Kobe Bryant's and Andrew Bynum's absence spurs Lakers' team effort in 101-89 victory over San Antonio Spurs
No longer able to display his dominance on the basketball court, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant passed the time in the locker room Monday by getting treatment on his left sprained ankle. It's the very injury that has kept him sidelined for two consecutive games.
"It’s frustrating," he said. "I’m not used to it. I don’t know what the hell a player is supposed to do back here so I just got treatment on the whole game. I didn’t know what was going on half the time."
He did know that the team put together a 101-89 victory Monday against the San Antonio Spurs because of what Coach Phil Jackson alluded to "some of the guys that played extra special." That included Lakers forward Pau Gasol being the director on offense, scoring 21 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, dishing out a season-high eight assists and blocking five shots. There were Lakers forwards Ron Artest and Lamar Odom combining for 34 points because of constant drives to the basket. Throw in a stabilizing Derek Fisher (13 points) and an energetic Jordan Farmar (13 points), and you have yourself a game Gasol described as "fun."
"Obviously we’re emotional and we understand we’re banged up right now," said Gasol, who had a solid all-around game despite shooting only eight of 20 from the field. "But we’re playing hard. When you play hard and give your best, things work out and you’re happy."
The Lakers (40-13) put this all together, winning their second consecutive victory without Bryant in the lineup. They were also without center Andrew Bynum, who had missed the second half Saturday against Portland because of a right hip bruise. Bryant said his status for Wednesday's game against Utah remains a "game-time decision" as well as whether he'll play in the All-Star game this weekend. Nonetheless, trainer Gary Vitti told TNT that Bryant should remain sidelined until after the All-Star break, with Bryant responding, "If I'm not able to play, I won't play. But if I'm healthy, I will. It's as simple as that."
Though it's absurd to suggest the Lakers are better off without Bryant, his absence has surely spurred the team to increase their own contributions. That being said, the Lakers have put together a team effort these past two games against Portland and San Antonio for two reasons - they have no choice but to fill in Bryant's void and they feel more comfortable doing that when Bryant remains on the sideline.
That's not to say it's good Bryant is out, far from it. I'm also not laying the blame solely on Bryant for lacking team chemistry. His teammates have at times played passively under his wing. But it's fair to say that whenever Bryant returns to the lineup, his teammates won't have the same level of contributions. Whether that's good or not really depends on the specific game and circumstances, such as matchups, who has the hot hand, etc. But there's something that needs to stay the same: When Bryant returns, the Lakers must sustain the same energy level and collective involvement they displayed in the past two games. Odom says the team is up to the task.
"All year," he said when I asked him how long the Lakers can keep this team effort up. "Even when those guys get back in. That’s how you make it to the championship run is by playing a certain way throughout the year, especially the second part of the season."
And what's the key to making that happen?
"I think it’s just our focus," Odom said. "At times when guys go out, you start to focus a little bit more. Sometimes individually you do it when you're sick and you’re hurt. But collectively we’ve done it these past two games because we know we have to make plays."
The Lakers certainly made plays even if it didn't come right away. The Spurs started off with nine unanswered points and finished the first quarter with a 34-28 lead on a 55% mark from the field. By the time there was nine seconds left in the third quarter, the Spurs had only scored 34 more points since the first quarter. The Lakers had established a 73-68 lead after holding San Antonio to 34% shooting after the first quarter.
Then there were plays like these that provided a snapshot of the Lakers' offensive aggressiveness:
1. LO's drop step past Tony Parker in the first quarter.
2. Gasol's give-and-go in the second quarter to Farmar that resulted in a three-pointer from reserve guard Sasha Vujacic, who had eight points on three of three shooting.
3. Odom's cut to the post in the second quarter that resulted in Artest finding him on an easy entry pass.
4. Four consecutive offensive rebounds in the third quarter that resulted in Artest's putback.
Jackson made it clear he'd prefer Bryant in the lineup because of his scoring mentality and ability to draw defenders, but the effort against San Antonio made it clear the Lakers can termporarily absorb Bryant's absence if he still needs time to recover.
"It’s always good for a ball club to be able to feel like they rally," Jackson said. "We stepped into the game with two starters that were out."
