Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Must Learn To Defer To Teammates
By Terri Washington
@Terri7589
Getty Images
It was the final seconds in the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. The score was tied at 109 apiece. The ever-so-amazing Kobe Bryant was bringing the ball into the frontcourt so that he could make the game-winning shot and stop the Raptors from having any chance to win in overtime. As Bryant drove to the basket he was double teamed, a foul wasn’t not called and regulation ended forcing another five minutes of play.
Although the Lakers ended up winning the game thanks in large part to Bryant’s stellar play and the triple-double he recorded, Bryant could’ve passed the ball. There was a completely open Jeremy Lin to the left of Bryant. Obviously there is more trust in the Lakers organization to have Bryant take the last shot, but this was the second game in a row in which Bryant attempted to make the last, game-winning shot and missed.
Bryant is a five time champion, perennial All-Star, future Hall of Famer and one of the most recognizable players in the history of the league ,but in his 19th season he should already know that he can pass the ball.
The Lakers’ troubles in no way stem from Bryant solely; the team has had to deal with injuries, poor play and simply being outplayed by opposing teams. Since shooting guard Nick Young came back from his injury, the Lakers have put themselves in the position to win more games but haven’t because, towards the end of close games, Bryant refuses to take a backseat to other players.
Whether or not Bryant takes the game-winning shot, he will always be the star of the Lakers, so allowing another capable player to win the game for his team would not make Bryant’s star fade.
Terri Washington is a Los Angeles Clippers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @Terri7589, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
Adam Silver Moving NBA In Right Direction
Adam Silver is the best commissioner in all of professional sports, as he continues to move the NBA in a positive, forward direction. Read More
76ers: Tanking Strategy May Get Team Nowhere
Taking a look at why the Philadelphia 76ers' well-documented purposeful tank job may not ultimately get the organization where it wants to go. Read More
Jazz Heading Towards Long-Term NBA Purgatory
Taking a look at why the Utah Jazz are well on their way to an undesirable future. Read More
Youth Is Timberwolves' Biggest Issue
The Minnesota Timberwolves can be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA sometimes. Other times, they are just down right awful. See what issue they need to address to win consistently. Read More
Clippers Silencing Critics With Ignored Win Streak
The Los Angeles Clippers are rolling over teams left and right, but no one seems to be all that interested. Read More
Helping Anthony Davis is Pelicans’ Biggest Issue
The New Orleans Pelicans have an opportunity to do big things with Anthony Davis, but they must improve his surrounding pieces or suffer a mediocre existence in the Western Conference. Read More
2014-15 NBA Power Rankings: Week 6
Here are my week six power rankings for the 2014-15 NBA season. Read More
Koufos For Waiters Trade Could Happen
The Cavaliers are looking to improve their defense by acquiring Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos in a trade for Dion Waiters. Read More
5 Trades The Knicks Should Explore
The struggling New York Knicks should begin to explore potential trade options. Read More
Warriors' Team Chemistry Key To Historic Start
The Golden State Warriors are capable of winning the NBA Championship for the first time in 40 years because of the franchise's chemistry across the board. Read More
Rockets Do Not Need Howard Right Now
The Rockets are rolling and Dwight Howard should remain on the bench until needed. Read More
Trail Blazers Lack Depth To Contend This Season
The Portland Trail Blazers' lack of depth will hurt them when the playoffs come, and that is their cross to bear for the time being. Read More