I'm not exactly a Laker fan.......you might call me a Kobe hater. Having said that, I would have to say that Kobe played great ball in the first six games of the series versus the Suns. The whole team was playing better thanks in part to him. But....when the chips were clearly down Kobe did not or was not able to put the team back on his back. I think i heard correctly when it was said that he made one basket in the second half. I think he outplayed Steve Nash, but it simply wasen't enough. How did a player of his calibre lay such an egg at such an important time. I've been waiting around for someone else to ask but........WHAT HAPPENED?
It's not about Kobe putting the team on his back, he's done that all season. It was a matter of the inexperience this team has. Most of these players have never seen the post season, let alone a game 7. It was just the youth being added to being on the road and getting down early. That simple.
I think the bigger question is why did the Lakers suddenly decide to play into the Suns' strength after Game 4? I just don't understand why they stopped driving and posting up. The large number of turnovers and poor defense was because they weren't suited for that type of game.
kobe knew that even if he scored 50pts again it still wouldn't be enough to make them win... they needed everyone to contribute in order for them to do dmg that's why kobe kept passing...