Cranrab, I Have Need Of You Again...

[Better]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/stor...ant-passing-key-los-angeles-lakers-hot-streak

After averaging 4.7 assists for the season, Kobe Bryant dished 39 assists in three wins -- 14, 14 and 11. In those games, Bryant registered only 34 field goal attempts, this from a player who has attempted 20 or more field goals (up to a high of 41 FGAs in an OT win) in 28 games this season. Bryant now joins point guards Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and Greivis Vasquez as the only players this season to record at least 11 assists in three straight games.
This metamorphosis speaks to Bryant's mastery of the game. Despite enjoying one of his most efficient shooting seasons (his .574 true shooting percentage sits just below his career-high of .580 in 2006-07), Bryant decided to involve his teammates more on offense and look to feed open shooters.

So, is this good for the Lakers?

At first glance, the evidence seems clear. The Lakers are just 1-13 when Bryant tallies three assists or fewer but 6-1 when he drops eight or more dimes. Score one for Bryant the facilitator! Furthermore, the Lakers are just 5-20 when Bryant fires up at least 22 field goal attempts, but 9-1 when he limits himself to 15 or fewer.

That suggests Kobe is shooting the Lakers out of games, but it's not quite that simple.

In fact, the evidence points in another direction: Kobe is trying to shoot the Lakers back into games.

We haven't seen Bryant the ruthless scorer in the last few games, and it probably has something to do with the fact that the Lakers haven't needed to rally from big deficits.

Check out these numbers from the NBA StatsCube database and you'll see the Kobe we've come to know. When the Lakers are behind, Kobe has 30.6 points and 4.0 assists, with 22.1 field goal attempts and 8.4 free throw attempts per 36 minutes. (In NBA analysis, we often use 36 minutes because that's about the standard number of minutes per game for stars.)

But when the Lakers are ahead, Bryant's gunning instincts appear to dissipate: He puts up 22.3 points and 5.8 assists with "just" 17.4 FGAs and 5.8 FTAs per 36 minutes. That's a scoring difference of 8.3 points per 36.

This is not normal, even for big-time scorers. Rather, Kobe has the widest discrepancy among the NBA's top 25 scorers -- nearly triple the average uptick by those top scorers.

Kobe Bryant's scoring numbers
Score margin Mins PTS/36 AST/36 FGA/36 FTA/36 USG% TS% eFG%
Lakers behind 933 30.6 4.0 22.1 8.4 33.8% 59.2% 53.0%
Lakers ahead 701 22.3 5.8 17.4 5.8 29.6% 56.2% 50.6%
The bigger the deficit, the more Bryant increases his scoring numbers. When the Lakers trail by double digits, Bryant scores 32.9 points per 36 minutes, which would easily surpass the best scoring average of his career if it held for a full season. Contrast that to his 22.3-point scoring average per 36 when the Lakers are ahead.

But that 1-13 record when Bryant tallies three assists or fewer still means something, right? I mean, one win in 14 games!

 

[BDR]

I need for Kobe to stop thinkin he Bron

 

[LordSinister]

Sent from my Quaid Galaxy S IV

 

[LordSinister]

This is a shit article, Tom missed one angle. The Lakers have been terrible at transition defense. When you miss a long shot it gives the other team a better chance to get out and run, while making it more difficult for the defense to get back. So more shots in the paint may actually help the Fakers on defense.

With Tobe shooting 35 foot dodgeballs, it's easy for teams to run out before the Fakers can get the D set

How did I do?

 

[Spectrum]

Confusing correlation with causation.

 

[Better]

Confusing correlation with causation.

...but wouldn't this be true for the Kobe criticism as well?

We'd have to go even deeper into the numbers to find out of it is 'c w/o c', as you suggested, but this is what it appears to be right beneath the surface based on ESPN's research.

I feel like attributing the Lakers losing to Kobe's shooting was myopic.

I personally feel the Lakers were less energized when Kobe is shooting 20FGA/G, but clearly they seem to be extremely energized the moment he went into facilitator mode.

The question that boggle my mind is why THIS team?

Bynum and Pau had been complaining about touches for years, but that didn't stop them from making it to the Finals and/or playoffs.

Not to mention, just as early as last week, the Lakers were 5th in the league in scoring.

 

[Spectrum]

...but wouldn't this be true for the Kobe criticism as well?

.

The other variables are Phil Jackson and the triangle offense. There was a system in place that could support Darth Kobe and it not having such a devastating effect.

Those don't exist.

It's extremely clear that a more moderate Kobe is good for this team. (especially with Howard.. who is even more sensetive than Gasol).

The reality of the matter is that this entire article is based on a logical fallacy. In order to even entertain it, there has to be some evidence that LA raced out to unusually large leads very early THUS Kobe decided that shooting wasn't necessary.

We all know that was not the case. He decided to facilitate from the beginning and the effect on the TEAM has been very clear.... equal shot distribution and a more balanced off...and Bigs that are willing to play a lot harder on the defensive end because they are getting "touches".

This is a no-brainer man. Kobe should average in the teens (in terms of shot attempts) and the Lakers have a chance to make the playoffs.

