What Phil Said (Postgame Edition...)
After Wednesday's OT loss to Memphis, there was much to talk about. Defensive breakdowns, poor shot selection and third quarter struggles to name a few. The mood after last night's game was one of shock. Players were ticked and the fans seemed stunned. But Jackson, though disappointed, was calm in his post game press conference. It's interesting to look at his answers here and the ones he gave before the tip, in light of how the Lakers managed to hand Memphis an overtime win in a game that never should have reached that point.
"Well, that was a diappointing loss for us. We just couldn't carry the finish of that game to completion. Stoudamire hit a great shot. Kobe had a really good look, but couldn't finish the game. And in overtime they really rode that momentum that got them into the tie to send it to overtime. The first three minutes of that overtime we had to stumble back, and find our way back to the opportunity we had. And it was a great opportunity we muffed."
Q: Phil, Kobe was hot and cold all night. Did he try to do too much? Was it the fact that he got hit in the eye?
A: That was part of it. I thought the first half, though, he was really attacking the basket and forcing the referees to make the call. They must have turned a cold shoulder on him, especially after he got the flagrant foul.
Q: That was a pretty physical game. Is that what's to be expected when you play Memphis?
A: Uh huh. They play a physical game, they play with capabilities of fouling you when you shoot, so you have to play through the fouls. Lamar had trouble with that tonight.
Q: Last play, Chris Mihm was blatantly hacked on the play, yet there was no call. Why do you think there's no love on the home court. It seems like you guys can't get a call.
A: It's tough for referees to call that kind of call at the end of a game. They don't want incidental contact and free throws to determine (the outcome). At least that's been my feeling. And Chris released the ball and the guy came though his arm and knocked his arm. There's no doubt he got fouled on it. But the ball came out without the guy- he couldn't follow through, obviously, because the guy hit his arm, but the referees probably didn't see it that way. That was a great opportunity for us. We had a five on three. Two guys fell down in the backcourt, I decided not to call a timeout. I said if we had an opportunity to run we should run with it. We made the play happen for us but we couldn't finish it.
On finishing the month on a down note, with three straight losses.
"We're playing well. What am I going to complain about? The end score? That's what the game's about. It's about playing well, competing, and being in ballgames. We're losing some games that are close, and we have to learn how to win those games. And those things balance out if you just stay the course and don't get upset. We don't start falling apart into pieces if things go wrong and attacking each other and just stay really calm about it and we'll be fine. We're good enough to compete in this league, and we just have to find a way to win.
Q: 3rd quarters continue to be a problem. You guys came out tonight and scored 3 points in the first six and a half minutes of the third. What's the problem?
A: My concern with them is that a lot of times they operate much better in front of the bench because they're under the gaze, so they have to be inside of the offense a lot. When they get down to that far end then sometimes they get themselves out of whack. Tonight, Kobe got cut in the early part of that third quarter, and we were 1-7 at that particular point of the game, until he came back and then he got going. And yes, third quarters have been a nemesis. We've talked about it and we're trying to work that out.
Q: You had talked about establishing credibility on your home court before the game. Are you disappointed that didn't happen?
A: Yeah. That's part of it. The game, as far as my discussion with the team, was that we came down and ran an endgame situation, with a minute to go. A minute and some seconds, I think we were up by four points at the time, and we ran our basic endgame type of play, which is a time- to use up time. And Lamar took a three pointer with 11 seconds still on the clock, instead of using the clock and running it down, and we ended up paying for it. We didn't close the game the right way. That play should still continue on a couple more sequences, and we should get something that probably ends up on the free throw line with a guy shooting a couple foul shots. And then, having the clock down another seven seconds or eight seconds, or whatever. And the other thing I told them is when you go three for six from the line in the last four minutes of the ballgame, when you do have your opportunities to shoot foul shots and you don't make them, it'll come back to haunt you. And tonight, we payed for that.
Q: Was there anything Sasha could have done differently on Stoudamire on that last shot?
A: Actually, he got under the pick and got back to Stoudamire, but he just got up in the air. Couldn't take the fake because he was that far away from him, and (Stoudamire) dropped the shot.
Q: Do the guys get the feeling that you are progressing, that you'll get better as the season goes on, or do they take each game as a tough loss (and getting discouraged)?
