I'm Convinced

[TARIQ]

the problem is, you can't use him as the defender of the other team best pg-sg-sf for the whole game and then still ask him to score about 25 points every night. but when he has to defend off the ball, he just doesn't pay any attention.

If he can lock down an opponent for an entire game, I'd settle for 15 points from Bryant. Nash and Howard can help with the scoring.

LOL NASH can no longer be a dominant scorer he might even retire this year no one knows, Howard?? haha Howard?

[Doormatt]

When the rest of his team can play Defense and Kobe doesn't have to worry about the rest of the team, or carrying the scoring load, he can still D-up the best from time to time. I don't think we have that team...
Kobe has to try to guard multiple positions and score. It just doesn't work like an Olympic team or all-star team.

Plus, he'd likely foul out in the first half against KD or LeBron in a real game.

yeah thats an important point as well. both of the possessions where kobe owned lebron he was playing completely clean defense, but in a real game theres a good chance that one (possibly even both) would be called as fouls.

[leeprettyp]

When the rest of his team can play Defense and Kobe doesn't have to worry about the rest of the team, or carrying the scoring load, he can still D-up the best from time to time. I don't think we have that team...
Kobe has to try to guard multiple positions and score. It just doesn't work like an Olympic team or all-star team.

Plus, he'd likely foul out in the first half against KD or LeBron in a real game.

Thank you happy someone actually "GETS IT" I want to put u in Kobe's position and mindframe on the defensive end this season. No matter where Nash is on the court you have to provide help. Then on top of that close out to the shooter when they ball is kicked out from a penetrating PG. Alot of those 3's teams our hitting on us/Kobe this season he is getting out there and contesting the shot. It may not be as fast as u like but this man's body has been through WARS. Cut the guy a BREAK!!! He's human we're already asking him to much as it is. Kobe's defense isn't near the reason why this team as a whole has sucked this season. If you want to finger point the truth focus on that guy with the #12 on the back of his jersey.

[TheKiteDesigner]

Kobe was riding LeBron on a sattle on those plays. He would be in foul trouble in the first quarter if was playing that kind of D on LeBron or any other super star. He even admitted to fouling LeBron in a post all star game interview. Refs let contact go, it's a show for a fans. Either way the Lakers problems don't stem from Kobe. It's a team effort issue. Their last decent perimeter defense season was 2010. Aside from their team core they lack talent and their core 4 lacks athleticism. Their coach runs a system that doesn't fit their roster. There really is a lot more but it's late and I don't want to get into it right now lol. But the Lakers are a mess.
I won't be surprised if they make the playoffs, they are only a few games back, but in my opinion, they have no chance to get out the West and there's a high possibility if they end up in the 7 or 8 seed that they might be out in the first round as they will draw San Antonio or OKC.

[theFRANCHISE]

I'm convinced it was an exhibition game.

I'm convinced that's insecure lebron fans only rebuttal.

I'm convinced you and OP need to stop reaching before both of you guys tear your labrum