 

[Better]

The other variables are Phil Jackson and the triangle offense. There was a system in place that could support Darth Kobe and it not having such a devastating effect.

Those don't exist.

It's extremely clear that a more moderate Kobe is good for this team. (especially with Howard.. who is even more sensetive than Gasol).

The reality of the matter is that this entire article is based on a logical fallacy. In order to even entertain it, there has to be some evidence that LA raced out to unusually large leads very early THUS Kobe decided that shooting wasn't necessary.

We all know that was not the case. He decided to facilitate from the beginning and the effect on the TEAM has been very clear.... equal shot distribution and a more balanced off...and Bigs that are willing to play a lot harder on the defensive end because they are getting "touches".

This is a no-brainer man. Kobe should average in the teens (in terms of shot attempts) and the Lakers have a chance to make the playoffs.

Last year, w/o Phil, we went to the playoffs with arguably the most offensively challenged coach the Lakers have ever had. Kobe was firing away then, like always.

To me, the most telling stat is, as early as last week, LA was 5th in scoring, but 26th in defense.

Now, CLEARLY, Kobe playing this role is better for this team, even IF it's the only way to get them energized...

...but there are even more variables that attribute to the Lakers woes, from my standpoint.

A team 5th in the league in scoring shouldn't be struggling to make the playoffs unless their defense is complete shit.

 

[Spectrum]

...but there are even more variables that attribute to the Lakers woes, from my standpoint.
.

I don't think anyone is arguing it's the only issue.

However, considering all the NEW pieces, it's a bigger problem than usual.

Steve Nash is not used to playing with someone like Kobe. He's had a huge adjustment period. Howard certainly was not used to playing with someone like Kobe and not having any ball movement.

Now you combine that with an offense that actually PROMOTES erratic shooting for the sake of "tempo"... other guys like gasol get even fewer touches than normal.

Kobe's style of play...along with the player changes, coaching change and system was like putting fire on dynamite.

The way this team is built just can't support Kobe being a black hole.

 

[Better]

I don't think anyone is arguing it's the only issue.

However, considering all the NEW pieces, it's a bigger problem than usual.

Steve Nash is not used to playing with someone like Kobe. He's had a huge adjustment period. Howard certainly was not used to playing with someone like Kobe and not having any ball movement.

Now you combine that with an offense that actually PROMOTES erratic shooting for the sake of "tempo"... other guys like gasol get even fewer touches than normal.

Kobe's style of play...along with the player changes, coaching change and system was like putting fire on dynamite.

The way this team is built just can't support Kobe being a black hole.

I wonder how long Nash is going to want to deal with Kobe essentially playing his role. Nash has basically been turned into Derek Fisher.

 

[MadWun]

I wonder how long Nash is going to want to deal with Kobe essentially playing his role. Nash has basically been turned into Derek Fisher.

 

[Spectrum]

A team 5th in the league in scoring shouldn't be struggling to make the playoffs unless their defense is complete shit.

Doesn't matter if you are scoring a lot of points if your opponents score more!

D'Antonio is possibly the most inept coach in terms of defensive in NBA history. So that promotes laziness on the defensive end because the coach doesn't care about it.

The difference I've always stated was WHEN you score. With Kobe taking a back-seat, it is allowing everyone else to get touches and get into a groove early on (so they cant be counted on later). Also, Kobe is fresher later in games because he hasn't been trying to do everything on the offensive end (chucking).

I don't want to see the Lakers playing like this because they are a dangerous team like this...

they are on a road trip now but they play some scrubs.... i hope they get beat by phoenix tonight so Kobe goes back over to the dark side.

 

[Spectrum]

I wonder how long Nash is going to want to deal with Kobe essentially playing his role. Nash has basically been turned into Derek Fisher.

Kobe a wild boy man. He didn't even say like... I'm gonna start passing more. That muthafucka said I'm running POINT.

 

[Better]

Kobe a wild boy man. He didn't even say like... I'm gonna start passing more. That muthafucka said I'm running POINT.

Oh, if you think that's funny...
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...-neo-matrix-could-ve-best-174850191--nba.html

Reporter: Is this is as enjoyable, what you're doing now, where scoring is second?

Yeah, because you're seeing everybody else gain confidence from it, play well off of it — first and foremost, that's really what I enjoy. And then, secondly, because most of you guys thought I couldn't do it. So that's pretty fun.

Is this something that you could grow perhaps to love as much as scoring?

I can do it, man — I'm like Neo out this mother[expletive]. Yeah, I enjoy doing it. Like, when I prepare for each game, I look strategically at where the defense is going to be coming from, how to put guys in the right place to be successful. Y'know, my idol was Magic [Johnson] growing up, man, and I just so happened to not grow to 6'9". After that, once I realized I wouldn't be 6'9", man, that was the end of that dream.

If you had really wanted it, how good a point guard do you think you could've ended up being?

What, you think I'm gonna sit here and say I wasn't gonna be the best? [My strengths would've been] exactly what you're seeing tonight, man. That's what it would've been. When I focus in on something, I become obsessed about it, and I want to be perfect at it. That's just my personality. So if I was to be a point guard, I'd just obsess over it and wouldn't stop until I get it absolutely right.