And even when those starters in Bryant and Bynum return, it'll be beneficial for the Lakers to hold the same mentality that ensured these past two victories in the first place.
--Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers power forward Pau Gasol, who finished with 21 points, 19 rebounds, eight assists and five blocked shots against San Antonio, celebrates with guards Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar after drawing a foul while making a basket in the fourth quarter Monday night. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times.
Photo: Lakers forwards Ron Artest, left, and Lamar Odom pressure Spurs power forward Antonio McDyess during play in the first quarter Monday night. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times
Photo: Pau Gasol of the Lakers and Tim Duncan of the Spurs get ready to fight for position on a free throw during the first quarter Monday night. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times.
Maybe Jerry West was right all along
Bynum and Gasol cannot play together
One thing I'm sure of
Gasol and Lamar sure can play together
Posted by: Troll Man | February 09, 2010 at 01:54 AM
Hello everyone,
It's good to see the response of this team to injury. After most people were predicting absolute Armageddon without Kobe in the lineup, I would have to say that the exact opposite has happened. The guys (as I predicted) are playing with confidence. They are playing with determination and grit. This is exactly what I was talking about when I said resting Kobe would force the other guys to step up and so far it's happening. 2 games in and we are moving the ball, Farmar is penetrating into the Lane, Lamar is being more agressive, Sasha is actually making shots!?! I could go on and on, but now imagine the possibility of a Healthy KB in that mix? The storm is passing Lakers Fans. We are nearing the end of the beginning for this season and it looks like we are about to start something beautiful. God willing, this should be the start of a monentum that will not stop till the Lakers are hoisting the O'brien in the middle of the Colesium again....
Posted by: Cap's Goggles | February 09, 2010 at 02:20 AM
These last two wins are due to one very obvious fact, defense. The Lakers are so much better without Bynum on the court. They are far more crisp and athletic. Bynum is slow and lazy defensively. With Lamar starting, we defend the pick and roll much more effectively. When Kobe gets back, we could dominate defensively as long as they keep Brontosaurus on the bench. Bynum should be used off the bench against large power centers only. Better yet he should be traded for players that can help this team win now. If they put Bynum back in the starting lineup and play him big minutes, teams will start torching us again. We won these last two games because Bynum was out. If Kobe had played, we win even easier. Sorry Drew apologists, but it is so blatantly obvious.
Posted by: Mitch R | February 09, 2010 at 04:10 AM
Out of the box thinking:
Keep starting 5, have Kobe and Drew come off the bench.
Posted by: p ang | February 09, 2010 at 04:12 AM
I have a strong feeling the Lake show will finish off the season with the record of 24-5. since they won the trophy last year, they have nothing to prove. Cleveland and Denver do. yeah they have beat them twice;each. I believe we lost to Denver only to make them think that come playoffs they can run us over. CAN anyone see Denver in the finals EVER??? yeah neither did i, come playoffs, Lakers figured that they would be their biggest opponents. so why not let them think that they are the best and they dont need to adjust cause they beat the LAKES on the road and at home. I see the lakers worst opponent in Dallas. PJ warned bout them last year. I really see the hawks winning the east. i know for a fact that the Cavs are gonna end the season w/ alot of players injured.
Lakers beat Portland in 6; beat the Suns in revenge in 5 and beat Dallas/Denver in 7. Just cause TNT hasn't declared what conference they prefer for their FINALE. If they choose the west, expect that. Either way the west will be the most watched CF thus far. LAkers over Hawks in 6
Posted by: joe corado | February 09, 2010 at 04:17 AM
It's amazing what happens when the basketball is being passed around. Bryant really hogs the ball. Wake up Bryant! Pass the ball, help develop the players around you. Stop being selfish, because everyone just stands around when you are.
Posted by: charlesinoc | February 09, 2010 at 04:27 AM
Whats life after KOBE? lets just say that Brandon Roy will want to be traded to the Lakers. Kevin Durant will want to step out of the limelight of College central. Lakers lose for 3 or so seasons and get lucky to draft high and find a winner, ala Kareem and Magic. that will translate bynum playing out of his mind and winning an MVP while his team is losing and get a superstar college player (hey history repeats itself). U think the NBA will benefit LA losing games? maybe they will set the salary cap at 200 mil? Yeah LAKERS win their 20th trophy! or like i mentioned before, CP3 signs w/ the Lakers and gives Kobe his last hurrah where he retires in Philly as the 2nd player w/ the most points? remember Jordans last game? But of course Kobe will be doing that in the Finals; where he would have won his 6th trophy.
