My friend (a bandwagon Fakers fan) and I were discussing the upcoming series with the Fakers. He stated that if the Rockets coaching staff is smart and wants to win the series, they will place Battier as the primary defender on Kobe and let Artest defend otherwise. He noted that while in the earlier season games, that Battier and Artest each played once in, Kobe scored more when battier played, he shot worse from in every aspect of the game. He said that Battier just has a niche to defend Kobe and make his shooting uncomfortable. I was sort of caught up in the great game that Artest had last night and I disagreed with him initially saying that Artest would be fine. Looking back though, I think he might have a point. I mean I remember Battier locking down Kobe during the last game of the 22 win streak and the commentators and analyst loved it. Of course Kobe went off in the two games before that one so that may nullify the great defensive stand in some people's minds. So I am putting this to the members of ClutchFans because we're dealing with two Rockets players. I think there might be some bias due to Ron's great game last night but I think most of you will give a fair opinion of which player you think should be guarding Bryant. So.....who ya got!?
I think Battier should definitely be the one defending Kobe. That game during the 22-win streak comes to mind. He held Kobe to a very low percentage. I want to see that during the playoffs.
Going to take both of 'em. Battier has never stopped Kobe. Never. On the other hand, Kobe can and will run over Artest, especially, when it matters. If there's anybody from our team who has a realistic chance of stopping Kobe 1-on-1, it's Tracy.
Does it matter? Battiers hand in the face doesnt seem to bother Kobe Artest seems to make him mad /shrug
They'll both have their shots, but Battier should be the main guy on Bryant. I think this matchup is going to be interesting if it happens. Artest has got the strength to make things difficult for Odom, IMO. But the Lakers will probably start Ariza at small forward, whose speed may cause problems for Ron. On the other hand, Artest should have an easier time scoring on him.
Artest gambles WAY to much. It is not how you wanna guard Kobe. But being physical on him will help for sure. I know one thing, Kobe has played pretty well against Shane but it doesn't matter. You just can't guard him 1 on 1. BRING HELP and play TEAM DEFENSE. But I voted for Shane.
I think did well guarding kobe last year especially the game that came at the end of the 22 win streak. I vote for shane.
Yao Seriously though, I like the idea of giving him different defenses with both Ron and Shane. But for the majority of the time I prefer Battier (the cerebral assassin )
I say Artest. Because: 1. Battier is better at sliding over to take charges and is a better help defender 2. Artest can/will be physical with Kobe and hopefully wears him down throughout the series I live in LA and I watch a lot of Laker games. People don't realize the key to stopping Kobe in the offensive end is to make him work on the defensive end. Hopefully Artest posts him up and beats him up on the post. Don't give Kobe time off on the defensive side of the ball.
I think artest should guard him in the first half, be physical with him, then hand him over to battier. The mission should be to make kobe work hard for every shot. The officials scare me.
From what I've seen, the Lakers like having Bryant defend Battier because it's the easier assignment and keeps him fresh offensively. Battier is going to have to show some offensive moves if Bryant is to be challenged.
Battier should guard Kobe. Heck Battier should have guarded Roy. Artest gambles too much and alot of times is behind his player on plays trying to knock the ball out from behind. Battier will get burned at times, but at least he makes more of an effort to stay in front.
I would rather see Artest guard Kobe over Battier because he is more physical and he will bump and push on Kobe all game long. Battier is not a physical defender and he will let Kobe get any type of shot he wants, hoping he will miss. Battier does not try to gamble at any time when guarding a player and the "hand in the face" technique seems to not work anymore on Kobe. Artest is a more risky defender but I would take my chances with him on Kobe.
Ideally I'd like to see Shane on him so Artest can guard Odom. But Shane is our best help defender, you put him on Kobe, and the rest of the defense will be in trouble....its a tough one. Lets let Adleman decide.
I dont know why people are forgetting how we shut down LeBron in our last game against the cavs. We have to sick both of them on Colby.
