T.J, SIMERS

Think Kobe's the problem? Here's the problem with that

Whitlock makes the point that Kobe "emasculates his big men. Andrew Bynum politely admitted this week that Kobe stunted his growth."

Any columnist who relies on the insights of Andrew Bynum needs a rest more than I do. Andrew Bynum stunted his own growth more than anyone else.

Whitlock writes, "I blame Kobe. He's the guy stopping Howard from eating."

T.J. Simers
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I haven't seen Whitlock at a Lakers game this season. I haven't been to all of them, so maybe we just keep missing each other. That's too bad, I like arguing with him.

But I wonder if he's talked to Howard. I had lunch with Howard last week and he said Kobe is the one who has been yelling at him to shoot more jump shots. That's jump shots.

He said Kobe has been working with him on being more aggressive and less sensitive to criticism.

Maybe they won't coexist in the long run, but to make the assertion now that Kobe is holding Howard back is just inaccurate.

And to suggest the "Lakers' problems stem from Kobe," as the ESPN headline with Broussard's story suggested, is a misplaced cheap shot.

I'm all for pounding Kobe when he gives good reason to do so.

But darn if I can find a reason this season.

Comments (5)

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lafanatic2 at 2:21 PM December 23, 2012

Seriously TJ, get a clue.

Kobe is obviously a problem, and has been for his entire career.

His selfish, shotjacking ways harm team morale, and hinder the offense from functioning the way it is meant to, especially under Mike D'Antoni, which is predicated upon player and ball movement. Kobe has been a black hole, jacking up shot after shot instead of running the offense or consistently feeding the big men. With a 1-2 punch of Gasol and Howard, two of the best big men in the game, the Lakers should be dominating opponents in the post offensively. But with Kobe on the team, that is made impossible. Not to mention Kobe's consistnetly poor perimeter defense.

All this culminated last night in Kobe's atrocious 16-41 shooting display. The Lakers game back in the fourth quarter when Kobe was on the bench. They won despite him.

Kobe has been, is, and will continue to be a cancer.

jennifer.schlickbernd at 7:46 AM December 22, 2012

Chris Broussard doesn't know the difference between his butt and a hole in the ground. Talk about useless drivel. The only decent analyst on that whole ESPN team is Jalen Rose. I turn them off during half time, they are so bad.

lancegmorton at 7:00 AM December 22, 2012

Great column. I was one of those that wanted Kobe traded instead of Shaq. I really liked Shaq and hated Kobe's refusal to give the ball up. I have to tell you, though, he has made me a believer. I still think he shoots too much, however, I have never seen him better then the way he has played this season. He has been a superstar. He no longer has the physical ability to play at a high level on D but his offense has been remarkable to watch. He has also been the stable one, the leader. The kid has grown up. I have simply marveled at his game, night in and night out. It's going to be fascinating to watch this group come together over the next few months. I still think it'll take another year to contend with Miami and OKC but they'll get there. As to Howard, hmmm, if Bynum were healthy (yeah, I know) I'd want him in the post. Howard has few offensive skills and isn't nearly as big as Andrew. However, turns out that was a brilliant move by the Lakers. We'll really see when Howard finally gets healthy how this drama turns out. Fun so far.

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