Posted by: joe corado | February 09, 2010 at 04:45 AM
what bout the next big coach in LA? we have been so lucky. but once again something in my gut tells me its gonna be Greg Popavich.why not everyone says he is the next to break the record for most Championships in NBA. He likes PG and likes PF. we are gonna have them in the form of CP3 and Durant. even if he doesn't play that position, dont u think that GP the defensive specialist can convice him to play D? if he did, wow, scary? Doug Collins can set the table or Rick Carlisle. Don't they look like future Laker coaches? Fisher or Shaw will be just like Rambis before we got Jackson
Posted by: joe corado | February 09, 2010 at 04:54 AM
Cap's Goggles,
I couldn't have agreed any better. Very well said!
KB should rest a couple more. He needs it badly.
Keep 'em up Lakers!
-jovbatz
Posted by: jovbatz | February 09, 2010 at 04:55 AM
Kobe,
How much better is this than willing yourself to play, still thinking you must do it all, embarrassing yourself with un-Kobelike low shooting percentage games, and losing?
That's right Kobe, I said it. If you forced your currently broken body into the last two games we might have lost them.
I love ya brother Kobe, but team means not thinking you have to do it all whether you can walk or not. Team means recognizing that your mates have skills.
TEAM,
When Kobe comes back, don't just pass to him and watch. As Kobe said to Pau in the playoffs, "Know that you are amongst the most talented players on the planet." Only pass to him when you are not dominating without him.
GUYS,
Learning these lessons is key to the threepeat / quadpeat / quintpeat run. Let these days soak in. They are crucial. Incorporate these newly garnered insights into your DNA. And . . .
GOOOoooooOOOOO LAKERS !!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | February 09, 2010 at 05:08 AM
Has anyone else noticed that Mark Jackson has seemed to be brown nosing for the head coaching job for the Lakers? If he is as smart as he sounds; why not hire him. Theres a competition between him and Doug Collins for who gets a job first. Jeff Van Gundy has one every year but he is waiting for the clips or warriors and maybe the thunder if they keep Durant. Despite what anyone says, Gundy has been very successful in finding the best talent and the best defense. he only need to hire a good offensive coach. can we say Mike D'Antoni or Gentry?
Posted by: joe corado | February 09, 2010 at 05:10 AM
I got a chance to see the game on TV, but I didn't join the live chat because I wasn't feeling too well.
A couple of things to note:
1 - Pau, Lamar, and Ron sure have some good stuff working when they are playing together and are the offensive focus of the team.
2 - Shannon, Jordan, and Derek all bring something to the table at the guard position. Jordan is fast enough to shadow Tony Parker, Shannon is big enough to stay with Mike Finley and Roger Mason Jr., and Derek can handle George Hill. Nice to see them play like that.
3 - Derek knows his role on the team. With two of our starters out, he has played much better (offensively). I don't think he had one shot that was out of control or ill-warranted.
4 - Pau ISN'T soft (for all those supposed "fans" who think he is). He played better than "The greatest PF of all-time" (as quoted by Charles Barkley after the game). Look at his line against Duncan - 21 points, 19 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 blocks. That's not a soft player, that's a baller.
5 - If Kobe and Andrew need to miss significant time (10 days or so), I have full confidence in our team's ability to play well and to keep winning. The game at Utah will be a test, but I think that we can pull things out.
6 - Sasha, even though he's not getting many minutes, is playing under control, which is something that we haven't seen from him in a while. If he keeps playing like that, then his skill set will make our team that much deeper.
7 - The defensive effort by the team was superb. Keeping the Spurs off the offensive glass was one of the main ways in which we were able to limit their offensive production.
8 - If we keep this type of consistency and balance in our offensive game, the sky is the limit.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | February 09, 2010 at 05:26 AM
Wow I just entered the blog and got to see some trolls running away like the house was on fire...don't forget to shut the door!!
