Kobe Bryant returned to the starting lineup today against the Memphis Grizzlies. Yes, that's right he's back! Apparently he's feeling like a gazelle, his words not mine. No, seriously he actually said that. This is a good time to look at how the team responded to his return. Now, some of you may argue that the Lakers are a better, more cohesive team without Bryant and reference the four game winning streak that the Lakers produced when Kobe was first left out of the roster. I'm just going to stop you right there and take a few minutes to put this argument to rest so it doesn't creep up later down the line and just get in the way.
Yes, the Lakers rallied together without their superstar comrade and put together a winning streak against quality teams, let's just put it into perspective. First of all, the five games the Lakers played sans Kobe is too small of a cross section to build a sound argument upon. There is no longevity to draw a reliable analysis. Secondly, if you look at the defensive and offensive ratings, (available at hoopdata.com) you will notice an initial spike in the defensive ratings but with each game both ratings declined until they finally lost to Boston. In these two points it's important to notice that yes, the Lakers did really well with out their primary point scorer and enhanced their focus initially but it was just a matter of time before that focus was lost with out their superstar to keep them in check. Also, closing down the stretch became ever more difficult without Kobe, just look at the amount of missed shots in the 4th quarter against Boston, truly terrible. Without Kobe the Lakers don't have that fifth gear to go into and make the difference in close games and no matter who you are you'll eventually miss the 28 points a game and tenacious defense that Kobe delivers. Points to Purple and Gold 1, Points to the unbelieving infidels 0.
To Graceland we travel to deal with those pesky Grizzlies, have they put a hex on the Lakers? They always give us trouble especially when we're in Memphis and tonight was no different. I think it's some sort of curse, however there are others who believe that the Grizzlies are one of the few teams that match up well with the Lakers, weirdos! The Lakers won this game by one point thanks to a certain Mr. Bryant closing the quarter with a couple of threes, a tough fade away and game winning three pointer. The Lakers needed it tonight, with sloppy turnovers, travelling and a lot of missed shots, Kobe kept the blood flowing just enough to eek out a win. Lamar was not the board hungry monster of late, Pau was missing too many shots and Ron couldn't buy a bucket. Is this the result of a Kobe return? Don't start now, we've already been down this road. Personally, I just think it comes down to dealing with a team that really bothers the Lakers. Usually the Lakers have at least one position they can exploit, not so much with the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies obviously aren't as good as the Lakers in the different positions but it's not a run away. The Grizzlies, in my opinion are performing way below what they should be, they've got a good team they just need to show it. The Lakers were a little too relieved to have Kobe back and they were more than happy for him to do their work. They can't play like this and expect to win. Perhaps they deserve a little carrying since they played so well without the mamba? My answer, not in this league and not when they're earning that kind of money. This is a team that should make other teams tremble not just coast by, and they're going to have to prove that more and more since we are edging closer to playoff time. This is the time to get the juices flowing and the momentum on our side.
In conclusion my good friends, the Lakers are a better team with Kobe in it, they just need to play like it. Kobe has adjusted his game to include the team now it's time for the team to play like they deserve it. They need to play with the same urgency they do when they don't have a safety net. That's when we will see the an unbeatable team. We can't afford to have a team that forces Kobe to take on an entire NBA team by himself, he'll do it and more often than not he'll be successful, but it won't win us a championship and that Laker fans, is what it's all about.
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