To be honest, I think there are quite a few players in the NBA (past & present) that could score 81 if the team fed him the ball continually. Remember when David Robinson of all people scored 71 because his team was trying to help him stay ahead of Shaq for the scoring race. David Robinson was a good player and all, but 71 wasn't a number most would have ever projected out of him.
With that being said, Kobe and his 81 points is mainly impressive to me because his team was getting it handed to them at the time and because of his performance, they ended up winning. A win is a win, period. I don't think they would have won without him doing what he did. Again, 81 is a lofty number but I do feel quite a few others could do it on a given night if their team let them shoot until their heads fell off. But the fact that the performance basically created a win is impressive. Had they lost, it wouldn't have meant anything.
<< <i>kobe had 8 assists and 30 points in a ot win and it was a let down, people were complaing he didn't score enough, guy can't please anyone. >>
Who was complaining? I didn't hear a word about it. Maybe it was those laker fans who feel they are obligated a 40 point night out of Kobe every night.
The Lakers have a ton of money. All they need to do is get a decent big man, trade Lamar Odom, and get some role players that fit, and the Lakers will be contenders again. I say within three years, the Lakers will stongly contend.
<< <i>kobe had 8 assists and 30 points in a ot win and it was a let down, people were complaing he didn't score enough, guy can't please anyone. >>
Who was complaining? I didn't hear a word about it. Maybe it was those laker fans who feel they are obligated a 40 point night out of Kobe every night. >>
Did you turn on espn im guessing you didn't that night they were like kobe only scored 30 pts.
BTW shaq has a ALLSTAR team yet they still suck.
Jay Will- Allstar Payton-HOF Wade-AllStar Posey- 1st team all defensive team 2years ago Walker- Former allstar Alonzo-AllStar/possible HOF
As for kobe he doesnt have a person on his team that has gone to the allstar game...
I think the Lakers should have kept Shaq and traded Kobe. I think Shaq is a dominating presence that might never be matched in my lifetime. Kobe is just another great player that comes around frequently.
As for Allen Iverson, it's people like him along with Artest and a whole host of others that made me almost totally quit watching basketball. Talented or not, I can't stand seeing street thugs getting mountains of money thrown at them and disrepecting everything about the game. I can't root for people that I can't relate to. I'll always be a Suns fan, but until the NBA turns back into the days of Michael, Magic, and Larry, I'll spend my money and time elsewhere.
If anyone recalls, I believe the previous game to Kobe's 81 was lost by the Lakers in OT (think it was Sacramento - I watched the meltdown). Lakers had a significant lead and lost it. In the closing minutes of regulation and OT the ball never got in Kobe's hands.
After the game, Phil Jackson was questioned why Odom had the ball in key situations and didn't set up the score. He was his usual cool self, but if you heard and watched between the lines of his answers, he was disgusted.
I think Phil cut Kobe loose to satisfy him, and show the rest of his teammates who the money player on the team is.
Proud of my 16x20 autographed and framed collection - all signed in person. Not big on modern - I'm stuck in the past!
Comments
I toss this in the category of 'who cares?' really...other than the laker fans and kobe fanatics, does anyone really care about kobe going for 81?
He still needed another 19 points to get to walt's 100.
Shane
With that being said, Kobe and his 81 points is mainly impressive to me because his team was getting it handed to them at the time and because of his performance, they ended up winning. A win is a win, period. I don't think they would have won without him doing what he did. Again, 81 is a lofty number but I do feel quite a few others could do it on a given night if their team let them shoot until their heads fell off. But the fact that the performance basically created a win is impressive. Had they lost, it wouldn't have meant anything.
<< <i>kobe had 8 assists and 30 points in a ot win and it was a let down, people were complaing he didn't score enough, guy can't please anyone. >>
Who was complaining? I didn't hear a word about it. Maybe it was those laker fans who feel they are obligated a 40 point night out of Kobe every night.
<< <i>But he had one zero championships until he hooked up with Kobe. He may never win another one. >>
I'd bet that Shaq wins one with Wade and the Heat before he retires. Kobe, on the other hand - when will the Lakers even contend again?
Shane
<< <i>
<< <i>But he had one zero championships until he hooked up with Kobe. He may never win another one. >>
I'd bet that Shaq wins one with Wade and the Heat before he retires. Kobe, on the other hand - when will the Lakers even contend again? >>
I wouldn't bet on that. Shaq is still fat and out of shape and could get injured in a heartbeat. Then who's gonna keep the team in contention???
<< <i>
<< <i>kobe had 8 assists and 30 points in a ot win and it was a let down, people were complaing he didn't score enough, guy can't please anyone. >>
Who was complaining? I didn't hear a word about it. Maybe it was those laker fans who feel they are obligated a 40 point night out of Kobe every night. >>
Did you turn on espn im guessing you didn't that night they were like kobe only scored 30 pts.
BTW shaq has a ALLSTAR team yet they still suck.
Jay Will- Allstar
Payton-HOF
Wade-AllStar
Posey- 1st team all defensive team 2years ago
Walker- Former allstar
Alonzo-AllStar/possible HOF
As for kobe he doesnt have a person on his team that has gone to the allstar game...
As for Allen Iverson, it's people like him along with Artest and a whole host of others that made me almost totally quit watching basketball. Talented or not, I can't stand seeing street thugs getting mountains of money thrown at them and disrepecting everything about the game. I can't root for people that I can't relate to. I'll always be a Suns fan, but until the NBA turns back into the days of Michael, Magic, and Larry, I'll spend my money and time elsewhere.
Shaq WAS a dominating pressence. Have you even watched him play this year ? Not the same player my friend
After the game, Phil Jackson was questioned why Odom had the ball in key situations and didn't set up the score. He was his usual cool self, but if you heard and watched between the lines of his answers, he was disgusted.
I think Phil cut Kobe loose to satisfy him, and show the rest of his teammates who the money player on the team is.