After watching the game I can say the Lakers played one of their best games of the season. It was nice to see how they distribute the ball on the floor, always looking for the best option and also playing with confidence. These guys are doing this in practice almost every single day so we need to give them some credit as they know what to do.
Defense could always improve but you can tell the guys played aggresive and focussed during the whole game and that lead to SA turning the ball over many times and missing shots. We also had some key blocks and steals.
I think every Lakers fan should keep a smile on our face. We played without two important players and still hustle and fight for the victory. No doubt that when the playoffs start this team will play their a** off in every single play.
A key point of this Lakers team is that we have 4 players that are All Star caliber (Odom, Gasol, Artest and Bynum) ready to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the team and also ready to step up when needed (like today).
Kobe can feel more relaxed on letting his ankle heal better and come back strong to lead this team again. Hope not to hear bandwagoners saying that this team is better without Kobe. He is the one inspiring them to play aggresive all the time and the one who is bringing this warrior attitude. These two wins (hopefully Utah too) should be dedicated to Kobe's continues work to make their teammates better
Last but not least, I wanted to remark once again Pau's contribution to this team. I'm sure those of you who understand the beauty of the game already realized that he is the best team player on the Lakers. Last night the whole game went through him. I would like you guys to check how he is transitioning from defense to offense. Last night there was a play where he blocked a shot, ran the whole floor and ended up scoring. I have seen many times this kind of play and is freaking valuable to have a 7 footer finalizing such actions.
Surely he has ups and downs and sometimes misses shots, losses focus, looks weak...but ALWAYS contributes consistently. He has come back from two injuries and has played like 8 games in 12 days with the last two games playing 45+ minutes. Just ponder how that should be affecting his game.
Good to know the coaches have the same view and they also think he is by all means an All Star player.
Posted by: Ganapia | February 09, 2010 at 05:26 AM
Wow, what a fun team to watch now. I mean, of course we are not likely to win a championship without Kobe, but for now, this is great to see. Players hustling, cutting, rotating, and the speed is great fun to watch. Seeing Farmar speed around Parker and break them down was a joy. No question there is more focus from everyone and its great to see Fish hitting some big shots again.
It was clear numerous times last night with the Lakers on offense, sometimes the first few options didnt work, as the shot clock was winding down you could see thats just when the ball would have gone to Kobe to make something happen. Instead, they had no choice but to make something happen and they did. We got guys on this team that can really play and its great to see them get the opportunity to do just that.
I have not seen a Lakers game this year that resembled play like this. No, I dont think the Lakers are better without Kobe, but if only he could try to play within the team, as just another player, picking his spots and keeping everyone as involved as they are now.
I think that Kobe being out also gives us a temporary advantage because the other teams game plans against us are now out of whack. They dont know how to prepare for a Kobe-less Lakers team. Of course over time this would change, but for now I think we have the advantage.
Utah will be a tough test even with Kobe, they are playing really well right now and will be at home. But win or lose this is a fun team to watch. We dont need to trade anyone for anyone and will be very surprised if any trade takes place.
Not sure if they have quite figured out which line up works best yet when everyone is healthy, but would love to see Bynum trade places with LO, except he may slow down the second unit.
Posted by: Art-FL Laker Fan | February 09, 2010 at 05:39 AM
The Lakers can win the championship if they can maintain this same mentality when Kobe and Bynum come back in.
The Lakers have been too passive when Kobe plays. They have to grow up and play like men - as they did in these last two games. They have to insist on playing team ball - as Phil Jackson has repeatedly admonished them to do. They have to insist on their offense rather than stand around watching Kobe - as Phil has advised them to do. They have to be able to say "No" to Kobe and not just hand him the ball - as Phil Jackson has repeatedly told them to do.
If the rest of the team can assert its manhood, not deferring to Kobe, then the Lakers can win the championship.
Whenever they play like geldings, the Lakers are too passive and lose big games like the recent ones against their rival, the Denver Nuggets, and their playoff rival, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And for Bynum: he has to be more assertive and mobile, not just standing around in poor position yet whining about not getting the ball. Come on, Bynum. Move. And keep moving without the ball until you are in a good position to take an entry pass for a dunk or hook shot AND a rebound. When ever I see you play, you are just too darn passive and immobile and slow. You can move better and more assertively. You will have to have courage and not lose your balls when you next play Shaq. You looked like a lost kid the last time you played Shaq. I want to see aggressiveness and assertiveness from you against any opponent. If you want to become an all star, you cannot play like a wall flower. Be a man, man.
