Offline for a few days and now Kobe is in the MVP hunt? LOL

[Spectrum]

http://www.nba.com/features/player_rankings.html

SECAUCUS, N.J., March 20, 2007 -- Although I can't really be sure when it happened, I believe I received the first wave of e-mails from the unofficial Kobe Bryant fan club somewhere between his 38th and 40th point against the Blazers on Friday night.

"Kobe should be MVP, he is unbelievable," John in New York sent.

"Kobe is the best player on the planet," Tony from France wrote.

"I know you're going to move Kobe to the top of the player rankings after the performance he is putting on tonight," Chris in Los Angeles argued with his computer monitor.

One by one, the e-mails trickled in and I read them all (I'm not a loser but here in New Jersey we were snowed in). And the conclusion I came to was, yeah, Bryant's 65-point game was one of the most impressive basketball accomplishments I ever watched, but that doesn't mean he should be the league's MVP.

Like Donald Trump after he fires somebody from The Apprentice, I felt strongly about my decision, too.

But then Sunday night happened.

Bryant used all of his weapons, the turnaround and fadeaway jumpers, the unstoppable drives to the basket, the seemingly unmakable shots with a defender in his face that went in. And when it was over, he had scorched the Timberwolves for 50 points, giving him a two-game total of 115 points.

And in the process, he had lifted the Lakers to two much-needed wins.

I know MVP is about more than just numbers but after what I just witnessed, was it possible that this guy wasn't the top candidate to win the award? The next thing I know, I was having a should he or shouldn't he debate about KB24 being MVP in my own head.
Line of the Week
Allen Iverson, Nuggets
Win vs. Suns, March 17
44 points, 15 assists, 5 rebounds
16-for-22 FG, 10-for-12 FT

Why Kobe Bryant should be MVP
For starters, look at the lineup he goes to war with each game.

Sure Lamar Odom, who has missed a big chunk of the season because of injury, has been great and Luke Walton is getting better each game, but there aren't a lot of stars taking the floor for the purple and gold each night (in the stands, that is a different story).

With that being said, it is amazing that Bryant has Los Angeles in position to be the sixth seed in the West with a 35-32 record. He is asked to do everything for the Lakers from bringing the ball up to creating his own shot. And as the Blazers saw on Friday, even though everyone in the arena knows he is going to take the last shot, there is really nothing that can be done to stop him.

If anybody has watched the Lakers this season, Kobe seems to be a better teammate than in the past. He can be seen giving words of wisdom to younger players, patting Odom on the chest after a good play and being a vocal leader in the huddle during timeouts.

Also, in one humble writer's opinion, he got robbed of the MVP last season anyway. How the heck did he finish fourth? Giving him the award this year would be a make good.

Why Kobe Bryant shouldn't be MVP
Sure I'm aware of where his performances rank historically, but is it ever good for a team to have one player average 33 shot attempts per game over a two-game period? The Suns' Steve Nash, who has won the last two MVPs, always receives props for making everyone around him better. It can be viewed that Bryant's two-game stretch was selfish.

If he is out there hoisting up jumpers instead of passing the ball around to open teammates, is that a good thing?

Also, teams with MVPs on them don't normally lose seven in a row like the Lakers did before this mini two-game win streak.

The biggest reason Kobe might not win MVP this year could be the same reason he didn't win it a year ago. Nash makes the game easy for all of his teammates and the Suns have the second best record in the NBA.

LeBron James, who is the only player in the league with as much talent as Bryant, has his Cavaliers in position to finish with the top record in the East.

And Dallas Dirk Nowitzki, besides coming up clutch more times than not this season, is the best player on the best team.

The final weeks of the season will be interesting. As you see below, the R2MVP committee is still leaning towards Nowitzki.

Here are the player rankings for the season through March 19.

 

[SpiritualPorn]

They win two games and the talk starts?

I can never imagine how it's said that Kobe plays with no talent.

We'll see....

I will admit that Kobe deserves it over Dirk's sorry ass.....maybe over Nash...

However when you go from Legit Contender to barely making the playoffs you are not making the team better........

