Main | Joe Stevens: The playoffs are new for everybody in Clipperland »
April 21, 2006
Ross Siler: Kobe/Raja, 3-pointers and the Great Debate
We'll jump right in and get the introductions out of the way sometime later in the first round.
Phil Jackson had an interesting insight today into the matchup between Kobe Bryant and Raja Bell in the series. Jackson is already on record as believing that Bell is one of the three or four best defenders in the NBA when it comes to playing Kobe.
The worry long has been that Bryant feels the need to prove himself to defenders like Bell. That can be disruptive when it leads to shots taken out of the offense. But Jackson said he has seen growth in that respect out of Bryant.
"The greatest thing over the years that Kobe has done that has made an adjustment,'' Jackson said, "is learn to respect his opponents and give them their due as competitors and warriors out there too on the floor."
Bryant still bristled at questions about Bell after both games in Phoenix this season. His words today: ``I think Raja plays hard all the time. Which is what I like. I enjoy players who play hard all the time. It's part of the game.'' . . .
The Lakers can ill afford to get caught up in trying to match the Suns 3-pointer for 3-pointer. They went 6 of 23, 7 of 23 and 9 of 24 in their three losses to the Suns. Then they stressed shot selection and went 5 of 16 in last Sunday's win. When they shoot the 3, the Lakers play right into the Suns' hands.
I asked Phil if there was a magic number he had in mind. His answer: ``We really can't project that. The Suns play a foot-in-the-paint-type defense. They're going to allow open shots and if the players are playing well and shooting well, they've got to have the opportunity to shoot 3s. If they're not, then they have to be able to penetrate and find that inside game.'' . . .
Check out Steve Dilbeck's column today in the Daily News. The Lakers have fought the perception ever since the Shaq trade was made that it was anything but one of the worst in sports history. Their argument is a lot more convincing this season than last. As one Lakers official said today to Steve, ``That was the best thing I've read in two years.''
Posted by Ross Siler at April 21, 2006 06:54 PM
Comments
this home page well your whole wed site shounld have more of andrew bynum and kobe bryant!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: zamaire lambey at October 16, 2006 09:02 PM
the lakes are the coolest thing ever
Posted by: hugo winters at April 12, 2007 02:08 PM