Kobe Carrying Lakes By Himself
Added on Feb 25, 2013 by Scott in
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It doesn’t take an NBA expert to figure out that the Lakers have been struggling to blend a roster of superstars into a legit contender. At 28-29, the team currently sits 9th in the Western Conference, 2 ½ games behind Houston for the final playoff spot. For them to advance to the postseason and make any noise, it will take a herculean effort by Kobe Bryant. A task he seems willing to accept.
Since his inspired All-Star defensive clamp down on LeBron James, Bryant has been on a crusade to lift the Lakers into contention, guiding them to three straight victories. In those three wins, he combined to net 94 points, grab 21 rebounds and dish out 18 assists.
With Pau Gasol hobbled, Steve Nash looking his age and Dwight Howard still rounding into shape, Bryant has little choice but to become a one-man gang. In fact, his performance in the last two games put him in the record books. He is the oldest player in NBA history to score 38 points while shooting 60% in back-to-back games, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
This should come as little surprise considering Bryant all but guaranteed the Lakers will make the playoffs in a Sports Illustrated article last week. Of course he’s never lacked in confidence, but he appears prepared to set aside on and off court differences with his new teammates in order to right the ship.
For Bryant’s claim to come true, he and the entire roster must play better on the road. They’ve been decent at the Staples Center with an 18-11 mark, but the 10-18 record away from home is the root of their problems. That and their deplorable defense, which ranks 23rd in points allowed. The interior defense or lack thereof has been of most concern, particularly from Howard, who has yet to consistently live up to his lofty reputation and pricey paycheck.
If the Lakers can get healthy and form a semblance of cohesion, they could be a tough out come April. Especially with a talented, experienced and motivated Kobe Bryant leading the charge.
Source: ESPN.com