This punk ass takes a Championship franchise and singlehandedly turned it into a third tier team.........then trashes his teammates piblicly to escape blame...I'm shocked...

No I'm not....Kobe can fuck a chick and bring up Shaq's name.....

These writers will never let it go...They were so wrong about Kobe.

The funny thing is Shaq is the first to publicly call Kobe the "best player in the world" ...that shit backfired.

 

[REMINGTON_BLACK]

kobe hate is alive and well.....

 

[SpiritualPorn]

Bryant denies Durant story
By Steve Springer, Times Staff Writer
March 22, 2007

Kobe Bryant angrily denied a story in Wednesday's Dallas Morning News claiming he had contacted University of Texas freshman star Kevin Durant at the direction of the Nike shoe company.

The story is vague about the source of the claim, saying, "Word is Kobe Bryant has already called Kevin Durant on behalf of Nike and that a shoe deal ranging between $30 million and $50 million simply needs to be presented."

Bryant responded after practice Wednesday at the Lakers' El Segundo training facility before boarding a plane for Memphis, where the Lakers will play the Grizzlies tonight.

""Don't print something that's just completely false," Bryant said. "That makes no sense whatsoever. It's really unprofessional.

"I've never spoken to [Durant]. I've never seen him. Obviously he's a phenomenal talent, watching him play on TV a couple of times. But I don't know him at all.

"I don't know where they got that story from, where they got that idea from or where they came up with that, but they might want to check their facts first."

Bryant's desire to distance himself from the story is understandable considering he has been embroiled in controversy with the NBA and the league has recently disciplined two others whose names have been linked with Durant.

Bryant was given two one-game suspensions and a Flagrant Foul 1 for what was deemed excessive physical contact with three opposing players.

The NBA fined Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge $30,000 for sitting next to Durant's mother at the Big 12 tournament.

And Michael Jordan, now a part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, was fined $15,000 after saying, while discussing versatility among potential draft choices with the Charlotte Observer: "The kid who may present that is the kid in Texas. [He] may have that because he has all the right signs."

Durant is projected as a top pick but has not declared his intention to enter the draft.

 

[TimRock]

I will admit that Kobe deserves it over Dirk's sorry ass.....maybe over Nash...

Are you serious? You really think Kobe should be MVP over Dirk and Nash? No way. I get it, this was a joke. That darn SP, i tell ya.

If thats the case, then you are saying that he should be MVP, because i believe those two are the ones carrying the race.

I dont think he deserves it, if you ask me. And this is probably one of his best seasons. Maybe if they would have won 50 games (or not had those long losing streaks) then a case could be made.

 

[SpiritualPorn]

Are you serious? You really think Kobe should be MVP over Dirk and Nash? No way. I get it, this was a joke. That darn SP, i tell ya.

If thats the case, then you are saying that he should be MVP, because i believe those two are the ones carrying the race.

I dont think he deserves it, if you ask me. And this is probably one of his best seasons. Maybe if they would have won 50 games (or not had those long losing streaks) then a case could be made.

Because of the injuries the team has "sustained". He really needs to be JackKobe right about now.....

You must be shocked that I said anything objective about Kobe.


You would be surprised Tim....I don't like the things he has done, he is not the best player in the game.......

However Tim...for the strangest reason...I understand Kobe....

I don't AGREE with him....yet I do understand.....

 

[SpiritualPorn]

Insidehoops ON Kobe: Very Good Summation

Maxfly,
No doubt Kobe has the killer instinct and mentality to close out games. He did his job in that series. However if you recall Kobe was crucified not taking over when he had an opportunity in that game. Barkley and Kenny Smith buried him at half time and after the game. Psychologically there is a paradox with Kobe (I don’t mean to get to deep or Freudian), this aloof and perfectionist drive he has makes him great and selfish to a flaw in the grand scheme of Hoops. Watching that Lak vs Sun game 7, it almost looked like (Kobe’s body language)Kobe wanted to prove the point of the Lakers can’t win unless I am scoring 35 per game. However, Kobe fails to realize that teams adjust game to game in the playoffs.

