The Lakers have underperformed for the majority of games in which they are pitted against the best teams in the league. Most recently, against the San Antonio Spurs, even in the loss they at least showed progression.
“The season is an evolution, you know the team, you know how well the team comes together and in the past couple of years particularly in the big games we’ve responded…this year it hasn’t been there,” added Bryant. “We’re not starting a playoff today, we wish we could turn things around by flipping a switch, but it doesn’t work that way and you have to continue to grind and work through it.”
Bryant preaches patience. It’s not just a means to an end and every game against an opponent acts as an opportunity for the Lakers to get better. You don’t get to be at the level that the Lakers are currently at by doing just enough to get by and dialing up the intensity during the playoffs.
“It’s about getting better. You want to win those games and it’s upsetting to me, trust me, more than anybody else and when we can’t win those big games and beat those top teams,” continued Bryant. “At the same time, we know what we’re doing, we know what we’re working towards, and we have complete confidence in our ability and that we’ll be ready to go [in the playoffs].
“It’s easy to get frustrated with how things have been going, but you have to have patience. I think having won three in a row before I can understand kind of what was coming down the road. You want to continue to drive guys and push them hard, but at the same time understand that it’s a process.”