A: Well, I'm sure they're young and dumb, and that's going to happen. They're going to be emotional about it. They don't have a long perspective of the season of 82 games. We do, you and I. Because we've been through them, and we know they're long, enduring marathon runs.
Q: Phil, I think Lamar had five points and five assists in the first quarter, and then hardly did anything after that. Is it the same thing with him, where he falls out of the offense, or was it something different tonight?
A: Well, I think it's tough to stay connected in the offense unless you were really there because Kobe was so dominant tonight in so many aspects of the game. He overwhelmed the game. Devean understood that. Devean understands how to play with it, and knows how to go rebound out of it, and had a good game because of it. And that ended up being good for us and bad for our bench, because our bench became unproductive without Devean there. But Lamar doesn't have quite that experience, and ends up standing a lot of the time and watching. Although he set up Kobe perfectly at the end of the game with a nice little drive and kicked the ball back to Kobe. He had all the space in the world to take that jump shot. That fifteen, sixteen foot jump shot. I still admire the way he plays. He had sixteen rebounds or whatever tonight, and those are the things that were helpful for us. We would have liked him to hit that shot that he stepped back and took. It was a wrong and inappropriate time, but those are the ones that we want him to hit when it's time to close the game.
Q: Is it disappointing on some level when Kobe has these games where he doesn't involve the other guys as much as he could?
A: There was a period out there where one of our statisticians said, I think he took ten consecutive shots out there in that period of time. And I was aware of that happening out there on the floor, but I wasn't aware of the number. I just felt like we had to get somebody in there to go away from him for a while to allow him to settle into the game. And that happened and we got a little lead back and things started working well. Luke came in and did some things for us that were good there. But that overwhelmes the game sometimes and makes it difficult for the other guys to function. Kobe has to be aware of that, and we talked about it, and we understand it. Yet he has to find that balance. There's a fine balance for him.
(photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)
Perfect last question. Perfect answer. Phil is trying not to make the same mistake as he did during his first run with the Lakers. He knows Kobe is the team captain now. Phil can't leverage Shaq against Kobe anymore. So this is Phil's way of sending a message to Kobe. Phil chooses his words carefully and it's evident that what he says carries a lot of weight.
"But that (Kobe's shots) overwhelmes the game sometimes and makes it difficult for the other guys to function. Kobe has to be aware of that, and we talked about it, and we understand it. Yet he has to find that balance. There's a fine balance for him."
Now Kobe apologists, are you going to say Phil is a Kobe hater too now?
Posted by: KobeApologistsBeware | December 29, 2005 at 12:33 PM
wow... no one is talking about the artest trade? i'd think there'd be Something on the la times website about it....
Posted by: bonzoa | December 29, 2005 at 01:08 PM
Interesting theory about why the third quarters are more disjointed. I hadn't though about how playing in front of your team and coach would keep them more in line in the first half.
Posted by: KB8 Fan | December 29, 2005 at 02:01 PM
Kobe knows he has to pass the ball and make people better. However when he does pass the ball his teamates most of the time miss. He gave two to Parker which he missed, and there were a couple of games in the 4th quarter he gave Lamar the ball and he didnt come through.
Posted by: TJ | December 29, 2005 at 02:36 PM
HEY TEAM,
IVE BEEN A LAKER SINCE BEFORE I COULD TALK. IF I WENT TO ANY TEAM TO PLAY BALL IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH YOU GUYS. "DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO GET KEVIN GARNETT FROM HIS CURRENT TEAM" OR TRY TO GET ARTEST WE NEED SOME MUSCLE ON THE FLOOR! BROWN DID PRETTY GOOD AGAINST SHAQ, KEEP HIM JUST FOR HIM BUT OTHER WISE GET RIDE OF LAMAR HE DOES NOT COME THROUGH FOR US. I WATCHED HIM PLAY FOR YEARS AND HE IS NOT THE SAME PLAYER. HE WONT EVEN DUNK WHEN HE DRIVES TO THE COURT OR MAKE WIDE OPEN THREE'S. HOLLA
Posted by: DONOVAN LANE | December 29, 2005 at 03:00 PM
My Comment is Phils Comment.
"We're playing well. What am I going to complain about? The end score? That's what the game's about. It's about playing well, competing, and being in ballgames. We're losing some games that are close, and we have to learn how to win those games. And those things balance out if you just stay the course and don't get upset. We don't start falling apart into pieces if things go wrong and attacking each other and just stay really calm about it and we'll be fine. We're good enough to compete in this league, and we just have to find a way to win.
