As we all know, the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, returned to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup on Sunday against the Raptors. On that night, the Lakers walked away with a loss with Bryant struggling and having eight turnovers. Bryant played again on Tuesday night and the Lakers lost again, despite Bryant’s 20 points. However, the Lakers struggles aren’t Bryant’s fault at all.
It all started last year when the Lakers were expected to reach the finals having an all-star lineup containing Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard. Mike Brown was the coach for the first five games and after five consecutive losses, he was fired. The Lakers went after Phil Jackson who was almost promised to return. Jackson asked the Lakers to hold until Monday while he made his final decision. The Lakers organization failed to wait and hired new head coach of the Lakers, Mike D’Antoni on Sunday. Lakers fans were furious and still are as many feel that Jackson should be in that head coaching spot. As we know, the main reason superstar Dwight Howard left was because of coach D’Antoni.
Bryant blew his Achilles early in the 2013 playoffs and it was all over for the Lakers. After eight months off, Bryant has returned and is slowly showing improvement which is good news for Laker fans.
Bryant signed a two-year contract with enough cap space for one more superstar to join him in the 2014-2015 season, and Lakers fans are hoping it will be Carmelo Anthony. If this is the case, Bryant will have a load off of his back. However, the coaching is going to come into play. Bryant and Anthony both have “assassin’s mentalities” which is going to require a coach who can both work with them.
The Lakers are also rumored to be targeting Kevin Love as they will need a big man who can shoot the ball playing alongside Pau Gasol.
The Lakers have acquired some talent before Bryant’s return. Nick Young is the 3rd bench scorer in the entire NBA and is also the Lakers leading scorer. Wesley Johnson is also a great pickup as his basketball IQ is sky high and loves playing above the rim. Jodie Meeks was with the Lakers last year but he has improved showing an excellent three point shooting percentage this year.
Now that Bryant has returned, he is looking to lead the Lakers to the playoffs. Bryant has more determination than anyone in the league, and can carry the team on his back to wins and will do whatever it takes to reach his goals.
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