Kobe Bryant on Adam Morrison and role players playing their role

[NJNJ]

With 7:24 remaining in the fourth quarter of last night's 110-99 win over the New Orleans Hornets, contest well in hand, Adam Morrison held the ball at the top of the circle, surveying the court to see what was developing. Nobody immediately open, shot clock ticking down and the Staples faithful egging him on to shoot, Ammo eventually drove the lane and made string music on an ugly-but-effective left-handed layup.

 

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Kobe Bryant leap up from the bench and bark words in Morrison's direction. When starters react in such fashion, it's usually because they're excited to see the third string make hay during their rare burn. After all, guys like Ammo, DJ Mbenga, Sasha Vujacic and Josh Powell work very hard in practice without always reaping the rewards of in-game action. But as I learned upon asking about his animated display, Kobe's wasn't responding to a feel-good moment. This was about reinforcing a game plan:

 

"It's me encouraging him and reminding him that I want him to do what he does best, which is score. Defensively, we'll provide help for him and in certain (other) areas. And he'll put forth the effort defensively. But on the offensive end, we try to put guys in situations that maximize their potential. We're not going to ask him to go out there and be Lamar Odom, be a facilitator. That's not what he does best."

 

I found the phrasing of Kobe's answer interesting on two levels. For starters, the way Kobe labeled placing players in situations that maximize potential a "we" thing. "We" as in, "the coaching staff." "We" as in, "the franchise." And "we" as in "Kobe Bryant, the most important member of the Lakers and, to a sizable degree, an extension of Phil Jackson." This is what "we" do. A unified front on a philosophy, enforced by the highest members of the food chain. In a recent 710 ESPN PodKast with Jalen Rose ,the player-turned-analyst noted how elite franchises have "systems." A plan that forges an identity easily recognized by players, coaches and front office. Not every team has a system. The Lakers do, and Kobe's answer was reflective of said system in place. Never underestimate the value of everyone being "on message."

 

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[Warren2ThaG]

Morrison is a guy that can sit down and learn and listen, Sasha not so much.

[Kobe24]

These guys will have to step up because we really cant expect the season to go on without any injuries..

Its good that they are able to get some valuable playing time early.

[Harvester Of Sorrow]

Morrison is a guy that can sit down and learn and listen, Sasha not so much.

 

proven fact. morrison looks high and bored almost all the time, but yet, he does well and puts in the work.

 

sasha is just happy to be on the lakers and does the work, but then forgets it when its game time.