Thats Real Baby!
Posted by: GMac | December 29, 2005 at 03:01 PM
No, KobeApologistsBeware, that does not make Phil a hater.
A hater would have said, "Kobe is a selfish ball hog. He thinks he is Michael Jordon. He will never be as good as MIcheal, so he should stop taking all the shots. It is not fun to watch him play. He should not take so many shots, why does he think he is so good."
Thank you.
Posted by: KB8 Fan | December 29, 2005 at 03:09 PM
Listen,
I have said this over and over on this blog (formally LakerFan, tired of everyone confusing me with another Laker Fan, notice the space), that Kobe is the man, he is the oucho supreme king, but Kobe is the only one who can make this team better, outside of making trades. After seeing him take 10 consecutive shots (which means the team has ran up and down the court that many times) and having a bad shooting game; he must pass the ball no matter how many his teammates miss. Nuff said I'm done!
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: LakerFan4life | December 29, 2005 at 03:14 PM
Kobe's the wildest of the wild cards. From one game to the next, it's impossible to predict if he's going to be a good team player -- run the triangle, pass the ball, get his teammates involved -- or if he's going to be a bad team player -- hog the ball, ignore his teammates, take outlandish shots. He's got a screw loose, that's for sure. I pity Phil and the rest of the players on the team.
Posted by: Tex Berquist | December 29, 2005 at 03:15 PM
How about the time out that Phil called after the technical fouls. Someone should ask that question, i think it took all the momentum from the Lakers with what I think at the time was an 8 point lead. He should have let them play and not try to over coach!
Posted by: Brian Renfro | December 29, 2005 at 03:17 PM
You cant just expect people to make their shots when they havnt been getting touches. people shoot better when they're in a groove but how can they be in a groove when one person's taking all the shots? kobe takes 35 shots, and everyone else takes like 5... in like 40 mins of play. according to TJ, lamar should avg 10 assits a game since he always find the open man and no one should miss right? but guess what? not every shot goes in. theres nothing you can do about it. how can you say kobe's sharing the ball but teammates not making shots? he was shotting like 35% but still only passes a handful of times only, and most of the time he passes knowing he'll get it right back. i bet if lamar takes 35 shots, he'd be shotting a much higher percentage.
lamar needs to get more isolation plays in the post to demand the double teams. right now no one is even double teaming him and that's just bad for the lakers. he can get 20 points ez and shot about 50% if he doesnt chugging those long ranger jumpers. I agree he needs to demand the ball, but last night, he was in the post asking for the ball several times but the other guys passes to kobe when he was being double teamed.
Posted by: the Lamar Show | December 29, 2005 at 03:34 PM
Kobe took on;y 10 consecutive shots? Most nights, it seems like he's taking 37 consecutive shots. "Kobeapologistsbeware" is right on target.
Posted by: yanks0001 | December 29, 2005 at 03:39 PM
the difference between kobe haters and kobe critics is that the haters have nothing but bad comments to make. The critics, the ones who have enough b-ball knowledge to know a great player when they see one will talk about the good and bad qualities of that player. so i would consider Phil a kobe critic.
i agree with TJ, the other players can't make their shots. they are so inconsistent they are making kobe look bad. kobe looks bad when they don't make their shots, his assist average goes down. if he takes more shots he gets blamed for being a ball-hog. i was a huge lamar fan but after the last 4 games i'm almost okay with the idea of trading him.
Posted by: Ben | December 29, 2005 at 03:51 PM
Hey...so, since there's not actually an end to this Kobe's selfish, Kobe's great debate..let's just concentrate on the actual facts.
Did anyone else love seeing Kobe on the breakaway in the 7th minute of the 2nd quarter split 3 Memphis defenders and lay it up like both teams were a mile behind him?
WOOO! He is the man...
Posted by: S.Tan | December 29, 2005 at 03:53 PM
any chance we can start a discussion on the proposed Artest trade? I'd like to hear what you guys/girls have to say.
Thanks.
Posted by: Andrew Z | December 29, 2005 at 04:15 PM
i read about from probasketball regarding artest for D George... now sports illustrated have the same rumor.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/12/29/truth.rumors.nba/index.html
take a look!
