Kobe scores 20 of his 32 in second half LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers had a reason to celebrate for the first time in 2? weeks. It probably felt like a lot longer to a team not used to losing, although the current Lakers don't resemble the squad that reached the NBA Finals in four of the last five years and won three championships. Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 32 points in the second half Tuesday night, Caron Butler added 26, and the Lakers beat the road-weary New York Knicks 117-107 to snap an eight-game losing streak. "We needed a win desperately," Lakers coach Frank Hamblen said after his team's first victory since a 117-116 triumph at Charlotte on March 12. "It was a good win for us. Any win was a good win for us at this point," Bryant said with a smile. Source <font color="Blue">Please do not post full articles.</font>
that has also been a problem for the Lakers is that Kobe gets too tired at te end and cant score efectively, Hablem needs to give him a few minutes rest through out games
The Lakers are better when Kobe can close games out for them. He's the best player down the stretch, but lately he's been having to carry the Lakers in the first half, and is fatigued by the 4th quarter. Hopefully the Lakers can work on this strategy for the remaining games. If Odom and Butler can keep the Lakers competitive for the first two or three quarters, Kobe can close out most game for the Lakers.
^yeah. I'd love it, and it worked when Shaq was here. If kobe would focus on defense, rebounding and just getting teammates involved and raise their confidence in the first 2 or 3 quarters, and ytake over in the 4th with a lot of energy lef, the Lakers might actually win more games than I expected.
