The Lakers did manage to beat the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center and Bryant’s nine assists played a big role in the victory. Nevertheless, Kobe committed eight turnovers and he often times passed up wide open shots in order to find his teammates who were not expecting a pass.
—- See Kobe Bryant through the years in photos! —-
After the game, Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni spoke to reporters and talked about Bryant’s passing. Even though the Lakers won the game, D’Antoni said his star player passed the ball too much.
“He was trying too hard to get everybody else involved,” Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said. “You have to walk the fine line. He went way over the other line. He has to get back to the middle where he facilitates and is aggressive and it flows that way.”
Bryant has become a facilitator over the past several games and has not been very aggressive on the offensive end. Kobe is known to be a scorer, but it seems like he has found a different role with this Lakers roster.
Ever since Bryant became a pass-first player, the Lakers have in fact played much better basketball. Still, at the end of the day the Lakers need Kobe to score at a high level in order for them to reach the post season.