If Kobe is more aggressive maybe the Lakers are in it in the 4th quarter. We will never know, however Kobe was passive in a game 7 that is the only fact we can ascertain from that game.

Steady fast,
I disagree that Lebron is a boy, just go ask his peers. Physically he is built like a freak. How many 22 year olds are built like him and are as fast? Skill wise there has been NO ONE as skilled as him at 18-22 years of age. Comparing him to other 22 year olds who are multi millionaires he is doing just fine. Steady, no doubt that Kobe has the killer instinct-but at what cost. The cost is the cohesion of the team concept and the true respect of his teammates. Lebron is years ahead of Kobe when it comes to being a man. A real man would not have cried to the Lakers to get rid of Shaq so he can be the Man. If Kobe was interested in winning more rings he would have begged Shaq to stay, however he was a BOY who could not cope with a better player alongside of him! If Kobe was a man he would not have told Colorado police (while being interrogated for Rape) that Shaq always cheats on his wife. The problem with Kobe is he is a BOY and his life does translate to his on the court play and presence. Steady, how would you like to work with someone who would rat you personal business to the cops? I would not call that coworker a man! I don’t like to get personal with a player; however these facts reveal what fuels him on the court. It’s a paradox-what makes him great has its weaknesses.


Swinger,

You do realize the “boy” comments are metaphorically speaking right? Meaning not physically. Ofcourse you would already know that since you sound like such an educated person.

This thread is about Kobe's vs Lebron's basketball skills, not their personality. I don't judge their abilities by what he said about somebody or who he hangs around with. I don't pretend like I know them personally and pretend to be better than them. I'm not that arrogant. God knows, I'm not perfect.

You can use Game 7 against him, I'm not arguing that. In fact that's exactly what drives him (the whole Shaq thing, Colorado, Game 7). Gives him more reasons to fuel his game.

Lebron's a great player (and person). I've been wating to see that nastiness from him but until then Kobe's a better “basketball player”.

Kobe just dropped 60 tonite. Let the ballhog comments begin.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

Are you serious? You really think Kobe should be MVP over Dirk and Nash? No way. I get it, this was a joke. That darn SP, i tell ya.

Dirk, yes..Nash, no.

BTW-If Jason Terry and/or Josh Howard don't get at least one MVP vote, it will be a travesty..

 

[TimRock]

First, Jemele Hill is a female. Second, i highlighted some of the points that she makes. And i am not saying i agree with them.

Putting Kobe in perspective
By Jemele Hill
Page 2

Kobe Bryant is better than Michael Jordan.

Not more successful.

Hasn't had a bigger economic impact.

Hasn't won more MVPs.

Hasn't won more titles.

But he's a better player.

Kobe can do everything Michael did, and even a few things Michael couldn't do.

Kobe is just as good a defender. His killer instinct is just as pronounced. He can shoot, finish and explode. And just like Jordan, the more he's pissed off, the more unstoppable he is.

At the very least, Kobe's scoring spree over the last week should put to rest any lingering doubts that he's the best player in the NBA. Yes, better than Steve Nash, who is the best point guard, but not the lethal force that Kobe is. Yes, better than Dwyane Wade, who is certainly closer to the Kobe-Jordan level than LeBron James, but D-Wade's game is not as polished as Kobe's.

Kobe's streak of four straight 50-points-plus games is something none of those players can do, and it's something that hasn't been done since Wilt Chamberlain, who had an NBA-record seven straight 50-point games. Truthfully, Kobe should have tacked another 50 on Golden State on Sunday night.

Of course, the idea that Kobe is better than Jordan -- or even the best player in this league -- is as repugnant to some folks as a rectal exam. Even though Kobe has proven himself under pressure countless times, he gets the A-Rod treatment.

Kobe can't please anyone. And it doesn't help that most people suffer from revisionist history when it comes to Jordan, forgetting that he was just as poor a teammate and a ball hog and that he ran off coach Doug Collins like Kobe ran off Phil Jackson the first time.

