Question of the Day: Kobe O or Kobe D?
There was all sorts of fun stuff to watch in LA's 108-105 win over the Heat Sunday night at Staples, but a
Kobe Bryant Scoreapallooza wasn't one. 5-14 en route to 19 points, though his six dimes during a first quarter in which the Lakers shot over 56% from the field certainly bear mention. Instead, Bryant made his mark chasing and harrassing Miami's Dwyane Wade around the floor, often baseline to baseline. 
(Thankfully, Kobe didn't get down on all fours...) Wade had to work his hindquarters off to get the ball in the basket, particularly in the second half, and often Kobe was effective in denying him the ball completely. It was fun to watch. Like a trip to Beijing, without he pollution.
It's exceedingly difficult, even for Kobe, to play with that sort of defensive energy against a player of Wade's caliber (or even against a lesser player) and still carry his team's water on the other end. (Note: This is not a criticism.) That's why we don't see Sunday's performance every night... leading naturally into this Question of the Day:
You're a fan, and get to attend one game a year at Staples. Courtside! Would you rather see Kobe get into Olympic mode defensively and play 48 minutes and 94 feet of D, denying passes, pressuring the ball, etc., or would you rather watch 24 blow up for 50 in a YouTube worthy performance?
You must choose.
BK
How is this thread not about Von Wafer?
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 13, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Well, all things considered, if we win both either way, I personally would rather see Kobe go for 65 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists...
But we have to face reality.
And REALITY is that we are facing Von Wafer this evening so we absolutely need Kobe Bryant to play the defensive game of his life tonight if we have ANY hope in winning.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 13, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I was at the game on Sunday and I can easily say I would have rather gone to 81 point game or even a 50 point game. D is good but it should be expected, everyone should play D. Now score 50, no one is expected to score 50.
With that being said, 50 on Sunday might have lost us the game. The D was extremely important for the W so I definitely am not complaining because there isn't a worse feeling then going to Staples and watching the Lakers lose.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 13, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Kobe D hands down. We have multiple weapons and the triangle to rely on. I'd like to see Kobe get after someone, and on the other end, integrate neatly into an offense firing on all cylinders, not just the Kobe uh, cylinder.
Posted by: #4 | January 13, 2009 at 12:42 PM
BK,
The Doberman or the Mamba? That is not a fair question. The answer depends on whom we were playing. If we were playing Miami, then yes I would prefer to see the Doberman. If we were playing the Oklahoma City, then give me Mamba. In other words, we need the Doberman whenever we need to shut down an opposing guard or small forward whom Kobe can guard. Otherwise, let’s see Mamba throw down 81 points. LOL. JMNSHBO!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 13, 2009 at 12:43 PM
VERY Good Quesiton of the Day BK!! Though provoking!!
Before I get to my serious answer, I'd like to qualify my first response by saying it depends on who we're playing? Let's say I had tickets to a Cavs/Lakers game, there would be nothing better than seeing Kobe on Lebron and completely shutting him down.
I just posted a comment on an earlier thread stating how Lebron is now on the same level if not higher than Kobe. Lebron has become the complete player that everyone in this league is both awed and terrified by.
And having Kobe shut him down with a perfect defense game would be nothing more than miraculous in my eyes.
Now - if I didn't get a choice and had to watch a random game with any given opponenent, I would still like to see him play a masterful defense game.
We all know he can score - but watching him shut someone down is just something to marvel at.
In my previous comment, I stated that Lebron has become a much better on the ball defender that Kobe Bryant ever was in his career. He's a much stronger player and can deny position to almost anyone on the court. With that said, it would be interesting for me to see Kobe get back to that same level.
People have been saying that Lebron is a legitimate candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year. I'd have to agree with those people. But before I can finally give it up to Lebron as the best player in the world, I'd still like for Kobe to take a stab at this individual award.
Posted by: | January 13, 2009 at 12:54 PM
That is an easy question:
As possibly the most talent offensive player in the history of the NBA, I want to see Kobe get into an offensive zone and score in bundles. Watching him score 81 points was shear poetry in motion.
*One another Note*
Laker Tom,
You had said that LO would be our best defensive player against Lebron. I have to disagree slightly. I believe the LO is best defensively against tall forwards who like to take jump shoots I.E Dirk. He has a terrific combination of quickness for the length he possesses. But with regards to defending Lebron, we want to stay in front of him if possible and force him to take the jump shoot. Although he is a much improved shooter, it is still the weakest part of his game. In a one on one on ball situation Ariza or Bryant would be best in staying in front of James.