Posted by: the Lamar Show | December 29, 2005 at 04:17 PM
As a Grizzlies fan (I live in Memphis), I appreciated reading this blog. I am, in no way, a basketball expert, and it is good to read what Phil Jackson had to say on being patient and not falling apart.
I tend to get so angry at Memphis when they lose. I easily forget that there ARE 82 games. But, after reading this blog, I am a little more at ease (at least for right now).
Lakers are great and I wish them the best (except when they play Memphis).
Posted by: Forrest | December 29, 2005 at 04:44 PM
Phil treats Kobe as a father would his son, he is never satisfied with what Kobe does, he praises Kobe ones or twice but then he is tough again.
Therefore his comments will always be praise and point the wrong, I think Kobe has to get use to it more and more, because it is never going to change. And now with the BIG brother gone, Kobe can take the criticism better and Phil can notice the better aspects of Kobe.
I think if Phil didn't think highly of Kobe he wouldn't be coaching the lakers again; and believe me it wasn't the money. New York or Cleveland would of paid him the same, and I don't think it was his girlfriend that would be to immature.
I believe the main reason is because he really likes Kobe and sees his greatness, and no Kobe is not Michael Jordan, he is Kobe Bryant '#8'. I think he is very aware of who he is, that's the problem with all of his critics, that Kobe Bryant, knows who he is and what he is worth.
Posted by: lakofan | December 29, 2005 at 05:08 PM
Interesting set of responses. Especially the ones made by KB 8 Fan. I think the first poster, "KobeApologistBeware", meant his question to be a rhetorical one. LOL. Some children...
Now onto the main topic, will Artest land in La La Land? I suspect the information was floated to raise Artest's value. Several teams have already tried to low-ball Walsh. Here's something from rotoworld:
Indy Star reporter Mark Montieth was on WNDE 1260 radio in Indianapolis this afternoon and said that the report about Ron Artest and Jalen Rose going to the Lakers is not likely and that it was a case of "poor journalism."
Montieth went on to say that a trade with Denver was more likely, with Nene being the centerpiece of the deal. It sounds like Artest will be moved in the next two to three days, but Donnie Walsh and Larry Bird aren't about to tip their hand as to what they are working on. As for the Jalen and Artest to the Lakers story, it's still a possibility, but it doesn't sound probable as of right now. If nothing else, it sure livened up the basketball world today.
Posted by: LakersFan | December 29, 2005 at 05:22 PM
Well shoot, if Mark Montieth from Indy Star said it, then it MUST be true!!! Give me a break!
Come on people! None of the teams involved are going to admit anything until a deal is done.
Everyone assumes that its just for George so they think its a case of "poor journalism". First of all, George is VERY attractive because he is in the last year of his deal. The Pacers can save on cap space and gain a decent player or two if they dont like the other offers out there.
If the player offered is not going to help them win a championship, why not just try to save cap space for down the road and later on get a player that will help them?
If this Laker trade happens, I believe Indiana didn't think anyone out there would make them any better.
Posted by: Zen | December 29, 2005 at 06:03 PM
SI.com and Probasketballnews.com is talking about the Laker, Toronto, Indiana trade.
Posted by: Jason | December 29, 2005 at 07:05 PM
I've been a laker fan since the 70s. As fsr as Kobe goes, if you are a true sports fan and not a fair weather one, you have to admitt that Kobe is the most talented and complete player in the NBA. He could do at 18 years what it took years for Jordan to do in the league so he, at his age now was better at age 18 and is better at age 27 but he has one problem, he still does not know when or how to get the rest of the team involved and one would think he would have learned this by now. "Kobe", use the first quarter to get your team mates going. "Team mates" especially Odom "pull your heads out" and make a few shots when Kobe beaks down the defense and passes you the ball. "Kobe" get someone else a shot at the end of the quarter and at the end of the game for a change,
you may suprised at what you will find and the game would be a lot easier. Oh! yeah! stay on your own man on defense, your man is making most of the other teams crusial shots during the game.
Posted by: 70s laker fan | December 29, 2005 at 07:30 PM
I'm not ready to panic, but am concerned about the way we lost. Ugly endigs three consecutive games.
And Phil is right that our offense needs a balance. Kobe has to get his teammates involved and they have to deliver given the opportunities.