In fact, you could argue that Jordan was even worse. Far as we know, Kobe hasn't jacked up any of his teammates the way Jordan punched out Steve Kerr and Will Perdue at practice.

Kobe will never be forgiven for Shaq's departure, but you're delusional if you think Jordan wouldn't have had any ego issues playing alongside a player with Shaq's star power.

The best-player argument shouldn't be determined by personal dislike. But if you want to take it there, fine. Jordan was hardly the ideal husband, but only the tabloids were brave enough to venture into his personal life. And what about those gambling issues? If Jordan's life had been covered like Kobe's, we would have an entirely different opinion of His Airness.

Besides a different level of media scrutiny, there was definitely a difference in the level of competition during Jordan's heyday compared to now.

Yesterday's NBA player certainly was more fundamentally sound, but there's no question that today's player is bigger, stronger and faster. When Jordan played, he was a singular force that could not be equaled. Jordan was guarded by the likes of John Starks and Joe Dumars, who were fine players but weren't nearly as skilled or physically imposing as LeBron, D-Wade, Tracy McGrady or even Vince Carter.

The NBA is tougher now.

Kobe, like Michael, is surrounded with mediocre to below-average talent, and Phoenix, Dallas and San Antonio are all better than the Utah, Portland and the Charles Barkley-led Phoenix team that Michael met in the NBA Finals.

Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Patrick Ewing will be among the best centers ever, but none of them affected the league the way Shaq and Tim Duncan have. There are two two-time MVPs in Kobe's own conference (Duncan, Nash), which is a problem Jordan never faced during his championship runs. Seven-footers weren't launching 3s back then. Magic Johnson and the Lakers were on a downward spiral, and the Pistons were on their last legs. It was Michael and everyone else. That's not the case for Kobe.

The shame of it is that Kobe might finish his career without a MVP, even though his ability can be compared only to that of Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. All this time we've been looking for a player who is better than Jordan, but most of us can't get beyond whether we like or dislike Kobe as a person to recognize his contributions to the game.

Ultimately the MVP award will go to either Nash or Dirk Nowitzki, who are deserving this season, but neither are as good as Kobe. Dallas and Phoenix are strong enough to make the playoffs without their stars. The Lakers, however, are a lottery team without Kobe.

Now that's a valuable player.

 

[Diamels]

Now a sexist muthafucka would say this is proof that women should not write about sports and you know what I would agree with him...

 

[SpiritualPorn]

First, Jemele Hill is a female. Second, i highlighted some of the points that she makes. And i am not saying i agree with them.

We can post articles all day...this one was from an emotional female that really doesn't know shit about bball.....

Kobe has gotten into fistfights with Shaq and Sammaki Walker from what I understand.

Cheating on your wife is wayyyyy different than a RAPE charge

I have yet to see Kobe make a key defensive play in an important game (ala Tayshun Prince blocking Reggie Miller, Wade blocking the lob to Howard in last years Finals)

Running off Collins for Phil was a wise move...Collins admitted himself that he was rude with Jordan.

Kobe has contributed nothing to the game that hasn't always been there...selfishness.....he has just taken it to a level that the rules and his coach allow.

The "Kobe Rules" involve letting him shoot like hell and alienate (sp) his teammates.....it's not even a defensive strategy. It just involves letting him self destruct.......

Everyone knew the rape charge was bogus however dropping your teammates name while getting interrogated is a bitch move in any era.

Kobe is getting exactly what he wanted...teammates he can intimidate so he can be the scoring "Man"......................

Nice run by ya man Tim




Bottom line is this:

Kobe has done something 2 things on the court Jordan hasnt:

81

and 4x50

Give him his props.......

everybody is very excited because of what Kobe has done however most people forget that the biggest knock on Jordan before he won the title was just that....ALL HE DOES IS SCORE!


I'm a different type....I will take Joe Montana or Tom Brady over Dan Marino and Dan Fouts

Kobe has not shown anyone that he can deal with playoff pressure on his own on a consistent basis....