But let’s be realistic here, nobody in the league can stay in front of this guy. That’s what makes guarding him one on one so difficult. He can get by the first defender, who ever it may be and he is unstoppable once in the paint. Knowing this, I believe when we face James we should have our worst on ball defenders defending him and our best defensive player ball level or lower. It isn't the first man that will stop James, but the second and third who need to be in great help position. For all real purposes our best defender on Lebron would actually be Luke or Vlad. Because then we can Bryant, Gasol, Bynum/LO, and Fisher below the ball to help when those two get beat off the dribble.
*My two cents.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | January 13, 2009 at 12:55 PM
That depends; which one of the K brothers is the PG?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I predict the Lakers to lose.
Posted by: never | January 13, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Against Houston, since there is no Tracy McGrady or Ron Artest, then Kobe can focus more on offense. He'll need it since Shane Battier is back and is a tough defender.
All Kobe has to do is just make sure Von doesn't shoot and if KB can give him a Kirk Snyder.
San Antonio he too will play offense since Pau or Bynum will have to deal with the Big Fundamental.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM
BK
The answer to that question is quite simple. Easily the 81 point effort is my choice..........because those are performances of a lifetime.
Offense at that level requires the most skill ( thus only one other player in history has scored that amount of points) while defense requires some athletic ability but mostly desire.
The real question should be WHEN WILL THE LAKERS ACQUIRE ANOTHER PERIMETER LOCKDOWN DEFENDER SO KOBE WILL NOT HAVE TO DO BOTH??
MJ had Scotie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.........Who does Kobe have? I guess this is why Mitch just drafted Sun Yue.........or whatever his name is,
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 13, 2009 at 01:04 PM
so your saying La isn't polluted?
To the question...Love the D but if i'm going to one game I wann see Kobe go off for fifty in a u-tube worthy performance no doubt.
Posted by: Kiwi | January 13, 2009 at 01:04 PM
O
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | January 13, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Kobe here, Kobe there and if Kobe comes out short, everybody blames Kobe. We are telling our enemies our most valuable weapon and where the ball goes when other players are injured. What happens to the other four Lakers? I thought basketball is played as a team, why are we so concentrated on one guy? Is that weapon something new?
If you want him to be productive, he needs help to catch his breath for few minutes. Can Sun Yue step in and replace Kobe? Physically, yes; confidence-wise no; therefore ship Sun Yue now to D' League with side agreement to Mother China that he will be a Laker PG in the future. If we cut him now, he is safe in the D' League, Laker open another slot for a permanent player that will help us permanently. Sun Yue is a nice fellow and has a future in this team but he has to prepare himself physically and pschologically in playing with the brute gringos. Currently, he is just one of the audiences in the bence, making cameo appearance for few seconds but everyone including the fans are at the edge of their seat. If everyone falls down in their seats that's potential liability. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 13, 2009 at 01:11 PM
If we win, and that's most likely if he's stopping their best player, then Kobe D. Especially if it was against Lebron.
Posted by: ajax | January 13, 2009 at 01:13 PM
i agree with LakerTom, as i usually do. i'd love to see Kobe break the single game scoring record, so i have something extra to tell my future grandkids about. but if it's a tough game against the Celtics or Cavs, perhaps in the NBA finals, i'd like to see no more than 30 by Kobe, and around 20 each for Gasol and Bynum, and maybe 15 for Lamar. and 35 or more total from the other fellas.
that gives us a nice 120+ point game.
balance scoring gives more wins, kobe dominance gives us not as many.
as for defense, it depends on the opponent. i don't think kobe needs to play harrassing full-court pressure defense all the time, cuz that does wear on you. i believe on most Phil Jackson teams, it makes the forward, usually PF, kind of hang-out near half-court so he can double the ball-handler. i recall Horace Grant, Scottie Pippen, and Robert Horry did this a lot.
what we need is more of that sort of thing by Vladdy and Gasol. but hopefully in Mr. Bryant and Ariza, we'll have that tenacious wing defense, a la Jordan and Pippen. (i would love to see Kobe harrass PGs a little more though, if only for short stretches)
Posted by: leonardbast | January 13, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Kobe D. It wins Gold Medals. It'll win NBA Championships, too.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | January 13, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Wow - good question!
I think I'd have to say Kobe D aka Doberman. We've all seen games where he's gone off offensively, but we've still lost. I don't recall seeing him play lock-down D during a game & we came away without the W. That being said - as long as he's going off one way or the other, I'm a happy camper!
Jon K - it's all good - just defending your right to be the "strange" individual we've all come to know & love. LOL! Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | January 13, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Thanks, never.
Have you ever noticed that when you embellish your prediction we tend to lose? I'm just sayin......!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | January 13, 2009 at 01:27 PM
I would cheat a little in choosing. Like Kobe manages to get 25-30 points himself, shoots around 35% and completely shuts the other dude down. Frustrating him into sticking his own head, comically, while on the side-line during a time-out, into the nearest Gatorade jug.
