Lakers News: Kobe Credits Defense In Team Victory Over Memphis

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles LakersWith the Lakers fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot every game gets more and more important. On Friday night, with news that the Utah Jazz had already defeated the Hornets earlier in the evening, the Lakers had to defeat Memphis to keep hold of the eighth spot in the Western Conference.

—-Want to show off your Kobe love? Check out this VINO t-shirt!—-

Los Angeles was able to do that, beating the Grizzlies 86-84 in a nail-biter at the Staples Center. Following the action, Kobe credited the team’s defense as the main reason for the victory.

“We did a good job all night long, actually. Our defense was very solid. We did a good job of putting them in situations where they had to make tough plays.”

The team defense did look much better against Memphis than we’ve seen most of the season. The Lakers held the Grizzlies to 84 points, and just 39 points in the first half. The Lakers, who have struggled mightily on defense for much of the season, allow 101.3 points per game, which is 24th out of 30 NBA teams. Still, Bryant knows the defense won the game on Friday.

“It’s no accident that we won this game.”

Speaking of defense, Earl Clark’s block in the fourth quarter prompted Laker color commentator Stu Lantz to dub it the play of the year.

Bryant and the Lakers will rest up on Saturday before taking on the Clippers on Sunday afternoon at the Staples Center.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Shaq’s jersey retirement press conference!

Don’t forget to click here to subscribe to our Lakers Nation YouTube Channel!

You May Also Like

Spencer Dinwiddie Describes What He Expects His Role To Be With Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a move at the trade deadline, but they added arguably the best player on the buyout market…

Lakers News: Kawhi Leonard’s Uncle Addresses Impending Free Agency With Raptors Before 2019 NBA Finals Vs. Warriors

Kawhi Leonard’s impending free agency with the Toronto Raptors and his ties to the Los Angeles Lakers will be one of the…

Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls LeBron James ‘Best In The World’

The Los Angeles Lakers will walk into the 2020-21 NBA season as the presumptive favorites to win the championship…

Vanessa Bryant Finds ‘Sex And The City’ Dress From Kobe Bryant

It has been nearly six months since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others in a…