Kobe Bryant Supportive of Andrew Bynum’s Ambition on the Floor

Last night in the Bay Area, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to get back on the winning side of things by holding off the Golden State Warriors, 104-101. During this matchup by the bay, the Lakers had commanding leads and were on their way to blowing out the Warriors on their home floor.

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Unfortunately, the tide turned late in the game with the Lake Show fighting to keep above water. Despite the Warriors battling back late in this game, the Lakers were able to prevail, but like the loss against the Memphis Grizzlies; it didn’t come without some controversy.

As the Lakers were in the process of keeping the Warriors at bay, Andrew Bynum did something completely out of character and basically head-scratching. In transition, Bynum pulled up for a three and missed as bad as a player possibly could. This ill-advised shot immediately set-off head coach Mike Brown and forced him to bench his All-Star center.

Even though the consensus in Lakerland and amongst NBA analysts was that Bynum’s shot was ridiculous with nearly 20 seconds left on the shot clock, Kobe Bryant thought a bit differently. Apparently Kobe believes this could have been a wrong move by the Lakers’ coaching staff via DimeMag.com:

Among other things, Bryant says that because of the youth of the Lakers’ coaching staff, “they’re not used to dealing with a player of Drew’s ambition.” And while I’ve heard some bad things about Bynum’s ego from people around the league, he has handled his situation with the Lakers really well throughout his career. From the parking lot “trade demand” video to his role as a glorified garbage man, Bynum sacrificed for years as the fourth banana on championship teams. He’s not going to sit back and let Pau Gasol steal his rebounds or post touches anymore. It’s obvious he wants more as an individual, and is sick of waiting.

Personally, Mike Brown made the right move benching Andrew Bynum for that bonehead play. There is no excuse for Bynum taking a shot like that especially with the other team gaining momentum. The only reason for a shot like that from a center with no shooting ability from beyond the arc is if he was forced to or the shot clock was about to expire.

Otherwise, holster that weapon, Bynum! Leave the 3-point shooting from a 7-footer to Pau Gasol.