Kobe Bryant To Jeremy Lin: ‘You Got To Run The Offense’

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their second consecutive blowout loss as they fell 119-99 to the Phoenix Suns to start the season 0-2. Kobe Bryant played extremely well dropping 31 points, but the rest of the team struggled mightily.

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On numerous possessions, the Lakers seemed to stand around as Kobe dribbled the ball and eventually put up a tough shot. Bryant noted that the team still needs to get used to playing with him, especially point guard Jeremy Lin, who Kobe said needs to run the Lakers offense according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters via Time Warner Cable SportsNet:

Injuries have destroyed the Lakers already this season, but in particular, the team’s playmakers outside of Kobe are all out. Steve Nash and Julius Randle are gone for the season while Nick Young will miss another month or so. As such, the burden falls to Jeremy Lin to be a playmaker for the Lakers and so far, he has not looked comfortable.

Kobe seems to be willing to concede the main ballhandling duties to Lin, and Lin has shown the ability to attack the paint and get shots for other players, which is sorely needed in order for this Lakers offense to succeed.

Things don’t get any easier for the Lakers as the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors are up next followed by a rematch with these Suns. Lin’s play will be crucial in making life easier for Kobe, and the rest of the Lakers.

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Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.