Gasol was asked about Bryant’s new record and offered politically correct – and believably authentic – commentary (“I’m proud of him; I congratulate him”) before adding the kicker: “Now we can focus on winning games again.”
Gasol has settled on the way he wants to answer when talking about Bryant’s greatness, describing Bryant as a sensational player who is “very aggressive to score.” It’s a compliment, yet it’s sort of not.
“Obviously we’re not making a concerted effort at pounding the ball inside,” Gasol said after the loss.
Bear in mind that Phil Jackson was a little miffed at Bryant on his historic night, too. Jackson told the team at halftime, when Bryant had 23 of the Lakers’ 50 points, that Bryant was “forcing the action.” Jackson also said in the halftime locker room, alluding to the 29 points Bryant needed in the game to pass Jerry West: “Let’s get him over the hump, so we can play team ball again.”
Are the Lakers better when they go inside?
“One hundred percent,” Gasol said.
OC Register
Deja vu..
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