I noticed that Kobe stopped playing intense defense when Shaq left. He thends to play harder defense when he knows he can make an error and be covered. Well that is not quite fair because he lost Shaq, Fox and Fisher at the same time. He seems to play much more intense defense when he knows he will be covered. he even played better D when Mihm was behind him.

If he shows up to camp and ready to carry over the same attitude I think the lakers will be better. I hope that Mihm can win the starting position back if andrew can’t. I know Phil liked him and he doesnt have to score to be involved.

Good day All.
KB

The US has absolutely no inside post up game whatsoever. there were a few plays where James posted up but other than that it was all penetration plays. But it works. They are so much more athletic that it really hasn’t made a difference so far. The main reason for this is their stifling defense led by Kobe. His defensive ability is amazing, especially when he applies it the whole time he is on the floor (as opposed to when he’s playing for the Lakers and only plays defense sparingly). Kobe intensity and defense seems to be contagious to the rest of the team too. Maybe if he played defense like that for the Lakers it would also be contagious.

Just thought it was interesting. Personally I think expressing your personal opinion about a player is a bit gutless. It’s kind of like talking behind someone’s back. I’ve always believed that if you have a problem with someone, say it to their face.

I personally am a fan of the game, and not a proponent of glorifying players. I give them credit where it is due, but in the end it is about my team winning.

My point here is that MANY sports writers and tv media have gone away from objectively reporting. Everyone feels they need to interject their opinion. To me, that is unfair to the players who are the subject of these articles/comments. They are defenseless. Prime example is TJ Simers interviewing Kobe and then adding his own personal take on Kobe to the entire American public. Completely out of line and pathetic.

“When his Memphis TAM’s (Teaxas Arkansas Mississippi) were getting blown out in San Antonio one night, Van Breda Kolff got off the bench, walked to a bar near the court and ordered a scotch
and water while the game was still going on.”

He not only played, but he hit the shot in the last 30 seconds that won Game 7. Ever since then, I’ve referred to any shot that hits the heel of the rim, bounces straight up, goes past the height of the backboard, then comes down through the net, as a “Don Nelson bounce.” Ugh…the horror.