Battier is better.Because Artest easily make Kobe angry and then nobody can stop him ! That is not we want to see.
Even though he lost a step, I'd rather have Shane as the primary defender. Ron is terrible with those Kobe-Pau pick and rolls (he's bad with pick n' rolls in general).
Both of them keep switching every other play. Just like the way they guarded Roy. Anytime Roy scored, Battier and Artest switched. Thats exactly how you guard good players. Keep giving them different look every other possesion.
I say Shane, Artest gambles to much plus I think he would be more effective as the help defender as apposed to the primary defender. Obviously Shane cant stop kobe, but shane is good at containing him and forcing Kobe into the D when Kobe goes to the hole. Also I think Artest's size will help when dealing with odom.
It should be team effort, as well. Battier guards Kobe on certain plays, while Artest does on other ones. Also, I believe Artest should guard Odom, along with Hayes coming off the bench to guard him as well. I think if Scolandry can physical with Gasol, they might be able to take him out of his game somewhat. It's total myth when people say this team has no weakness, especially when I have seen much better teams who do. For some reason, I think don't the Lakers will be as tough defensively as the Trailblazers who had alot of young, athletic (physical) defenders. I'm not saying they aren't a good defensive team, they're not as physical or athletic.
Knowing Rick Adelman I say both. And then he'll go with whomever is doing the better Job. Kobe always starts off the game by trying to get his players involved and then he takes over later in the game. The Rockets are really going to have to work as a * team * to stop Kobe. Ooops did I say stop, I meant slow Kobe.
I like Shane guarding Kobe for three quarters, and then having Ron-Ron put in some physical work in the last minutes of the fourth. We won't stop Kobe, but we should be able to combat his energy. Also, Von might be able to keep up with Kobe if need be. Long term, Shane seems to be the best pick.
No one can guard Kobe. The question is who can contain him for a 7 game series. It was proven during the season when he was held to 6 points in one half then just exploded in the second half. Its going to take a team effort not just two guys.
Not 1 person can stop Kobe. It's going to take a team effort to stop him. Ron and Battier will need to tag team him and the rest of the team needs to help when Kobe makes any sort of move with the ball.
haha you are a dumbass, Battier has stopped Kobe before you idiot and then to say Tracy can stop Kobe, haha you must of never seen one game vs LA
good point, Von has done very well to run after and stay in front of Kobe, I rather have him than Ron on Kobe, I just hope Von doesn't get too tired and starts missing his shots
The effecitve way to guard Kobe is to be physical and some "dirty" game jsut like the way James p***y, I mean Posey does it.
I would play him straight up with one of them switching between quarters, but doubling him in the fourth. Actually i would like Adelman to double him from the beginnig, but i don´t see it happening. The LeBron strategy should be used with Kobe also, the Cavs were also filled of shooters but lost to that strategy. Ron - Shane - Ron - Shane and double.
