Darius Soriano
How Kobe Bryant functions within the structure of the Lakers’ offense will always be a hot-button topic. Even when the Lakers win the game.
Last night Kobe was brilliant in the Lakers’ win over the Trailblazers, a win that kept the team in control of their own destiny to the playoffs. His 47 point, 8 rebound, 5 assist (with only a single turnover), 3 steal, 4 block performance was one for the ages, impressing fans and teammates alike.
However, in the wake of his tremendous night, there is still the question of whether that type of performance is best for the team in the long term. Yes, it led to a very important win and that can’t be lost in this discussion. But, if the Lakers are to really be a threat in the playoffs (should they make it), they can’t rely on super human efforts from Kobe. They must play a more balanced game and get more players going.
After the victory over the Blazers, a couple of Kobe’s teammates spoke to this point. From Dave McMenamin at ESPN Los Angeles’ Laker Index:
“It’s bittersweet,” Pau Gasol said when asked about Bryant’s dominating performance against the Blazers, in which he played all 48 minutes in a non-overtime road game for the first time in his career. “Because, I think it’s spectacular and it’s very impressive and it’s remarkable to be able to play 48 minutes and score 47 points. That’s incredible. On the other hand, I’m a player that likes to see a little bit more ball movement and better balance. I’ve always been [like that]. That’s just how I perceive this game.“But again, he was incredible tonight. He scored a tremendous amount of points that I never scored in my life. So, like I said, it was very impressive and it’s not something that you do every night, of course.”
Over the years Pau Gasol has not been shy about speaking up about wanting the Lakers to play more team ball. As a long time teammate of Kobe’s and, more importantly, a major contributor to the Lakers’ last two championship teams, Pau has the stature and experience to say these things and to have them taken seriously. Gasol understands what it takes to win a championship playing with Kobe and knows that it will take team play to get there. Sure, Kobe can — and likely will be — the focal point of the offensive attack. But more balance is needed.
Metta World Peace has also played with Kobe for several years and was also in the trenches with him in claiming a Larry O’Brien trophy. And he too speaks to the need for more contributions from Lakers not named Kobe, but comes at it from the perspective of those players seizing the opportunity rather than waiting for Kobe to give it to them:
”The five guys that are on that floor? We go to work. We’re not watching. We don’t take pictures. That’s what you guys [in the media] are for, you take pictures. We’re not taking pictures out there. We can’t even bring a camera on the floor if we had a chance.”
Against the Blazers, the Lakers did get some very good contributions from other players. Gasol had a fantastic night both as a scorer and a facilitator. Dwight Howard was great as a finisher, making the most of his scoring chances and taking advantage of some great dishes from his teammates. All in all, those three scored 90 of the Lakers’ 113 points and did so in a very efficient manner.
But, in the big picture, the team won’t just need great nights from Kobe, Gasol, and Howard. They’ll need the entire team to contribute offensively (and defensively) if they’re to make any noise in the playoffs.
It’s good to be reminded of that even after a win.
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