a lot but there were a ton of dropped passes by his recipients and some not great shooting.
Yeah. But man some of Kobe's passes have a lot of HEAT on them at fairly close range. Amazed these guys don't break fingers more often in that manner.
I wasn't sure about going to go this game since they've done so poorly in Denver in recent years. Definitely got my money's worth. Some of those passes tonight