 

[cranrab]

Re: Offline for a few days and now tobe is in the MVP hunt? LOL

First, Jemele Hill is a female. Second, i highlighted some of the points that she makes. And i am not saying i agree with them.

why the gender disclaimer? we're all old enough to know that stupid people come in both genders.

BTW, i recently put swin cash on the "ignore" list and she actually balled.

jemele hill has NO credibility because she's a hack from detroit. this MORON was only 8 years old when michael jordan started his career. how absurd that she calls other people revisionists when she herself doesn't know WTF she's talking about.

SAD.

 

[cranrab]

Re: Offline for a few days and now tobe is in the MVP hunt? LOL

like 100% of tobe supporters, jemele hill is fond of making UNSUBSTANTIATED claims. the piece (of garbage) that TR posted is rich with assertions, but poor in providing evidence which would support her position. worse still, this trash is filled with outright lies (in red)

Putting Kobe in perspective
By Jemele Hill
Page 2

Kobe Bryant is better than Michael Jordan. (OK, share the criteria which allowed you to arrive at your conclusion)

Not more successful.

Hasn't had a bigger economic impact.

Hasn't won more MVPs.

Hasn't won more titles.

But he's a better player. (OK, again, share your measures)

Kobe can do everything Michael did, and even a few things Michael couldn't do.

Kobe is just as good a defender.

His killer instinct is just as pronounced. (as estimated by who? certainly not spectators of 2006 game 7)

He can shoot, finish and explode. And just like Jordan, the more he's pissed off, the more unstoppable he is.

At the very least, Kobe's scoring spree over the last week should put to rest any lingering doubts that he's the best player in the NBA. (not according to coach winter, who insists that dwyane wade is the best guard in the NBA)

Yes, better than Steve Nash, who is the best point guard, but not the lethal force that Kobe is. Yes, better than Dwyane Wade, who is certainly closer to the Kobe-Jordan level than LeBron James, but D-Wade's game is not as polished as Kobe's.

Kobe's streak of four straight 50-points-plus games is something none of those players can do, (why not? or maybe she should have written none of these players WANT to do.) and it's something that hasn't been done since Wilt Chamberlain, who had an NBA-record seven straight 50-point games. Truthfully, Kobe should have tacked another 50 on Golden State on Sunday night.

Of course, the idea that Kobe is better than Jordan -- or even the best player in this league -- is as repugnant to some folks as a rectal exam. Even though Kobe has proven himself under pressure countless times, he gets the A-Rod treatment.

Kobe can't please anyone. And it doesn't help that most people suffer from revisionist history when it comes to Jordan, forgetting that he was just as poor a teammate and a ball hog and that he ran off coach Doug Collins like Kobe ran off Phil Jackson the first time. (she was 13 years old when coach collins got canned, but OTHER people suffer from revisionist history!)

In fact, you could argue that Jordan was even worse. Far as we know, Kobe hasn't jacked up any of his teammates the way Jordan punched out Steve Kerr and Will Perdue at practice. (OBVIOUSLY not a baller. these experiences can be POSITIVE for a team, depending upon the circumstances)

Kobe will never be forgiven for Shaq's departure, but you're delusional if you think Jordan wouldn't have had any ego issues playing alongside a player with Shaq's star power. (another fond tactic of tobe supporters: hypotheticals. they retreat into fantasy because they wish to avoid the reality.)

The best-player argument shouldn't be determined by personal dislike. But if you want to take it there, fine. Jordan was hardly the ideal husband, but only the tabloids were brave enough to venture into his personal life. And what about those gambling issues? If Jordan's life had been covered like Kobe's, we would have an entirely different opinion of His Airness.

Besides a different level of media scrutiny, there was definitely a difference in the level of competition during Jordan's heyday compared to now.

Yesterday's NBA player certainly was more fundamentally sound, but there's no question that today's player is bigger, stronger and faster. (so?)

When Jordan played, he was a singular force that could not be equaled. Jordan was guarded by the likes of John Starks and Joe Dumars, who were fine players but weren't nearly as skilled or physically imposing as LeBron, D-Wade, Tracy McGrady or even Vince Carter. (100% of tobe supporters are THIS STUPID. since when does physically imposing = defensive skill? was michael cooper physically imposing?)