Is it what you're obsessed about now?

"Can't you tell?"

 

[Spectrum]

Oh, if you think that's funny...
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...-neo-matrix-could-ve-best-174850191--nba.html

This muthafucka is insane


this nigga said he would have been the greatest PG of all-time... I love it.... full retard mode.

 

[Better]

To be honest, Kobe can average 15 to 20ppg with this squad and it'd suffice.

He has to score enough to be seen as a real threat, but the problem teams are having now is, you can't play OFF of Kobe, but he's setting up teammates...

...and when you add in the fact that he has some really talented players on his team, it is very difficult to guard LA.

 

[MadWun]

Oh, if you think that's funny...
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...-neo-matrix-could-ve-best-174850191--nba.html

I can do it, man — I'm like Neo out this motherfucker. - Mamba

Extreme retard this dude...I swear



But if I'm Kobe, I'll corner Nash and ask him for a cut of his check: I mean Kobe did dude's job the past 3 games

 

[Spectrum]

I can do it, man — I'm like Neo out this motherfucker. - Mamba

Extreme retard this dude...I swear

Kobe a damn fool man. It's funny because he's dead fucking serious. This muthafucka has 3 straight games of 10+ assists and now he's saying he could have been the GOAT I love it


I wonder if Nash read that shit.... Nash...you better get ready to play SG that rest of the seasons....hahaha... Kobe got a mofo on his squad with over 10,000 assists moved to shooting guard.. hahahaha

 

[unknownsoldier]

This muthafucka is insane


this nigga said he would have been the greatest PG of all-time... I love it.... full retard mode.

he's gone full retard in the opposite direction lol

 

[Amajorfucup]

This muthafucka is insane


this nigga said he would have been the greatest PG of all-time... I love it.... full retard mode.

This niggas narcissism is off the charts.


Also, the thread title needs a Pause bruh.

 

[cranrab]

but the problem teams are having now is, you can't play OFF of Kobe, but he's setting up teammates

completely wrong.

the best way to defeat the fakers is to have self-check launch as many FGAs as frequently as possible.

see the 2003-04 detroit pistons.

 

[cranrab]

The reality of the matter is that this entire article is based on a logical fallacy.

it's worse than that.

it's a straight out lie. that horseshit about shooting from behind to play catch up is the same tired shit they been trying to float for years.

completely false and won't stick. they tried to use that foolishness after the fakers played the warriors.

but then again, this "article" is coming from the media outlet that has a jewish boxing fan and former defensive end bullshitting about the NBA for several hours a day on the radio.

 

[curryshotta]

Doesn't matter if you are scoring a lot of points if your opponents score more!

D'Antonio is possibly the most inept coach in terms of defensive in NBA history. So that promotes laziness on the defensive end because the coach doesn't care about it.

The difference I've always stated was WHEN you score. With Kobe taking a back-seat, it is allowing everyone else to get touches and get into a groove early on (so they cant be counted on later). Also, Kobe is fresher later in games because he hasn't been trying to do everything on the offensive end (chucking).

I don't want to see the Lakers playing like this because they are a dangerous team like this...

they are on a road trip now but they play some scrubs.... i hope they get beat by phoenix tonight so Kobe goes back over to the dark side.

who knows they make get that 8th or 7th seed..........and meet the spurs or thunder.

and be treated like cumrags in the playoffs

 

[LordSinister]

I can do it, man — I'm like Neo out this motherfucker. - Mamba

Extreme retard this dude...I swear



But if I'm Kobe, I'll corner Nash and ask him for a cut of his check: I mean Kobe did dude's job the past 3 games

Kobe a damn fool man. It's funny because he's dead fucking serious. This muthafucka has 3 straight games of 10+ assists and now he's saying he could have been the GOAT I love it


I wonder if Nash read that shit.... Nash...you better get ready to play SG that rest of the seasons....hahaha... Kobe got a mofo on his squad with over 10,000 assists moved to shooting guard.. hahahaha

he's gone full retard in the opposite direction lol

Kobe is fucking insane. Next he's going to say he could have been the greatest player-coach of all time if Phil wasn't there.

Next he's gonna kick Dwight out of the post.

 

[xfactor]

This niggas narcissism is off the charts.


Also, the thread title needs a Pause bruh.

Supremestan slowly morphing into cranstan?

 

[BDR]

@ Cranstan

Cranrab be having niggas do off the deep end

 

[Costanza]

I wonder how long Nash is going to want to deal with Kobe essentially playing his role. Nash has basically been turned into Derek Fisher.

Kobe a wild boy man. He didn't even say like... I'm gonna start passing more. That muthafucka said I'm running POINT.

 

[MadWun]

@ These threads

 

[Better]

Fuck that.

Kobe should've chuck that shit up last night.

Hell, no need to become a passing dummy just to keep people quiet.

Chucking got you here, and won't prevent you from becoming a first ballot HOF'er.

Niggas don't want to rebound or play defense 'cause you chasing ghosts and legends - get some niggas who will.