Quality, not quantity with Bryant

November 26th, 2007, 4:32 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Curtis Zupke, Staff writer

By CURTIS ZUPKE

The Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO - A sub-par game by Kobe Bryant is often followed by a statement game that reminds everybody of his ability to carry a team.

But this is a different Lakers squad.

Bryant is a facilitator in Coach Phil Jackson’s new offense, and Jackson isn’t necessarily expecting a big bounce-back game from Bryant when the Lakers host 2-12 Seattle on Tuesday.

Jackson said he talked with Bryant on Monday about simplifying his shooting, specifically moving aggressively to his spot on the floor.

“Kobe’s reputation is such that most everybody will stand on his pump fakes, not getting up in the air,” Jackson said. “He’s just got to get his shot back in order so that he’s taking his shot, not worrying about getting guys up off the floor and trying to create a situation for himself.”

Bryant missed 13 of his first 16 shots from the field in Sunday’s loss to New Jersey and finished with 31 points on 7-for-21 shooting. He is averaging 19.7 field-goal attempts per game, down from 22.8 in 2006-07 and well below of the 27.1 he took when he led the NBA in scoring (35.4 points per game) in 2005-06.

Bryant has scored 46 and 50 points against Seattle in the last two meetings.

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