The NBA is tougher now.

Kobe, like Michael, is surrounded with mediocre to below-average talent, and Phoenix, Dallas and San Antonio are all better than the Utah, Portland and the Charles Barkley-led Phoenix team that Michael met in the NBA Finals.

Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Patrick Ewing will be among the best centers ever, but none of them affected the league the way Shaq and Tim Duncan have. There are two two-time MVPs in Kobe's own conference (Duncan, Nash), which is a problem Jordan never faced during his championship runs. (yes, tobe supporters REALLY are THIS stupid. someone please inform this MORON that michael jordan never faced this "problem" BECAUSE HE WAS FREQUENTLY THE MVP HIMSELF)

Seven-footers weren't launching 3s back then. Magic Johnson and the Lakers were on a downward spiral, and the Pistons were on their last legs. It was Michael and everyone else. That's not the case for Kobe.

The shame of it is that Kobe might finish his career without a MVP, even though his ability can be compared only to that of Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. (only MORONS like her would compare tobe's ability to that of wilt chamberlain's. FOR STARTERS, wilt chamberlain lead the league in SCORING, REBOUNDING, FG% and ASSISTS. tobe?)

All this time we've been looking for a player who is better than Jordan, but most of us can't get beyond whether we like or dislike Kobe as a person to recognize his contributions to the game.

Ultimately the MVP award will go to either Nash or Dirk Nowitzki, who are deserving this season, but neither are as good as Kobe. Dallas and Phoenix are strong enough to make the playoffs without their stars. (FALSE. the phoenix suns have shown they would have a losing record without steve nash).

The Lakers, however, are a lottery team without Kobe. (sigh. MORE hypothetical from the tobe supporter. COMPLETELY UNSUBSTANTIATED bullshit to push her revisionist position)

Now that's a valuable player.

 

[Spectrum]

Re: Offline for a few days and now tobe is in the MVP hunt? LOL

Cran,

I didnt see this article posted here so I posted it again... your commentary was similar to my thoughts when I read it..I literally wanted to vomit after reading this filth. This is some of the most fallaciously filled writing I have seen in a while... I have to question how she even got hired as a writer... Seriously man... has the world gone mad...

 

[xfactor]

Another ESPN article that adds more fuel to the fire that Wobe is the "greatest player in NBA History" This writer suggests that Wobe's streak of 4 50+ games is now more impressive than Wilt's streak of 14, among other things. I cant believe these clowns seriously believe what they are writing

***EDIT***

And for more laughs, be sure to read the user comments below, with guys having the audacity to say "If Michael Jordan had the ability to score 50 in 4 games in a row he would have but he didnt because he couldnt" or "Jordan had it easier than Wobe because he only had to work hard on O because SGs were bums back then whereas Wobe had to score and guard players like Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, etc night in and night out."


http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-22-124/Kobe-Bryant-s-Streak-and-History.html

March 26, 2007 4:21 PM

Basketball writer Roland Lazenby writes that anyone who is going to compare Kobe Bryant's streak to Wilt Chamberlain's has to realize that Chamberlain set those records playing for an owner, Eddie Gottlieb, who was insistent that the big fellow score like a maniac at all costs. Lazenby says with that in mind, Bryant's streak is probably more impressive.

In those days, pro basketball was only about survival. You had to sell enough tickets to last the season.

In 1959-60, Gottlieb finally got his hands on the ultimate "somebody," Wilt Chamberlain. He played heavy minutes as a rookie and averaged 37.6 points per game.

But that first year was nothing compared with 1961-62, when he averaged an all-time best 50.4 points a game.

Gottlieb made sure that Chamberlain played virtually every minute of the season, including all the blowouts. Of the 3,890 minutes the Warriors played during the regular season, Chamberlain spent just eight minutes on the bench the entire year.

As his average reveals, he took 3,159 shots, nearly one for every minute he played, and rang up a stunning 4,029 points.

Bryant's critics complain bitterly if he takes 36 shots over the course of a contested game.

Wilt, on the other hand, became the NBA's freak show.

