I was wondering about that... When he went to the bench in the Orlando game, the camera caught a shot of someone helping him wrap a thick towel around his neck. It looked like there was probably a heat or ice pack underneath. Didn't seem to affect his play when he went back in, though.
KPTV this morning must have jumped the gun. Sorry to post and worry anybody but don't be surprised if he still is not playing tonight if he is still haveing back issues.
From MB: I would like to see Bayless get some time on Wade, if for no other reason than to let Brandon rest.
Hold on there, I hate Kobe but he's still the best player in the world. Consider this who would you rather have in the final 2 minutes of a game? For me it's easy Kobe, Wade and then Lebron. Nothing against Lebron he's easily the most talented but when it comes to crunch time there is no better player than Kobe. Lebron still has trouble hitting his free throws and has moments where he seems scared at the end of games that he's going to have to shoot free throws so he passes. Kobe thrives in these situations. That's coming from a Laker/Kobe hater. BTW- Roy is moving up the list on who I would want to have the ball at the end of games. I think he's benefitted the most from this tough schedule playing against guys like Artest, Bowen, etc has made him gain confidence.
Tbh, I think the Aldridge injury is going to hurt us more than the Roy injury. Aldridge can abuse Beasley on offense, but now with the injury, I don't think 20 foot jumpers are going to cut it.
Kobe is a great closer. So is LeBron. But overall - LeBron is a better basketball player than Kobe - even if Kobe is a better closer (something I am not sure of any more, either). Last year, the one trick pony (LeBron) Cavaliers gave a much harder time to the Celtics than the deep Kobe lead Lakers. I think the last time the Lakers won against the Cavaliers in a head to head match up was in 2006 - all 5 games since were won by Cleveland and LeBron outplayed Kobe in each of these 5 games. Kobe was the 2nd best player in the league last year - this year, with Wade healthy - he is either 2nd or 3rd - but there should be no question who the #1 player on the planet is - and it is not Kobe nor Wade.