Posted by: james katt | February 09, 2010 at 06:17 AM
My favorite part of the day is waking up, sipping my coffee and reading about the Lakers. I feel like I am basking in sunshine reading about a productive Lamar, an effective Farmar, a stabilizing Fisher, the machine hitting 3 of 3, Gasol finding his way through a mini slump and being productive (understatement), and Artest playing like the Bull we were hoping for.
I tell you, I had an ear to ear grin watching this game. It felt so good to see them play like a TEAM! These guys are actually quite good! Do I want to go to the finals with this line-up? Uhhhh... I don't THINK so. That said, they showed that they are capable.
I wonder if the fluid play by the team has as much to do with Bynum being out. Laker Tom mentioned that without Bynum we won't be able to beat the big, long tough teams. He may be right. But what's also right is that the Lakers ball movement, hustle, defense and grit was palpable. I am beginning to think that we do need Bynum, but we can play him from the bench.
Much has been made of whether or not we are better without Kobe. But I would say, all that ball movement and defense may have to do more with the absense of Bynum. Think about it. Bynum doesn't seem to be able to run well this year, his lateral movement isn't good either, nor is his defense. Maybe we should just start Gasol and Odom and run Bynum out there like we did with Lamar. It doesn't have so much to do with Bynum's talent level, it has to do with Team play. The team just plays better as a unit with Gasol and Odom.
I admit, if we can find a way to incorporate Bynum into the starting unit and the team plays well, then we should. However, it doesn't appear to me that it works well. It may be his IQ (or QI as Zaira puts it) or it may be because he isn't healthy and it may have to do with our team makeup and simply not having enough room in the paint for Bynum, Gasol and Artest.
Whatever the reason, unless we can find a solution to the big, slow, long and ineffectual deployment of Gasol and Bynum, then we have to stay with what works. What works is Gasol, Odom and Artest. They are fast, they are strong and they are effective. Now all that being said, when Bynum is healthy (fingers crossed) NEXT year, Bynum may be faster, stronger, more aggressive and capable of showing who he really is. I just can't accept that this talented kid makes us so innefective.
Give it a rest Phil. We got Artest to deal with the big tough powerful teams this year. We didn't have that before. Let's wait for Bynum until next year so he can then take his place with the Laker Greats that came before him. Until then, let's play him off the bench and enjoy our championship run. It will be fun, it will be dramatic and it will work. Laker Tom may be right in that we will need Bynum to win it all. But it will be fun trying to prove him wrong.
We will still have next year and all the years following to incorporate a healthy, active Bynum with a spring in his step and a point to prove. Heck, by then Kobe will be another year older and very well may NEED Bynum in order to win. That doesn't seem to be the case now.
Posted by: JohnnyV | February 09, 2010 at 06:35 AM
I am a Kobe fan from his first day with the Lakers. I saw in him a fearless young man on a mission. I have defended him in every situation, from Colorado, to the Shaq vs. Kobe, from the summer tirade. I was the first to say, "Kobe hogs the ball so that we can win." "Put better players around Kobe and he won't hog the ball." However, I must now admit the truth, Kobe hogs the ball. Kobe still does not understand he has an obligation to get his team involved, then take over only when he has to. There is really no reason for Kobe to score 30+ points in a game when you have Pau and others players who are capable of 15+ points per night. There have been games of late when there are only two or three players in double figures. That's crazy!
I dare you, watch Kobe when he comes back. He DEMANDS the ball on almost every possesion. If he passes out, he DEMANDS the ball right back. This takes everyone else out of the game. Yes, the players should stand up and be more aggressive. But this is Kobe's team, and people who don't understand that find themselves somewhere else. It is a "true" leader's responsibility to figure out how to get the best out of his people, day in and day out.
I am one of the biggest Kobe fan on the planet, but the truth, is the truth.
Go Lakers! Go Kobe! Get Rings in 2010!!!
