After putting up just 77 points in Tuesday’s loss to the 16-0 Golden State Warriors, the Lakers have recognized the need for offensive adjustments. What’s sadder is that a few of those missed shots didn’t hit anything. Not exactly a decent record for Bryant’s stellar career, but he took it like a man nonetheless. “I don’t see that happening with the upcoming schedule we have”, said Walton, who is filling in for injured Golden State coach Steve Kerr. Just don’t expect Kobe’s numbers to get much better – he’s shooting 30 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range.
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“I could have scored 80”. It wouldn’t have made a damn difference.
“Yeah, they could do it”, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said of the Warriors being the team to win 33 straight. Go out, play hard every night, and try to execute the style of play that we’ve established and hopefully good things happen. His scoring has dipped as well at only 15.2 points, which is his lowest since his rookie season.
He’s Kobe Bryant, so he starts. He plays less than the average National Basketball Association superstar because his team gets off to such leads, but he is still averaging 32.1 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 16 contests so far.
“I invited some players if they want to come over to the Swag Mansion”, he said.
Making matters worse: The 17-time All-Star is stuck in the past, a notion which has been perpetuated by the fact that Bryant is surrounded by yes-men, starting with his head coach and former teammate Byron Scott. “I am concerned about his shooting percentage and his shot so far, but as far as knowing him the way I know him, and how long he’s played in this league, I’m not anxious about him finding it”.
Scott was asked if he would reduce Bryant’s playing time. Last season, he also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Lakers fans are justified in complaining about Bryant’s performance this year.
Lakers are bottom of the Western Conference Pacific Division with a record of 2-12, leaving them 13 points behind undefeated division leaders Warriors. Complex’s Russ Bengtson wrote an open letter last Friday begging Bryant to retire. Yes, he is one of the best players in the history of the league.
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“It’s not worth it anymore”, he added.