Posted by: gdchild | December 29, 2005 at 08:18 PM
Kobe is the only guy out there who wants to shoot the ball, the rest of the team only looks to pass. There were many times Smush, Lamar, and Sasha could have taken open shots, but yet game after game they look for Kobe to score. As far as the bigs are concerned, they never look to post, it seems they have no idea what they are doing out there. From my observations they prefer to set screens. Kobe has no other choice but to shoot ten consecutive shots!
Posted by: Izzy | December 30, 2005 at 12:05 AM
Kobe is a ballhog and he always will be so there is no denying that he also is probably the worst player to ever play the game of basketball
The only reason he scores so many points is because he shoots the ball over 30 times a game and he is averaging only 30 points
If you would let me shoot 30 shots i would guarentee you i would score about 35 each game
Posted by: kobeb | December 30, 2005 at 12:37 AM
It doesn't take a genius to understand that when Kobe shoots a high percentage the team usually wins. That's the balance I hear from Phil.
The young guys just need to yank the ball away and do it themselves. That's why he plays well with veterans like Deven G.
Also, a Kobe hater wouldn't have pointed out that Kb8's temmates need to try for high percentage shots and make the plays that the triangle gives them.
Shaq was the main facilitator of the Kobe is a ball hog message. He got everyone else saying it then stepped back from it. It was all started in the days when Shaq DEMANDED 30 touches a game. Kobe challenged him. So he assasinated his character. Gave the Kobe haters a whole meal to chew on.
Like Odom says, It's hard not to shoot when you can make a shot from anywhere.
And, Kobe made the PASS of the entire Shaq/Kobe threepeat. Against, Portland in 2000 he didn't have to ally-oop to Shaq. He could have pulled up for the J.
Kobe will get better as his teammates get better.
Posted by: 1979 | December 30, 2005 at 06:37 AM
Lamar has all the tools, we all know this. Kobe is just taking his time in growing up enough to really want Lamar to be a star.. Kobe is all about Kobe.. Less Kobe means more Lamar, and more of everyone else.
Kobe can say all the right stuff in interviews, but his play speaks much louder that anything he says to the press.
I hope the guy can grow up, but age and experience do not always equal maturation of the kind we need from Kobe.. Withn three rings and a good shot at a few more down the line you would think that Kobe would get it.. Maybe he lacks vision in addition to maturity. People who can not see beyond themselves usually do.
Hey Kobe, Less is more.. Help your team mates grow.. Heck, your the one who will ultimately benefit the most. sr
Posted by: Salvador | December 30, 2005 at 07:39 AM
Had to say something about 70 Lakers Fan comments. I love it when people state that if you don't agree with them, you are not a real (fill in the blank). What a load of hoey, guy has obviously never participated in a real debate. Second, like Kobe Bryant of hate him, the most complete player in the league is obviously Kevin Garnett. The only thing the guy doesn't do outstandingly well is shoot threes. The only thing Kobe does better than Garnett is score, not shoot, because KG has a better percentage, but score. Those are numbers talking,a nd I'm not trying to take away from #8's ability. But it is what it is.
Posted by: Michael | December 30, 2005 at 07:49 AM
Everybody just chill out. Phil is doing his best to bring a team out of the characters he has to work with. He is doing a great job. Did anyone really expect the Lakers to be in every game? Kobe is the man! He is 2nd in scoring, I think every team has a high scorer,look at Iverson and Carter, do they score all their points by not shooting? no, they shoot all the time, When Kobes team steps up and plays the way they could and Kobe passes more when he is convinced his team mates will score then the Lakers will be a threat to be in it at the end.They are going to be a force to deal with because of their coach.
Posted by: Ldog | December 30, 2005 at 08:04 AM
Hey..truth is Kobe is not the best player playing in the league now, because of his one sided playing.
Hey...the truth remains that Kobe has the most talent and determination in the league.
So many people say they think D.Wade and Lebron are better now....my ass. and not because they don't have the rings to show for it or that crap, that has nothing to do with individual talent..it's because they don't get played the sameway by other teams. Who saw D.Wade play the pistons last night? Doesn't get HALF the pressure Kobe gets. and neither does Lebron (people have mentioned this before) All I have to say is..those people who criticize Kobe aren't watching the Laker games and really judging the difference.
Kobe is not playing as the best..but he is the best. The only talent, I think, that matches, is Mcgrady, but he can't defend.
