As the Los Angeles Lakers lost a tough overtime game to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, one topic of discussion centered around the play of Kobe Bryant, particularly down the stretch. Once again, Kobe took nearly every shot in the last few minutes and was unable to convert, shooting only 4-14 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
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The rest of the Lakers stood and watched as Kobe took the shots down the stretch leading some to wonder if the team relied too much on Kobe. According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, Byron Scott disagreed with that sentiment:
Byron Scott didn't really agree that team is relying too much on Kobe in shot-clock winding down/game winning situations
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 24, 2014
While Scott may not feel that way, Nick Young said the team can tend to rely on Kobe a little too much sometimes via Winters:
Nick Young: "At times, we fall into relying on 24 a lot. I know I believe in everybody on this team."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 24, 2014
One of the biggest parts of Kobe’s legend is his ability to come through when it matters the most. Kobe always feels like he can make any shot, and that mindset is not going to change just because he is older.
Young said he believes in everyone on the team, and everyone has to keep the ball moving down the stretch. The Lakers have fallen into the habit of Kobe-watching at times and all of the Lakers on the floor must find a way to execute better down the stretch.
[divide]Nick Young Thinks Lakers Can Get Away From Sharing The Ball