November 23, 2010
The Los Angeles Lakers (13-2) are on the end of a brief two game home stand, currently on a four game win streak, welcome a red hot Chicago Bulls (7-5) team, a squad on their own streak winning five of their last six. The Lakers look for their seventh consecutive win versus the bulls, as both teams currently lead their divisions.
Kobe opened the game with a 20-foot jumper over Keith Bogans, the very next trip he tested Bogans with an array of pump fakes, ultimately getting to the line. He’s shooting a blistering 96% over the past 6 games and looks to get there as much as possible. Bryant put offensive pressure on Bogans early, mostly by attacking the rim, asserting himself into the triangle, and finding open looks.
Bryant went on a tear in the first quarter scoring nine of the first eleven, as he had his way with Chicago guards. Kobe continued to get great low post position by backing Corey Brewer into the low box and either shooting his clutch fade away or spinning then dishing to a diving Odom.
He assisted to Shannon Brown often, as he did a great job of floating around the three-point line and waited for Kobe to drive and penetrate or attract the double. Bryant is great at taking advantage of certain scenarios, understanding when to make the extra pass and when its “Kobe time”. This is evident as the Lakers lead the NBA in scoring and rank 2
nd in assists. They move the ball well, are very team oriented, and each player understands their role.
Bryant is currently second in the league behind Kevin Durant in scoring at 25.6 ppg and had to work to get his shot of a few times, as the length and size of the Bulls front line was commanding. The Lakers were outscored 42-36 in the paint, both teams shot under 40% for the game, and the turnovers were high each way as the pace was frenetic.
The key to winning this game was three point shooting and bench scoring; the Lakers converted 10 threes compared to the Bulls 4, and were outscored 34-10 bench to bench.
Kobe finished with 20 points and 5 assists, Odom 21 and 8, along with great bench production (Brown 21, hitting 5 threes, and Barnes chipping in with 10). This was a tough game for Gasol offensively, although he collected another double double (12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks). It was the athletic energized front line of Noah and Gibson who used their length to bother his shot attempts. The activity level of the Bulls was high, but at the end their youth prevailed as the Lakers went on a 16-2 run late to ice the game.
The Lakers travel to Utah on Friday where they will play a tough Jazz (12-5) team. Derron Williams has been on an absolute tear, so this should be a tough contest, as Utah is one of the hardest places to win in the league.
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November 21, 2010
The Lakers (12-2) host the visiting Goldenstate Warriors (7-6) in a brief two game home stand, going for their 11
th consecutive win versus the Warriors and their fourth overall win in a row. As of late the formula for success has been to let Kobe get you out of the gate and have the rest of the team finish strong. On the recent three game road trip Bryant averaged 29 points, 8 rebounds and shot a sizzling 96% (25-26) from the line.
Kobe started out guarding a quick and crafty Monta Ellis, which initially looked to be a tough test on the knee, as Ellis has probably been the quickest guard for Bryant thus far, but wasn’t an issue at all. Monta is currently one spot ahead of Kobe in scoring at 27 ppg putting them 2
nd and 3
rd respectively behind Kevin Durant. The size and strength differential between the two came into play as Bryant slowed Monta down with a few body checks and continuously corralled him into the help defender. Ellis shot a measly 2-10 from the field due of the great defensive attention from Bryant. His energy spread like wild fire as the Lakers team defense held Goldenstate to 35% shooting for the game.
Offensively Kobe dictated the tempo, using his size advantage on Ellis to attack the basket, create great post position, rise and finish. Every time down the court the ball went through his hands as he had an immense mismatch in which Bryant capitalized. There were some great passes from the post, nice jumpers, and an emphatic dunk, but the key to this game was the points in transition and paint.
The Lakers were up 28 points at half, 22-2 in fast break points, 20 assists, and shooting a blistering 66%. Great movement of the ball, execution on shot attempts, and amazing communication, all cylinders were clicking.
