Ok, I’m convinced Stern saved us from the Pau trade now lol. They’re going to try to unload him again this offseason, but hopefully Morey knows better this time.
Teams will just load the middle, double Kobe on every pick and let go the corner 3. P&R wouldn't work without spacing. Kobe gets most of his points in ISO post up. Or quick jumper off weak side nowadays.
Kobe is undefeated at home Game 7's 2000 West Finals Vs Portland (Won) 2002 West Finals @ Sacramento (Won) 2009 West Semi-Finals (Won) 2010 Finals Vs Boston (Won)
Kobe to Bynum assist (from the box-score play by play) Game 6 - 0 Game 5 - 0 Game 4 - 2 Game 3 - 1 Game 2 - 1 Game 1 - 0 So through 6 games, Kobe has assisted on a whopping 4 of Bynum's baskets, the 2nd leading scorer on the team. That's less than 1 per game.
I skimmed fast, so say you're right, that's a whopping 1 basket per game assisted by Kobe. ONE. Denver is saying: We won't let bynum get going. They're double/triple teaming him every time he touches the ball. As the ONLY perimeter player who can take guys off the dribble, Kobe has the ability to do something about it. He can't be pulling a Melo and just score. And I predict a Denver win in Game 7. Bynum's actions in the 4th on the bench are very telling. He's not invested in this series anymore.
I don't think Pau disappearing in the playoffs for a second season in a row makes it more likely that Morey wants him. He's nowhere near worth his $20M/year contract at this point.
Ron Ron can probably only help them. He's fresh blood and the Lakers can't afford for Matt Barnes to play 25 minutes again. On the other hand, if he tries to be a hero, isolates and chucks up dumb shots, it will be salt on the wound and further divide the team. Lakers have to get everyone's head in the game, especially Bynum and Pau. Bynum has to be engaged and Pau can't play like a sissy. If the Nuggets are smart, they will double Bynum early and not allow him to get off early. Wow, TNT keeps showing that shot of Bynum on the bench. I blew it off the first couple of times but the more I think about, the more it might mean something. Bynum's utter contempt for Brown is the 500-lb gorilla in their lockroom.
So how many assits is Kobe suppose to be averaging a game according to you? Tonight was just a butt kicking for the Lakers but prior to that over 25% of Kobe's assists went to Bynum. Kobe created off the dribble twice down the stretch to win them game 2. The Lakers simply won't win if Gasol is not aggressive which he wasn't tonight. He isn't getting the doubles and triples like Bynum is so he has to step up.
Bynum is ruining his reputation now. What he's doing is disgusting and selfish. And it sucks NOBODY in this organization can reign him in.