Also about Kobe's flagrant..I think it was a good thing to do. The last few losses has him going crazy on the floor, but all in all, it wasn't revenge against Miller as much as it is frustration with getting a pounding every game and not getting the calls. It's good that he's toughening up..he needs to send a message. I don't think it was bad sportsmanship..it's standing up for himself. Sure miller didn't deserve the brunt of it, but oh well. Suckas!
Posted by: S.Tan | December 30, 2005 at 09:59 AM
Nobody wants to play on a team with Kobe Bryant, this is why the Artest deal won't go through. Kobe shoots the ball too much in the second half of games which takes the Lakers out of position to win. Also with Kobe taking so many WILD shots early into the shot clock, the other players can't get a rhythem for the game. No top tier players will want to come to the Lakers because with Kobe ballhogging they could not reach levels of performance in their contracts, thus costing them money.
Antonio Daniels and Sprewell didn't want to come to the Lakers, so even thinking Garnett or any other top tier player coming to the Lakers would not be made until Kobe is TRADED!!!
Trade Kobe for LeBron James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Steven | December 30, 2005 at 10:03 AM
Phil is my favorite Laker, though I imagine that he can be a difficult mentor behind the scenes.
I've heard that Phil likes to single out a player on the team as his whipping boy. I wonder who that is on the present Lakers?
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | December 30, 2005 at 10:24 AM
I've been a Laker fan since the Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor days. I was also a really a 'hardcore' fan during the Magic and Kareem years. But since the time of Mitch Kupchak having put his 'stamp' on the Laker teams, it has been hard to watch the once glamour boys and showtime specialist of Los Angeles. Catering to Kobe Bryant is the worst thng they could do for the organization. Kobe shoots the Laker team out of contention to win ballgames!!!
Kobe is by no-means 'NO' Michael Jordan!!! First of all, Jordan WENT to college in which classes possibly helped develope a sense of reasoning and logic within Jordan. Kobe is just a player using high school logic and reasoning!!!
Since Kupchak is into building a team around high schoolers,.....why not trade Kobe for LeBron James?!!! Atleast with LeBron James you would get consistancy of play.
Trade Kobe Bryant for LeBron James!!!!
Bring the excitment back to LA
Posted by: Steven Laker | December 30, 2005 at 10:28 AM
About the artest trade i personally think he will not co-exist with Kobe on the court because he is a ball houger too.So lets not talk about him coming to Lakers at all.All we need right now is for Lamar to step up his game to at least 15 to 20 points a night then we will be fine.
Posted by: bonzi | December 30, 2005 at 10:42 AM
first of all the main reason for lakers not winning is your own superstar kobe bean bryant.I suggest to trade this guy,like phil said kobe is uncoachable never will be.His an egomaniac,theres no question this guy has talent but his personality and honesty are the weakpoints of this guy.One day he'll be like air brynt,one day magic bryant,one day larry bryant,too much copying if only he could be just himself.Too late for mvp's defensive player of the year awards,scoring too late his getting old just concentrate with team and make your teamates better.
Posted by: yev martinez | December 30, 2005 at 11:33 AM
this says it all.
Chris Mihm on the state of the offense: "I really feel like if we'd have kept playing the way we were in the first half (Wednesday) with the way we were moving the ball, we would've controlled this game and won it handily. It's just frustrating. Kobe, being a great player like he is, is going to find a way to get to the ball. We need to find a way to keep our offense flowing."
Said Smush Parker: "The ball moves in the first half. Everybody got some touches, and everybody was in the game."
Bryant took 24 of the Lakers' 46 shots after halftime (making nine) and scored 29 of their 45 points. He did not have an assist.
Posted by: the Lamar Show | December 30, 2005 at 11:53 AM
Bryant Suspended for Two Games
NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2005 – Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been suspended for two games without pay for committing a Flagrant Foul Penalty Two by elbowing Memphis’ Mike Miller in the throat, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Senior Vice President Basketball Operations.
The incident, in which Bryant was called for a Flagrant Foul Penalty One and, subsequently, upgraded by the League Office to a Flagrant Foul Penalty Two, occurred with 8:24 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Lakers 100-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night at the Staples Center.
Bryant will serve his suspension on Sunday, Jan. 1 when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz and on Tuesday, Jan. 3 versus Utah at the Delta Center.
