That said, the primary reason that Kobe Bryant will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer is because of his incredible ability to put the ball in the basket. He's a natural-born scorer, and nothing—and no one—is going to convince him to change his game at this point in his career.
"I'm a scorer first," said Bryant when asked by Rick Reilly of ESPN about his penchant for shooting last season. "I'll try to make the good play, the good pass, kick it out when my teammates are open, but I'm a scorer first."
Anyone who has ever watched Bryant for more than a handful of games knows that's the case. But when he goes into full-on "Black Mamba" mode, it often winds up being to the Lakers' detriment.
When Bryant scores 35 points or more in a game this season, the Lakers are 1-9 (Bryant scored 40 in a 111-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 22). Conversely, LA is 9-4 this season when Bryant tallies eight or more assists.
It isn't a matter of efficiency: In the 10 games this year in which he's had at least 35 points, Bryant shot better than 54 percent on six occasions. And Bryant's field goal percentage this season (46.6 percent) is a few ticks off of his career high.
The fact is that when Bryant is in a scoring mind-set, the Lakers' offense is completely stagnant. The other four players on the floor are primarily concerned with getting out of the way, and the team's half-court sets are reminiscent of the 2008 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bryant is skilled enough that he (and the Lakers) can get away with hero ball at times—but by not keep...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
