Lakers fan are used to it, opponents are used to, and now Kobe Bryant’s new teammates are used to it. The heroics that Kobe Bryant puts on during fourth quarters are spectacular and second to none. After another Lakers comeback, Kobe’s teammates and Coach Mike D’Antoni were thankful that for once they were on the right side of Kobe’s fourth quarter dominance.
Coach Mike D’Antoni admitted this on TWC Sportsnet;
“I’m glad I’m on this side, and not on the other side.” – Mike D’Antoni post-game on @twcsportsnet talking about Kobe’s ridiculous shots
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 9, 2013
D’Antoni remembers the times when he was coaching the Suns and Kobe hit multiple clutch shots in the regular season and the playoffs. Bryant had 41 points and 12 assists last night and hit numerous clutch shots to keep the Lakers in the game.
Bryant’s new teammate for this season, Antwan Jamison, who signed for the veterans minimum in hopes of winning a title with Kobe, had this to say,
“Ive dealt w/ this guys for 14 years & now I think I deserve one year of him being my teammate.” – Jamison on @kobebryant (@twcsportsnet)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 9, 2013
Kobe has ripped the hearts out of so many different teams and last night was another instance where he simply willed the Lakers to victory. It was the second time in his career that he has scored over 40 points while dishing out 12 assists, with the first coming the game before against the Hornets.
With all the accolades Bryant has accomplished over his 17-year career, Metta World Peace said to Dave McMenamin,”this year’s definitely the best I’ve seen him play, even when I played against him.”
It’s no secret that this year has been tumultuous for the Lakers and their fans, but the past two games have shown a little more excitement. Now at 32-31 and sitting only a half game out of the final playoff spot, Kobe will be relied upon to will the team into the playoffs. The sooner his teammates and Coach D’Antoni embrace Kobe’s heroism, the more success they’ll have.