Kobe Bryant has been hit twice this season already for suspensions coming after he shoots and “accentuates the foul.” Manu Ginobili and Marco Jaric the two players on the receiving end of an elbow to the nose. The question in everyone’s mind is whether or not Bryant’s intent was to cause harm to the opposing player. As much as I love Kobe, sometimes I wonder.
Bryant is the most competitive player in the league. When Bryant is taking important shots in the closing seconds of games, he does not want anyone contesting his shot. When it is contested well and Bryant cannot get a good look, he flails his arm. Ginobili and Jaric played good D against Kobe. Bryant knew he was contested well and was not going to get a good look at the basket. The result is that Bryant ends up throwing up a low percentage shot. In order to try to get to the foul line he flails his arms hoping to draw contact. I think Kobe Brant flails his arms out of frustration in hopes he gets a lucky call. I do not think he is seriously trying to injure a player, but he is definitely trying to make hard contact.
In order to avoid these situations, the Lakers coaching staff needs to draw up better plays in the closing seconds of games. Phil Jackson need to write up plays that free Kobe up for a more open look with options to pass if necessary.
Bryant is the most competitive player in the league. When Bryant is taking important shots in the closing seconds of games, he does not want anyone contesting his shot. When it is contested well and Bryant cannot get a good look, he flails his arm. Ginobili and Jaric played good D against Kobe. Bryant knew he was contested well and was not going to get a good look at the basket. The result is that Bryant ends up throwing up a low percentage shot. In order to try to get to the foul line he flails his arms hoping to draw contact. I think Kobe Brant flails his arms out of frustration in hopes he gets a lucky call. I do not think he is seriously trying to injure a player, but he is definitely trying to make hard contact.
In order to avoid these situations, the Lakers coaching staff needs to draw up better plays in the closing seconds of games. Phil Jackson need to write up plays that free Kobe up for a more open look with options to pass if necessary.
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It was painful watching the end of the Minnesota game because the Lakers had no in-bounds pass plays. I don't know if Phil didn't call it well or if the players just didn't run the plays but it was sad to watch.
I have to agree with the suspension against Kobe. Sometimes I love how he can draw a foul but from the other team's perspective I'm sure it looks like cheap play.
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