The Lakers are now 7-1 at home, but have a tough test Tuesday against hot Chicago Bulls team who has won five of their last six. LA could use a duplicate performance from players like Gasol who went a perfect 10-10 from the field and 8-8 from the line, logging 9 rebounds and 5 assists. He couldn’t miss and seemed to be in all the right places towering over the smaller Warrior front line. Kobe finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, going 6-6 from the line and committing zero turnovers.
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November 17, 2010
The Los Angeles Lakers were on the second game of back-to-back road games, coming off an impressive 11 point win in Milwaukee, taking their show to a frustrated 4-8 Detroit Pistons team.
Kobe and the Lakers got off to an early 11-2 lead, eight quick points for Bryant, two coming off a sweet backdoor cut from Fisher for an open lay up and the next six coming from back-to-back threes. Both of the three’s came off the secondary break where the ball was swung from side to side, and both off of a one dribble pull up. His second three was definitely a heat check, forcing Detroit to call an early time out.
Its such a tough shot to defend, because his elusiveness in getting to the basket forces the defender to stay at least one step back, giving Bryant the freedom to shoot the long bomb.
At this point, Kobe had a great rhythm to his shot and flow with the ball. He penetrated through two defenders and found an open Artest who knocked down the long range two. When Artest hits shots the Lakers are deadly, Fisher and Gasol have been shooting a high percentage as of late (50% & 53% respectively in the last 5 games), which only opens the floor for easy penetration and one-on-one for Kobe.
His ability to finish through traffic has been impeccable thus far, changing hands in mid air finishing on either side, and using his ability with the pump fake to get past the initial defender. The fundamentals about his game make the most difficult move look simple, as he has been hitting a ton of clutch shots early in the season.
The Lakers got impressive performances from Gasol (25 pts, 12 reb), Odom (15 pts, 14 reb, 4 ast), and Bryant (33 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl) in which all three locked on early. The Lakers opened up a big lead in the second half and cruised through the fourth quarter.
The lead was so comfortable through three, Bryant rested the entire fourth. The Lakers continue their Midwest road swing playing at Minnesota, a team that played them close in LA two weeks ago. The Lakers look focused as the Timberwolves may see a different energy this time around.
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November 16, 2010
Kobe’s return to Milwaukee was a pleasant one; he scored ten quick points in the first quarter and seemed to be in a groove the rest of the game. Bryant came out aggressive and hungry to get the lead early after two straight losses; he would will the Lakers to victory in this contest. Bryant went for 31 points on 10-23 shooting, shot 11-11 from the line, added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Kobe came into Tuesday’s game ranked 3
rd in the league at 25.2 ppg and is making it look easy, getting a lot of points moving with out the ball, not working too hard.
Teams can’t just double team Kobe, he is finding Pau and Fisher for open looks at a high rate this season, combine that with the surprising play of Shannon Brown (21 pts, (4-5 3pt), in 21min), they looked to breeze over the two game slump they just had.
Kobe showed his supreme athleticism at many points this game, one play imparticular he caught an amazing pass off a lob from Brown, then threw a mid air dish to Pau for the open dunk. This play showed his awareness for the defense and how unison him and Pau currently are, they have been playing some great two-on-two ball. Teams are struggling to defend the duo; they are such great and unselfish passers making other players look good is easy.
The current Lakers roster compliments Bryant and Pau well, surrounded by shooters, defenders, and athletic wings. Bryant drove full court and split two defenders on his way to the rim on another play really giving off the vibe that he has fully recovered, is healthy, and seems to have his legs back. He has full control of his body, had no issues knocking down big shots, and continues to show why he is the best player in the league.
The Lakers play back-to-back road games for the first time this season. Wed Nov 17
th against the (4-7) Detroit Pistons who are struggling to find themselves, 2-2 at home, and currently rank 26th or worse on 3 important statistical categories (ppg, rpg, apg). The Lakers should look to strike early against Detroit, as they should fold easy against the LA pressure.
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