--Fearless
Oh, and Kobe gets a bunch of rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots, too.
Posted by: Fearless | January 13, 2009 at 01:37 PM
SCORE SCORE SCORE!
Posted by: frank1rizzo | January 13, 2009 at 01:39 PM
That's easy. I want an offensive explosion. Gotta get your money's worth when Mamba is in the building.
Posted by: Xodus | January 13, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Depends on the opponenet. Shutting down D. Wade or LeBron is far more impressive than scoring 50 on the Bobcats.
Posted by: Brandon Hoffman | January 13, 2009 at 01:49 PM
As an indication of just how good LBJ has suddenly become; he's playing Kobe level offense and defense in the same game, night after night.
He's a freak of nature. How the Cavs have even lost 6 games is beyond me.
Kobe himself can only do that every once in awhile, and he practically invented the practice (in the modern era, at least).
Do you guys remember me saying over and over through the years that LBJ would rule the league if he only played defense. He must have finally gotten 'round to reading my posts...
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | January 13, 2009 at 01:50 PM
For me I think I rather see Kobe play good d because that means winning a ring. We have plenty of offense on the team.
Posted by: Tommy | January 13, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Funny you should ask..........
I was lucky enough to sit courtside once a couple of seasons ago. They were free as I couldn't even dream of paying that price ($2,200 per seat per game at the time). It happened to be vs. Golden State the game after Kobe's 4th consecutive 50 point game (I am sure you all remember). Obviously we were all rooting for a 5th straight performance. Unfortunately he only scored 43 although he had around 30 at halftime and could have probably done it if he wanted to.
Anyway, the point is I guess I actually lived that scenario almost exactly as it was written and I can tell you, at least on that night, it was definitely the 50 points.
Posted by: pslakerfan | January 13, 2009 at 01:53 PM
The one game I went to was the triple OT game in Charlotte 2 years back. Must say it was pretty intense...but he was also shooting a whole hell of a lot.
I would rather go for an efficient 38 point night that has everone leaving the place shaking their heads about how easy it looked.
Posted by: Ed | January 13, 2009 at 01:55 PM
if its game 7 finals
i want a 50 point triple double from kobe the dobermamba :D
Posted by: dxter | January 13, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Easiest QOTD ever:
BOTH!
Posted by: puddle | January 13, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Justa, LakerTom,
Thanks for the kind words and mediation. It is obvious that the point I was trying to make, and the result I hoped for had just the opposite effect. I will desist
Jon,
I will admit that watching you "explode" on the blog gives me a laugh, and poking at you for my own enjoyment was wrong. I apologize for that.
Reading back, my early comments regarding your threats could also have been handled better. Duh....Pretty obvious since your reaction was the exact opposite result that I wanted.
I do consider you part of my Laker Fam. I hope you believe that, and don't think I was just "Out to get you".
Honestly not my intention. More like a brother slapping another brother when he thinks he is wrong. But as Justa pointed out, it's really not my place to judge or try to "Help" others.
Maybe Mrs. LakerTom was right when she said that all the Trolls being gone would cause us "brothers" to fight amongst ourselves. lol
Posted by: Eric M. | January 13, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Oh and just in case a few of you call BS on me, here are some pics.......
http://tinyurl.com/courtsidepics
Posted by: pslakerfan | January 13, 2009 at 01:59 PM
pslakerfan -
How the heck did a Warriors fan get courtside tickets? That's a travesty, even if he is your buddy!!
Posted by: puddle | January 13, 2009 at 02:10 PM
I got to sit in the first row behind the Raptors bench for the 81pt game. Similar scenario to pslakerfan in that it was a surprise treat from my STH representative. That was once in a lifetime. I was in my normal seat for the 62 in 3 quarters against Dallas.
So, I'd like to see the doberman version. I can't recall attending a game yet where Kobe completely shut down the opposition's best player in a game that mattered.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 13, 2009 at 02:18 PM
puddle,
"How the heck did a Warriors fan get courtside tickets? That's a travesty, even if he is your buddy!!"
He Believes!
Posted by: Charles | January 13, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Nik,
>>>>>You had said that LO would be our best defensive player against Lebron.
>>>>>I have to disagree slightly.
Thanks for your response. I actually meant to say that Lamar “might” be our best defender against LeBron, responding to another blogger who suggested that that might be the case. The concern is that LeBron may be too big and strong for Kobe or Ariza.
>>>>>I believe when we face James we should have our worst on ball defenders
>>>>>defending him and our best defensive player ball level or lower.
I am not sure about that approach but I have a hunch we will see Luke or Vlade “try” and guard LeBron but the results are too scary for me to visualize. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 13, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Has 'never' ever predicted the Lakers to win? When each season starts, never gets his/her predictions ready and...Lakers 0-82
Never, Just humor us occasionally. Lakers will win!!
