I agree, the hand-in-the-face is laughable defense. Great shooters, simply need a small glimpse at the basket to know where to aim. A couple of fingers in the face is not going to affect the shot.
So is he just supposed to challenge the actual shot, knowing he has no almost no chance to block it? Would that somehow make him look less weak when Kobe still hits it in his face? The bottom line is that if Kobe is on, no one player is going to stop him.
The formula for the Lakers is still the same it has been for the past few years. 1)You make Kobe your first option and let him fire away - YOU'RE LOSING. 2)You go to Pau and establish him early - YOU ALWAYS WIN. Look al Lakers last two games. Against Indiana he had 30+ attempts and tonight he had 25. Kobe is great, but is it NOT WORKING. That's why I think Gasol is the KEY to this team. PERIOD!
The point is, since the hand in the face does nothing, theres no need to impress Coach K and the Duke alumni. His defense would be just as effective without the hand in the face, since it does NOTHING.
I don't think that's the point. I think when the Lakers lose or struggle Kobe always goes into that "Imma show you who the best player really is" mode. And if I were a coach, I would be thrilled with that. Just let Kobe score whatever he wants. 40? Sure, 50? allright, 60? yes. Once he starts scoring he COMPLETLY forgets about his teammates. Lakers are proven to pretty much ALWAYS win when kobe scores 20-25. I'd bet their record is pretty bad when he goes 30-40. My point is, Gasol should get minimum 20 shots.
. But what exactly did Gasol do that game? Oh right, score 13 points on 15 shots. Shot 5-15. Made it to the FT line only 3 times. He did grab 12, have 3 assists and 3 blocks, but also had 5 personal fouls and 5 turnovers. I don't want to repost the long post I just finished in the ESPN thread, but it's not all on Kobe. AND, it's not that shocking that Gasol had one of his worst games when finally tested by a decent opposing big. What did Hibbert do? Oh yeah, 24 points, on only 13 shots (9-13), also grabbing 12 boards, with 6 assists.
I'm hoping this great thread continues after another stellar shooting display by Kobe tonight ...in another Laker's loss. and it's 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 what are we fighting for...
