Robert Horry rips Kobe Bryant’s defense

Robert Horry laid into former teammate Kobe Bryant while speaking at the ninth Lakers All-Access event at Staples Center.

“[When] Kobe is on the weak side, he needs to start paying attention to where the ball is and not be flying around, thinking he’s some stealth bomber where he can get steals nonstop,” said Horry.

The Lakers (17-21) have struggled this season as a team to play defense, and Horry put a sizable share of the blame on Bryant.

“That’s the only reason you won two games, you solved the problem,” continued Horry, speaking of Bryant’s move to covering point guards Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Lakers have an opportunity to win three in a row on Thursday night when the Miami Heat visit Staples Center.

Coach Mike D’Antoni recently asked Bryant to guard the opposing team’s top perimeter scorer instead of saving Bryant’s legs for offense. Even Bryant acknowledged on Tuesday night that he’s better on the ball than off while playing defense.

Horry, currently an analyst for Time Warner Cable SportsNet, spoke on a panel with Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Hall of Famers Jamaal Wilkes and James Worthy.

“I hate seeing guys lose [games] they should be winning right now,” said Horry, primarily citing defensive lapses. “That’s one of the keys to the team playing better.”

Horry admitted that he has to tone down his takes for the network broadcast but was more willing to speak freely at the event.

Lakers All-Access is an event organized by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), a private nonprofit organization that works with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. Net proceeds from the event will be split evenly between the LASEC and the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.