Criticism Doesn’t Bother Bryant

Now that he finally had a breakout game after a six-week shooting slump, even if he labled it a so-called slump, there’s one thing Kobe Bryant would like to say to all those who dwelt so much on his 28.7% over 14 games rather than his strides as a defender, who pondered his 35.4% in the first 22 games after the all-star break instead of his contributions as a passer.

Thanks.

“That’s what you want,” Bryant said, a statement not every player would make. “When you’re doing something well, that’s cool. I like praise. But if I’m doing bad, I want to hear about it. That’s what drives you.”

If it doesn’t drive you crazy.

But the Laker swingman, far from being bothered at the constant scrutiny his offensive tailspin has received before scoring 23 points on eight-of-12 shooting Monday at Denver, practically appreciated the attention.

“It’s like when you have a .320 hitter who bats .240 for a month,” Coach Del Harris said. “You know the guy can hit, but it just doesn’t happen. He may still be playing his defensive position and doing other things. But in basketball, the most noticeable aspect is shooting.’

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For years Derek Fisher has been getting teased by family and friends for, uh, excessive padding on the backside. For once he was happy to have it, when he was fouled on a twisting layup Monday and took a nasty spill.

The soreness he expected to have around the left hip never materialized to any extent, apparently because the impact was absorbed more by buttocks than bone. By game time Wednesday, he could barely tell there had been a fall.

“A little,” Fisher said before starting at point guard against the Kings. “But not even close to what I thought it was going to be. I’m real surprised it’s not hurting any more.”