INCREDIBLE!!!! sooo wrong
Posted by: lakofan | December 30, 2005 at 01:00 PM
First I would like to know why all these Kobe haters are writing on the Lakers blog. Kobe is the lakers for the next 5 years, you need to deal with it!!! I agree with the person who wrote that Wade and James are not played so hard as Kobe. Kobe is the best out there, I know that and the world knows that. So all you Kobe haters, grow up and stop writing all your krap on the Lakers Blog.
Kobe is the Lakers.
KT
Posted by: Kori Nicole | December 30, 2005 at 01:43 PM
I would hate to be Kobe. No matter what he does it is wrong. What is the hell is wrong with everyone, you are watching the best player in the league and all you can do is talk your krap. You go out on the court and score an average of 32 points a night, getting double teamed, triple teamed. Kobe does look for his teamates but if they can hit there open shots it's like he is the only offense on the floor, that is truely sad. Why can't the other lakers play with Kobe's fire and determination. Lamar is my biggest disappointment of the year so far. If you watch all the games, most nights Kobe would end up with 13 assists a game, but he mates can't hit the open shots.
The Zen Master will correct the problem.
KT
Posted by: KT | December 30, 2005 at 01:58 PM
With comments like, "Kobe is the Lakers" we know you're a Kobe jock-sniffing wannabe bandwagon Lakers fan.
No individual is ever BIGGER than the team. Lakers will continue to thrive after Kobe is LONG GONE.
There are Kobe zealots out there that masquerade themselves as Laker fans. It's pathetic.
Posted by: KTwears8'sJockStrap | December 30, 2005 at 06:57 PM
There definitely do seem to be a lot of Kobe haters out there. He's not trying to be M.J., he's just trying to win. He does need to share ball a little more, but the other guys need to step up. What's with Chris Mihm complaining, or Smush Parker complaining....those guys definitely are NOT clutch. That's why Smush wasn't even in the game until OT. And Mihm is always in foul trouble....maybe he should focus on his own issues.
Lakers do need help though, so I hope some miracle happens and the trade goes through, without having to deal Odom or Bynum. It'd be great to get rid of George, Slava, Mckie, and even Kwame if it helps make the deal. Even if Kobe and Artest don't work, it's worth a try.
Posted by: lakeshow | December 30, 2005 at 07:26 PM
1st of all Michael, I did not state that if you don't agree with me, you are not a fan,"PAY ATTENTION". What I said was, if you are a true fan, which means a fan of the game of basketball, you have to admitt that kobe is the most talented and complete player in the game today. No harm done, you are probably not a laker fan but you like to be in the laker blog to discuss what? What else, kobe Bryant, which solitifies his greatness. Haters!!! stay out of the lakers blog!!! On another note: It is never good to see a player get suspended, but Kobes deserves it. In fact this could be a blessing in disguise to see how the lakers play the next 2 games against Utah without the kobster. Lakers, this is the chance to get your stuff together and hopefully the guys will wake up and start to play with kobe instead watch him, and match some of his intensity on the court. Who will take the shots now....
Posted by: 70s laker fan | December 30, 2005 at 07:56 PM
Let's all move on...with or without Kobe. In the next two games, Kobe will not be playing so the rest of the team should step-up and prove their worth to the Laker fans and to Dr. Buss. Only Phil can control Kobe because he is the coach. Let him know what is the play of the day and start from there. So far we're behind only by one game compared to performance in 2004 at the year-end but we'll be improving by 2006 with the addition of Turiaf and assuming the Lakers will be playing as a team led by Kobe's assist to all players of the team. Phil, please discipline the Lakers and apply the power of Zen....May the force be with you?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 30, 2005 at 08:29 PM
Guys, Just forget about it.. Sometimes when someone is the Best at something this means they can also be the most hated or disliked. You don't have to type back to these KObe haters cuz they obviously they don't know anything about the Lakers and nothing about basketball. just who cares about them
We all know Kobe Bean Bryant is the Best.
Posted by: Kevin | December 30, 2005 at 10:35 PM
Here is the latest from Indiana,
Artest is going to be traded to
Minnesota for Olowkandi,McCants( no 1 pick last yr and wolves first rd pick in 06.
Also the owner of the wolves said Garnett will remain in Minnesota as long as he owns the team.
Kudos to Phil...to think he spent 4 yrs at University North Dakota in Grand Forks!!!
