More surprising, however, was the disagreement between Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson over whether or not their opponent could compete in the NBA.
As reported by ESPN LA's Dave McMenamin, when coach Jackson was asked if FCB could compete in the NBA, his answer was a resounding no.
"No...They played really well [Thursday], but they're not up to the competition that we face night in and night out," Jackson said. "But that's not taking anything away from them. The physicality of our game, the size of our players, those are things that night in and night out are very difficult to contest."
Jackson's mater of fact response shouldn't surprise anyone, as he has a history of diminishing (tempering?) the accomplishments of his opponents unless it serves to motivate his team.
Jackson understands that as much as his team was trying to win, they were far from their best. While FCB, in front of the home crowd, it would seem, played their hearts out.
Nevertheless, the Lakers shouldn't have lost.
Of course reporters never wanting to miss an opportunity for conflict, relayed Jackson's response to Bryant. After an extended sigh he countered, "I don't know why he says these things some time."
More than being a showcase for the NBA, this is an opportunity for Bryant to continue wooing his adoring fans outside the U.S. So whether or not Bryant feels as Jackson does, is it any wonder he would emerge the diplomat?
“I think they execute extremely well, they know each other extremely well, they move the ball extremely well and that's what you're looking for," Bryant said. "In the NBA, teams that do that are few and far in between, teams that play together as a unit. You see a lot of isolation game; you see a l...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
