The Credits: "Monster"

"No one really has a comfort zone or knows where their shots are going to be on the floor. I think that’s going to come along the more we play together."—Jason Kapono, on the Lakers’ three-point shooting struggles

MOST OVER-RATED PLAYER IN HISTORY: KOBE BRYANT
12:15 pm Jan 06, 2012
THE MOST OVER-RATED PLAYER IN HISTORY! I am a Laker fan and go all the way back to Showtime. I remember Kareem and Magic and Worthy and how they would perform in pressure situations. I have watched EVERY playoff game Kobe has ever played and NOT ONCE have I seen Kobe win a playoff game with a clutch shot, or even sink free throws when the game was on the line. Not once. All I remember is the misses, that other Lakers either put back or made for him that won the big games. The bottom line is this: Kobe may end his career with scoring records and great stats but he has yet to prove he is capable of performing when it matters most. It’s as if there is a ‘spell’ on everyone that thinks he’s one of the greatest ever. I must be immune to it and see him as he is; a great season player but a choke artist in the playoffs. In case I missed something, I welcome enlightenment on this and would like to know what GAME WINNING SHOTS he ever made in crucial playoff situations that won games. Anyone?

Must have missed game winning shot against Phoenix on 2006 or the game tying three to force overtime against Detriot on 2004 that they eventually won. That’s 2 that I remember at the top of my head.

Kobe’s usage rate is at a career high not only because of his shot attempts but as well as being the playe maker in our team.

Moreover, if Kobe is going to lower his usage rate, the Lakers likely need to find ways to help him do it. Case in point: Via Synergy, Kobe has been the ball handler in 40 of the team’s 59 pick-and-rolls. Without another effective alternative in those situations, it’s tough to remove Kobe from the mix.