However, any observer also knows that the Lakers' success hasn't been built on Kobe's back alone. He's been blessed with some fantastic teammates over the years, and one of the main reasons he has five championships to his name is because of his ability to mesh his game with theirs in order to maximize results.
Heading into the 2012-13 season, Kobe has a new duo of superstar teammates to play with. Steve Nash and Dwight Howard offer an array of skills and individual talents that Kobe can play off of. One of the key variables to achieving their ultimate goal will certainly be how well these players blend together.
Playing with a point guard the caliber of Steve Nash will be a new experience for Kobe. Throughout his career, Kobe has rarely had to cede his role of primary perimeter creator, but with Nash he likely will. This, however, shouldn't be an issue for Kobe. In fact, it can actually help him be even more effective.
First off all, Nash is the type of pass first point guard that is sure to look to get Kobe better shots than the ones he's gotten in recent seasons. Nash is a master at manipulating defenses; he's a floor general that moves defenders like chess pieces in order to generate good looks for his teammates.
As you can see in the clip above, Nash broke down the entire defense, drew multiple defenders and then picked out the open man for a wide open shot. If you look closer, you'll see that Channing Frye wasn't the only open man, either. In the right corner, Jared Dudley was spotting up wide open as well. Can you imagine Kobe getting those types of wide-open looks?
But Nash's ability to make sweet passes isn't the only way he'll help Kobe's game. Besides being a top assist man,...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