Posted by: blkblonde1223 | February 09, 2010 at 06:53 AM
Nonetheless, trainer Gary Vitti told TNT that Bryant should remain sidelined until after the All-Star break, with Bryant responding, "If I'm not able to play, I won't play. But if I'm healthy, I will. It's as simple as that."
"Pride comes before the fall "
Posted by: Tom | February 09, 2010 at 07:02 AM
He doesn't know "what he's supposed" to do while he's injured?
How about sitting on the bench and supporting your teammates?
What a jerk!
Posted by: jimjoyce | February 09, 2010 at 07:13 AM
Troll Man, Pau and Bynum can play together. Remember that Pau is Power Forward and no C. Bynum is the real C. Pau can play with everybody and making everybody better, also with bynum.
Posted by: jabato | February 09, 2010 at 07:41 AM
all of a sudden it's "bash on kobe day"??.....unbelievable.....
Posted by: xyz | February 09, 2010 at 07:58 AM
I hope Andrew and Kobe were watching last night's game and thinking to themselves, "Huh. Maybe I should play like that more often."
I hope the rest of the team were dressing after the game and thinking, "Huh. Maybe WE should play like that more often."
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 09, 2010 at 08:10 AM
@jimjoyce - Yeah, that "doesn't know what to do" comment rubbed me the wrong way. He said he "didn't even know what was going on" most of the time? Is it that hard to support your teammates?
Posted by: LA Guy | February 09, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Either way the west will be the most watched CF thus far. LAkers over Hawks in 6
Posted by: joe corado | February 09, 2010 at 04:17 AM
That is a VERY interesting finals choice. I'll be keeping my eye on how the Hawks do this postseason.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | February 09, 2010 at 08:18 AM
>>>And even when those starters in Bryant and Bynum return, it'll be beneficial
>>>for the Lakers to hold the same mentality that ensured these past two
>>>victories in the first place.
That is the key. Especially Odom and Artest. They need to play this aggressively all the time. Too often if Kobe is on the floor, they just defer to him. If they'd play this aggressively and effectively, then Kobe would have no problem giving up shots to them. He's shown that in the past.
Can you imagine Fish, Odom, Artest, and Pau playing as hard as they played last night, and ADD KOBE to that mixture?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 09, 2010 at 09:27 AM
p ang,
>>Out of the box thinking:
>>
>>Keep starting 5, have Kobe and Drew come off the bench.
I wouldn't go quite THAT far. You don't leave one of the top 2 players in the league on the bench.
But I would seriously consider starting Lamar and bringing Drew off the bench.
Besides, Shannon certainly seems to play better as a reserve than as a starter. He and Jordan Farmar play really well together.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 09, 2010 at 09:29 AM
having kobe take shots does not stop pau and lamar from playing hard all the time, or it shouldn't. These guys need to stop whining and do their part on a routine basis. He's the star, no dowbt, so the other guys just need to bring their effort and stop complaining that they don't get enough shots. The games I have seen (which is all of them) pau and lamar cant make a foul shot or get a defensive rebound. Now that Kobe is out, they turn on the effort....not good enough
Posted by: DOC4daLakeShow | February 09, 2010 at 12:01 PM
DOC - these players are human. When one player is playing outside of the offense, taking too many shots, missing open guys, not feeding the ball inside enough, yelling at other players to feed him, etc., it's going to be discouraging. It's especially discouraging if you know that you can be the dominant player (like Odom, Artest, and Pau have been for different teams) or the team leader (like Dfish) or if you're sorta immature (Bynum and Sasha). Why do people always excuse Kobe for "Kobe being Kobe" when he takes too many shots, takes stupid shots, doesn't trust his teammates, doesn't listen to his coach, plays when it hurts himself and the team, etc., but then acts like everyone else on the team should be a machine? The more that Kobe plays the right way, the more everyone else is going to play the right way. But when Kobe doesn't trust his teammates, goes outside the offense, and doesn't even give them a chance to get into rhythm (and doesn't it often take 10 shots for Kobe to get in rhythm?), why does it surprise you that they play poorly and never get into the kind of rhythm that makes this offense hum?
Posted by: LA Guy | February 09, 2010 at 01:32 PM