Posted by: Long Live Chick | January 13, 2009 at 02:28 PM
things to think about for tonight:
It's the first game of a back to back. Lakers have lost the last 4 of these.
Von Wafer.
TMac and Artest aren't playing so Houston's ill-advised shot count goes down by a lot. They're a lot more efficient when there's a clear #1 option on the floor surrounded by role players.
Aaron Brooks shouldn't be a surprise anymore. Question is, who is quick enough to guard him?
I think the Lakers are prepared for Luis Scola. I don't know if they're prepared for Carl Landry.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 13, 2009 at 02:30 PM
If I had to choose just one, I'd say the offense. When Kobe is hot...he's just a joy to watch. I'm still hoping for at least one or two 50-point outbursts this season. It would be un-Kobe-like for him to deny us of that haha.
But ideally, I'd want him to play that type of D against Wade and LBJ.
Posted by: Blazed | January 13, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Oh, and that's the thing about Kobe guarding LBJ -- LeBron has an unquestionable size advantage (which also seems to get lost in all those KB vs. LBJ discussions). Lamar would probably be the best option but really, that's a tall order for virtually anyone.
Posted by: Blazed | January 13, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Tonight Sun Wukong will take the court and help the Lakers
demolish the Rockets.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 13, 2009 at 02:35 PM
D.
Because I want to see what the D version of, say, 81, looks like. And I'd rather not just hear Leandro Barbosa tell me.
Also; in a single game, Pau, LO, Drew and crew could potentially make up for Kobe's points. Especially because a hardly-shooting Mamba still keeps 'em guessing.
Posted by: The D | January 13, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Game day!
Hey, Long Live Chick, take it easy on never. He performs a valuable service on the blog. We can't really talk about it... just rest assured that it's important and time-tested.
Shut 'em down tonight, Lakers. Let's demonstrate our considerable depth.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | January 13, 2009 at 02:38 PM
pslakerfan & laker_sth-
Very impressive stories. I've been to a good number of Laker games and seen some great games but I'm still waiting for something worth telling my grand kids (when I hopefully have them in a trillion years).
That's one of the best parts about being a Laker fan and especially going to the game, you just never know what you're going to get from Kobe and Co. Kobe can drop a gem on any given night. Hopefully I'll be there next time to see it.
Take care guys,
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 13, 2009 at 02:40 PM
D
Because the desire and effort display is rarely appreciated today. I recall MJ dribbling his chin on the hardwood during the Wizards days and that was amazing. Mj was diving for a loose ball. I appreciate when Superstars do dirty work and shine.
Toro-ing the bull with his defense is amazing.
Posted by: Charles | January 13, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Kobe D.
Mr. 81 may be exciting but it's not going to win us the championship...Kobe lock down D, and DPY will.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | January 13, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Long Live Chick,
I'm not sure whether Sasha went or not. I sent out a few emails and will let you know if we hear anything.
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 13, 2009 at 03:08 PM
"Come and touch it, Dave".
Pay attention, this will be a trivia pursuit answer in 5 years...
Posted by: Kwamina Terra Minnius of the Fourth Estate of the Bulging Calves | January 13, 2009 at 03:17 PM
I'm not going to front...I love to watch Kobe play on the offensive end of the court.One of the best games I've ever seen him play was a 52 point effort vs. the Jazz on 11.30.07. Led the Lakers to a thirty point victory in that one. Threes, dunks, layups...he totally demoralized the entire Jazz team. Kobe has the creativity, imagination and determination to put up big numbers every night. Still. It's great that the team is good enough to the point where he doesn't have to. But, Good Lord, when Kobe gets hot, watch out!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 13, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Eric,
>>>>>Maybe Mrs. LakerTom was right when she said that all the Trolls being gone
>>>>>would cause us "brothers" to fight amongst ourselves. Lol
LOL is right. Mrs. LakerTom commented to me last night when she read my post to you and Jon that she remembered when you “slammed” me just like you did Jon. LMAO. Proof that we will eventually even eat our young if we do not have trolls to pick on.
Brothers and sisters in arms! LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 13, 2009 at 03:25 PM
D baby D. But D doesn't mean he has to go 5-14. Maybe 8-15 with a few foul shots to get him north of 20. and 8-10 dimes.
To me the most exciting offense has a lot of weapons and uses all of them. For me a great game with the Kareem - Worthy - Johnson Lakers is more fun to watch than one guy scoring 81.
Give me the poetry of body movement and ball movement .
Kobe is a great ballplayer on both ends. I want to see him play great ball on both ends. Great offense doesn't mean he needs to be shouldering the whole load.
That will win exactly zero championships.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | January 13, 2009 at 03:28 PM