Kobe on Rondo...

[MoneyBagsBob]

putting Kobe on Rondo last night seemed like a smart move from phil, it freed up some of the defense and allowed kobe to roam. This seemed to be killing us a little at times. What can Doc do to adjust?

[Who]

I thought it helped them defensively

Kobe's size and length makes it more difficult for Rondo to drive around him as Kobe shuffles back over after cheating off of him. Also more difficult to finish in the paint when he does beat him.

Kobe size, length and defensive intelligence is also far superior as a help defender versus Fisher who's easy to just pass over the top of.

With Kobe as the designated help defender the Lakers didn't scramble as often defensively, at least not with as many different players at the same time. Fisher did a better job sticking next to Ray than Kobe did.

It'll be interesting to see how their defense looks when Pierce attacks them and when KG's shot is falling. It's a lot easier to look when the opponent isn't playing well.

As for Doc's adjustments? I'm not sure he does anything. What Rondo needs to do is move around more like he did in the first two games when the defense cheated off of him. Rondo gets in trouble when he stands still out on the perimeter. When he cuts down the middle or moves to the middle of the floor around the FT line he's very difficult to defend because of his penetration and passing ability. He'll find the holes from there.

[goz421]

I think this had little if anything to do with the outcome of the game.  It is all Phil mind games.  He wants Boston to think this.  We lost because KG and Pierce couldn't throw it in the ocean. I would attribute it more to fatigue and dare I say Pierce's knee.  I noticed him a little hobbled early in the game.  I would bet that long flight and two hard fought games had an impact.  Hopefully a days rest will solve these problems.

We had the lead late in LA.  What more could you ask for.  Kobe won the game with his offense not defense.

[crownsy]

totally agree, even if you know you wont be getting the pass, rondo needs to be cutting towards the basket constantly. the lakers will have to shift that way to respect his cut.

its like a WR in football, even if you know your not getting the slant, if you run it, the DB has to respect it.

rondo can't just be a statue on the weak side, he has to be darting in and out, and making them wonder when the cut pass will come.

hoefully his ankle is better than has been reported, because right now it doesn't sound like he can cut that well....

[spelz]

I love Rondo, but if he can't go Sam will probably start and House backs him up.  Kobe can not afford to leave either one of these guys to double the ball.  I still would like for Rondo to play because he penetrates the lane so well.

[Kuberski33]

putting Kobe on Rondo last night seemed like a smart move from phil, it freed up some of the defense and allowed kobe to roam. This seemed to be killing us a little at times. What can Doc do to adjust?

I didn't see the first half, but in the 2nd, he only did it with Pierce out of the game.  If Pierce is on the court along with Ray, I don't think Jackson can afford to put Kobe on Rondo.