I'm sure fans of the Los Angeles Lakers were thrilled by Kobe Bryant's successful return to the lineup on Tuesday night, and were elated by his late game heroics, but the performance of his supporting cast had to be a disappointment.
Therein lies the paradox which surrounds Bryant and his Laker team. The win over the Memphis Grizzlies was great, but the failure of his teammates to display the aggressiveness shown in his absence is puzzling.
It's a disturbing anomaly for a team which played a five game span which was defined by rhythm and precision, only to usher in Bryant's return with a game marred by soft defense, confusion on offense, and a feeling of ineptitude.
Things started off well for the Lakers, but in the second quarter they allowed the Grizzlies to draw even, and eventually take a lead they would not surrender until Bryant's shot with 4.3 seconds remaining.
Fans may feel cheated because these were the games they were used to with Bryant in the lineup, but in his absence the Lakers had won every game, save one by double digits.
Bryant was his usual brilliant self, and contrary to popular opinion, he scored his 3 ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Hadarii Jones
Kobe Bryant’s Return Exposes Irony Of His Absence For LA Lakers
February 24th, 2010 by Hadarii Jones Leave a reply »
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