Risen Above

I have been caught up in this whole Gilbert Arenas thing. I admit it. I'm a huge 'Zards fan, and he was the EC player of the month. I might even deem him the best scorer in the league right now. But, thankfully, I caught the Lakers last night on national TV. They beat SacTown in OT in Arco Arena, which is never an easy place to play. Anyways, watching #8... er #24...reminded me of his greatness. I am a Kobe fan simply because of his greatness. I love the sport too much not to like the person in the world who best plays it. He dominates. And the best part is this year, he has got immeasurably better by scoring 7 points less a game.



Kobe is averaging 29 a game this year. But, he is blowing his absurd 35 ppg season out of the water with his newly acquired team play. He always seems to make the next pass now. He trusts the guys out on the hardwood with him. Smush, Luke. whoever. He doesn't scowl when they miss open threes, he claps and tells them "shoot that all day baby." The Lakers are 21-11, a mere 2.5 games behind the team many think is the best the Association has to offer (the Phoenix D'Anantonis). They are still winning games without Lamar Odom, by far the second best player on the team. Lamar was averaging a ridiculous 17 9 and 5 before he sprained his knee. Kobe torched the Bobcats for 58 in a loss soon after the injury. Everyone thought oh shit here he goes. We're gonna go right back to the absurd scoring numbers coupled with playing .500 ball. But, no, Kobe is a changed man my friends. It's team first.



This is something he has never learned in his career. Early, he was playing under Shaq and did defer to him, but he never liked it. He wanted to shine. He knew his potential for greatness. So once the Big Aristotle left, Kobe took the league by storm. He dominated skill wise everyone else in the league. But, no rings. No advancement in the playoffs. Barely any playoffs for that matter. But, Phil J came back, and after last year's experiment he now knows how to win. He is only averaging 5 dimes a game, but watch a Laker game, and you'll know what I'm saying. He's dishing to Kwame Fing Brown for Christ’s sake. The biggest bust #1 of all time (thanks MJ).



But, you know what the best part of all this team play crap is. Kobe is involving his teammates, even depending on them throughout the game. But, BUUUUT, when his team needs him to dominate he can turn the switch on. Flick, boom. He goes to the rack draws a foul and finishes the shot. Or he pulls up from 30 foot and drain-o. Chuck Barkley put it cleverly last night, "Isn't it nice for you to have a Rolls Royce in the garage and be able to drive it anytime you want." I thought that was great.

Kobe has a sort of spider sense. You can pick up on it if you pay close attention. When his team needs a bucket, he goes to work. So, this is why I'm rooting for the Lake-show in the West (behind the Nugs for obvious reasons if you know me). Kobe deserves to win. I haven't seen a star player play the game this smoothly since His Airness. But, I'd like to see MJ’s numbers without Scottie. I can't remember Pip ever getting hurt for that long. Anytime KB is on TV, tune in if you’re a basketball fan. Gilbert, you're the man as well, but you knew what you were talking about when you called Kobe "still far and way the best player in the league."



Just had to settle that.



Kobe and AI square off tonight. My prediction, AI scores more, Kobe scores when he needs to, and the Lakers easily get the W.