Well you guys can look at it another way too:
When Kobe scores, the Lakers also score.
When the Lakers give up easy baskets and don't play D, isn't that the bigger problem than one guy scoring at will?
How did the Lakers not gain any ground when Kobe was scoring 23 straight points for the Lakers?
How did the Lakers lose ground, from 1 point to 13?
Their defense failed and I think that is what Kobe is more upset about than anything.
I think we ARE looking at it this way. As I pointed out above, This worked for Jordan: he was so clearly the best option on offense that his teammates were happy to bust ass on defense and let him dictate offense. However, Odom and Gasol are NOT defensive specialists, they are all-around players and legit offensive weapons. In fact, the dirty little secret is Kobe gets the credit and press, but Gasol is the more efficient offensive weapon, and is a much more favorable matchup for them than is Kobe. When Kobe goes into "It's all about me mode," such players definitely zone out on offense (why not, really?), and that carries over into defense...because these are not defensive specialists we are talking about!! If Kobe wants to be a leader and a true winner, he needs to do things that make the team better, i.e. keep his teammates involved and interested. Instead, he's trying to prove that he deserves the same role as Jordan did...which honestly is fine with me, because he is nowhere near as dominant a player.
Look at it this way:
VS OKC:
Kobe = 120 shots, .408%. 4.3 apg. Tight Series.
Pau = 77 shots, .532%
(Pau FGA)/(Kobe FGA)= .64
Vs. Utah & Phoenix
Kobe = 228 shots, .522%. 7.3 apg
Pau = 139 shots, .583%.
(Pau FGA)/(Kobe FGA)= .60
No problems, really; a little close with phoenix but not as tight as OKC.
Vs. Boston
Kobe = 120 shots, .425%. 4.4 apg
Pau = 60 shots, .517%.
(Pau FGA)/(Kobe FGA)= .5
By far LA's toughest series; by far the lowest ratio of shots for Gasol compared to Kobe.
So by all means, Kobe, PLEASE keep shooting! I love it when the guy shooting .425 takes multiple shots away from the guy finishing .518%+ in his worst playoff series this year! And people wonder why Kobe's teammates are zoning out?