Posted by: JER HENNEN | December 30, 2005 at 11:01 PM
My problem is that people hate Kobe so blindly. Jordan wasn't Jordan until Pippen and Rodman and Paxon came onto the scene. Phil had the exact same news conferences, almost word for word, about Jordan trusting his team mates until trustworthy team mates arrived. The guy who mentioned FG% failed to mention that Kobe shoots better than the rest of the whole roster put together, including the Bigs. Although, the Laker Bigs get hammered from Kwame missing all those layups and dunks. He's missed, by himself, over 30 shots closer than 5 feet already this season.
Most players hit 80% or better from that range. What would the Laker's record be if Kwame did, too? Remember, the Lakers RARELY get blown out. Those chippies could have changed our season.
Is Kwame Kobe's fault, too? How many dimes has Kwame robbed Kobe of? How many has Smush robbed him of? Kobe consitently passes to Smush, LO and Sasha. Every game. Every quarter. Even his 62 point game he set up his teammates 11 times in only three quarters. You know how many points were scored? One, on a free throw. Kobe should have had a double-double that night. I have that game on TiVo and counted them up after reading that stupid headline about Kobe 62 points and 0 assists. If he is passing the rock, how can you call him selfish?
In that incredible 1st quarter, he passed the ball six times! No baskets. At one point in that quarter, he went three consecutive possessions without even touching the ball. One point was scored, and three free throws missed. That 1st quarter sure did get squashed by that third quarter, though, didn't it?
That is why LA needs Artest and/or Rose. They can shoot. Period. Lakers have great D, but can't put the ball in the hole.
Finally, Kobe is ALWAYS double-teamed, and usually triple-teamed. By a hater's logic, Kobe should never shoot. Yeah, that sounds like a winning formula! Kobe will never get single covered again until someone else on the Lakers learns how to shoot. Or they somehow acquire a shooter or a scorer or a slasher, whaterver. When someone else knows how to put the rock in the hole, Kobe can then raise his FG%.
Why does Kobe always shoot well against the good teams? They always single cover him and abuse the rest of the squad. The good teams know they can collectively outscore Kobe. But, then again, good teams have more than one shooter on the squad. Watch the games. Single covered scorers/stars in the NBA shoot around 46-50%. Double-teamed scorers/stars shoot in the 30's. Every one, AI, KG, Shaq (watch his games), Flash, MJ -- every one. That is what NBA defense is all about. Double-team and rotate, double-team and recover.
The Lakers have a bunch of guys who shoot in the 30's when wide open. That is why they are inconsistent, and why Kobe's assists are down and why he doesn't want to pass. Imagine if Kobe had Fox, Fisher, Shaw, Rice, Jones, Horry, etc. still on the team. Would they be only one game over .500? No! Shaq benifitted from not just having Kobe, but a bunch of role players who could have been stars on their own teams.
Watch the games and you'll see the truth. The Lakers need players.
Besides, people talk about how Magic made players better? Magic never played with Kwame. And Jordan couldn't make Kwame any better than Kobe can. Some guys don't get better.
Posted by: Fearless | December 31, 2005 at 10:35 AM
Enough with the kobe hate. Do you think this team would be better with Steve Nash or Jason Kidd? All the do is dish the rock. I have watched every Laker game this year and he gives those other guys chances. Nobody was complaining when he had 62 and nobody else was in double figures. He is the same guy then as he is now. Take the good with the bad. Our big men can't dunk. Odom is confused half the time. I wanted to give him another chance after last year but now I say trade away. If we are going to go down shooting, I want my best player taking the shots.
Posted by: #1LAfan | December 31, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Why are we subjected to a long interview with Tommy Lasorda on Sunday about baseball, ...during the game?
Posted by: Bunky | January 01, 2006 at 07:32 PM
Kobe engenders strong feelings. Never has there been such a top level basketball talent with such as personal loser as a person, as a man, and as an individual. Cheap shots on the court, cheaper shots of the court and the audacity to be suprised when he is called to task for this. This will be a hard person to build a consistently winning team around. Can he grow up? Can he change? For his own sake I hope so.
Posted by: ctakim | January 02, 2006 at 08:15 AM
Does Kwame Brown really want to play professional basketball at all?
Posted by: Southeast Mario | January 02, 2006 at 10:29 AM