Stupid Question

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brian)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

This may be a stupid question indeed, but we have point guards. Why not use them. We can't expect Kobe to facilitate the offense, score 50 points, and shut down the opposing superstar every night. Kobe has looked terrible thus far in his new role. Hopefully things change in the regular season, or when Lamar Odom returns.</p>

Btw, Odom is out for another 2 weeks</p>

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The Lakers are experimenting with a new offense and with Odom missing the entire training camp it only makes sense for Kobe to move back to the facilitator role. This is the same role he played during the Championship years and with a post threat now in Bynum/Mihm, the Lakers can finally start winning from the inside-out instead of depending on Kobe to score 50+ a game.</p>

The new Laker offense is trying to push tempo to beat defenses down the floor. They want to have 7 seconds of improv offense before they transition back into the Triangle offense. Kobe Bryant has been spending the preseason figuring out where he can attack and find players open where they are comfortable finishing. Per 48 minutes he's averaging over 10 assists per game right now. His turnovers are up, but that is a byproduct of trial and error.</p>

The offense has been on point the entire preseason for the Lakers. Our problem is still on the defensive end because the Lakers are not rotating with any confidence and aren't reacting properly. Last night Kobe Bryant was trying to send his man to the baseline to trap him with the ball, but the second line of defense was constantly late or not showing up at all.</p>

I know Kobe was outstanding defensively in the FIBA tournament, but you have to realize the NBA officials won't allow him to get away with a lot of the physical stuff he was doing under FIBA rules. It's unfortunate because FIBA rules are a throwback to when basketball was more entertaining, but if Kobe played the same way he did in FIBA he'd pick up 3 quick fouls.</p>

The reason the Lakers can't rely on their point guards has to do with their consistency. Fisher is more of a spot up shooter and scores a zero in the creativity department.</p>

Farmar has looked sharp, but he has to prove he can do it on a nightly basis and not play erractic from quarter to quarter. This is only his second season so it's hard to imagine him being capable of starting and running the offense. Same goes for JCritt, although I do like the chemistry he's been developing with Bynum on and off the court.</p>

Missing Odom for two weeks is going to hurt with the tough games we have early on in the season. Houston, Phoenix, Utah, and New Orleans are four teams more than capable of beating us with or without Odom in the lineup. I'd be happy if we can go 2-2 in those 4 games and then beat down on the TWolves to be 3-2 before Odom returns.</p>

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