If the Lakers game is on the line there’s no doubt that the ball is going to be in Kobe Bryant’s hands. And well that’s the problem… we all know it and the opposing team knows it. Bryant has hit countless game-winners over his illustrious Hall of Fame career but it’s a long 19-year career and his legs and speed aren’t what they once were. Defenders know the ball is coming to him and Kobe’s shot isn’t hitting so well. On Friday night the Lakers trailed by a single point with 6.3 seconds remaining against the Thunder, and with a chance to win it on the game’s final possession, the ball of course went to Kobe.
Bryant was just 3-of-14 from the field to that point in the contest, however, and looked to be fatigued on a night where his legs simply weren’t there.
He received the inbounds pass anyway, of course, and drove left against Andre Roberson. Bryant pump-faked, rose, and fired a 17-footer that came up short.
Lakers lose, and fall to 8-18 on the season
Jeremy Lin, who finished the game 5-of-7 from the field (and was open by the way), understands all of that — but admitted he’d like to get the chance at taking some of those game-winners himself.
From Baxter Holmes of ESPN.com:
“How many game-winners has he hit like that?” Lin asked, referencing Bryant. “I’m obviously rooting for him to hit that shot. I thought it was a good look. It was a very, very hittable shot. That’s just a matter of time before he starts hitting those game-winners.”
Then Lin added, “I like game-winners too. I would love to shoot some. But I get it. That guy is kind of the king of game-winners. He’s going to hit that shot. He’ll figure it out. That’s why he is who he is.”
