<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Why the Lakers' Kobe Bryant is almost unstoppable Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times Lakers guard Kobe Bryant goes for a reverse layup but Utah center Mehmet Okur prevents the layup with a foul during the first half Friday night. Lonnie White's Xs and O's on how the star guard, especially in the post, has been tough on defenses this postseason. By Lonnie White, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 4:40 PM PDT, May 17, 2008 After 12 NBA seasons, the Lakers' Kobe Bryant is recognized as basketball's most difficult player to defend. Just ask Utah Coach Jerry Sloan, who watched Bryant torch the Jazz in leading the Lakers into the Western Conference finals. Sloan tried an assortment of defenders and schemes in attempt to slow Bryant, but even with a sore back, the NBA's most valuable player was pretty much unstoppable, especially when he received the ball in the post. Normally working from the left side of the key, Bryant gave Ronnie Brewer, Andrei Kirilenko, Deron Williams and Matt Harpring fits through a variety of fundamentally sound moves. My favorite was a twisting turnaround bank shot that Bryant executed more than once in the six-game series. With his left shoulder planted firmly against his defender's chest, Bryant opens the move as if he'll reverse spin and drive to the basket. But after establishing ground and space with his right foot, Bryant fades away for a shot off the backboard. And usually into through the rim for two points. Last summer at Team USA's mini-camp in Las Vegas, Bryant often practiced this move following a team workout. While other teammates -- like Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony -- attempted multiple three-pointers, Bryant kept his practice moves closer to the basket. It got to the stage that with each shot, Bryant seemed to get more and more into the rhythm of the move. In the playoffs, defenders have paid a price for Bryant's diligent off-season work. In 10 postseason games, Bryant has averaged 33.3 points while shooting nearly 50%. The key for Bryant is getting his preferred position on the floor, and he mainly gets that done through the Lakers' half-court triangle sets. Bryant's favorite setup has been to start off on the right side of the court with center Pau Gasol and then cut to the left side of the post. Thanks to disciplined perimeter spacing, this turns into a two-on-two matchup underneath the basket that favors the Lakers because of the attention Bryant attracts. If a team opts to slide a defender to help against Bryant, Gasol is usually left alone for an easy basket, and if a team leaves a single defender -- Utah's main approach -- Bryant is in control. Everything starts with Bryant's ability to drive into the lane, where he's an automatic scoring machine. Featuring his strong hand, Bryant always makes it looks easy, whether he's shooting a fadeaway or a sweeping right-hand scoop layup. But what makes Bryant so difficult to defend is his ability to switch up and dribble to the basket with his left hand. Bryant does this move as well as anyone who has ever played the game and he burned Deron Williams with it in the Lakers' victory over the Jazz in Game 5. Summary: During the regular season, teams like Portland and Golden State had some success double-teaming Bryant every time he touched the ball in the Lakers' half-court offense. But when Bryant is on top of his game, there really isn't a defense that can stop him.</div> http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/n...0,4646332.story
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (illmatic @ May 17 2008, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>almost?</div> QFT Almost? Why the Laker's Kobe Bryant is Absolutely Unstoppable
This was my favorite part. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>If a team opts to slide a defender to help against Bryant, Gasol is usually left alone for an easy basket, and if a team leaves a single defender -- Utah's main approach -- Bryant is in control. Everything starts with Bryant's ability to drive into the lane, where he's an automatic scoring machine. Featuring his strong hand, Bryant always makes it looks easy, whether he's shooting a fadeaway or a sweeping right-hand scoop layup. But what makes Bryant so difficult to defend is his ability to switch up and dribble to the basket with his left hand. Bryant does this move as well as anyone who has ever played the game and he burned Deron Williams with it in the Lakers' victory over the Jazz in Game 5.</div>
Great breakdown of Kobe's game. I think the real key to his success is his ability to shoot off the dribble and burn you with those 12 to 15 foot shots. Having the ability to make those baskets enables Kobe to create space from the defender and forces them back on their heals. The high pick and roll the Lakers have gone to against the Spurs have been unstoppable. If Bowen goes underneath Gasol's pick it opens up a jump shot for Kobe, or allows him to operate one-on-one with Duncan or Oberto out on the perimeter. If Bowen fights through the pick, Kobe has the step he needs to penetrate to the rim or pull up for an elbow jumpshot. If Duncan and Bowen both decide to defend Kobe, Gasol rolls to the rim for a dunk or dishes it to a wide open Lamar Odom. I don't think any team has an answer for the Lakers pick and roll because of the triple threat abilities of Kobe, Gasol, and Odom. They can score anytime they want when they run this play.