Like Bryant, he seemed to have a hard time earning the love of the fans.

Nobody loves Goliath, remarked Franklin Mieuli, who bought the Warriors and moved them to San Francisco. "Chamberlain is not an easy man to love. I don't mean that I personally dislike him. He's a good friend of mine. But the fans in San Francisco never learned to love him. I guess most fans are for the little man and the underdog, ,and Wilt is neither. He's easy to hate, and we were the best draw on the road when people came to see him lose."

Bryant, of course, has similar issues for different reasons. But which scoring streak came closer to happening in a competitive context?

Probably Bryant's recent streak fits that better.

On the other hand, does it matter?

If you're interested in the maximum limits of human performance, yes, it does.

But if you're interested in winning team basketball, well, it's championships won that cements the reputation of a great player.

UPDATE: Kurt from Forum Blue & Gold doesn't buy for a second that Bryant's determination to shoot a lot in recent games has hurt the Lakers in any way:

Let's start with the very basic bottom line - the Lakers had lost seven in a row before the streak and had played like crap for a month. Now, they have won five in a row, solidifying a playoff spot just a week after people were whispering that the team would drop of the postseason out all together.

And what about those "other players" who have been left out in the cold. Since he came back from injury (six games ago), Lamar Odom has shot 58% from the floor and averaged 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, including 24 and 19 against Golden State. Luke Walton came back five games ago (timed with the winning streak - coincidence?) and is shooting 50% (eFG%) while averaging 9.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds a game. They are doing just fine with Kobe scoring a ton, thank you.

Then there are the other guys getting room to step up as Kobe has drawn the double and triple teams. Shammond Williams is coming off the bench, shooting 53.8% from beyond the arc and taking care of the ball, which is why he and not Smush closed out the game against Golden State. Ronny Turiaf had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in the fourth quarter against Golden State off the bench. Against the Nooch, Kwame Brown stepped up with 10 points on 5-7 shooting. Each of the last five games has other examples.

Kobe's points have come at the expense of some - like the slumping Smush Parker (shooting just 45% [eFG%] and 23% from three in his last 10 games) and the injured Brian Cook. But is it really bad when you best shooter takes shots that would have gone to slumping or injured players?

One thing I noticed about Kobe Bryant's recent play, which I have been watching on and off on video all day? It's amazing, and disappointing in a way, how few of Bryant's baskets are assisted. He's playing with some willing passers, and the triangle would seem like as good a system as any ever devised to create opportunities for assists. But almost everything Bryant gets he creates for himself, often with much difficulty.

After yesterday's game a reporter asked Bryant whether or not he could average 50 if he really tried, and he said: "No way. I'm not that tall. I have to work too damned hard to get shots up."

Too true.

Compare that to the 2001 NBA Finals, when I recall Laker assistant Jim Cleamons explaining to reporters the difference between Philadelphia's "save us Allen!" offense, and the Lakers' triangle. Philadelphia's system tore up guys like Iverson, said Cleamons, put too much strain on them, and contributed to injuries. The triangle, on the other hand, with its passing, cutting, and spacing, let people score in the context of the offense without being heroic.

Now it seems like Bryant's offensive predicament, at least this week, is much like Iverson's was. It looks like a lot of hard work. It looks like the kind of thing that would tear you up. Bryant's strong like a bull, but he can't keep this up forever. And what happened to those easy buckets in the flow of the offense that Jim Cleamons was talking about six years ago? For Bryant, I think a high percentage of 2001's easy buckets may have come facing defenses that were paranoid about Shaquille O'Neal.

 

[SpiritualPorn]

Re: Offline for a few days and now tobe is in the MVP hunt? LOL

Cran,

I didnt see this article posted here so I posted it again... your commentary was similar to my thoughts when I read it..I literally wanted to vomit after reading this filth. This is some of the most fallaciously filled writing I have seen in a while... I have to question how she even got hired as a writer... Seriously man... has the world gone mad...

You damn near answered your own question........She got hired for head as a writer

 

[Criptonite187]

Kobe For MVP