When Lamar Odom looked sluggish toward the end of the game against the Thunder on Sunday and missed two crucial free throws, Kobe Bryant sent him a message. On Tuesday, Phil Jackson was either attempting to send a message of his own to Kobe or giving Ron Artest a confidence booster. Regardless, Bryant will probably let it go in one ear and out the other.
According to Pro Basketball Talk via the Orange County Register, Jackson told reporters on Tuesday that Artest can run the Lakers offense more effectively than Bryant. “He’s probably a little better at it (triangle offense) than Kobe is, because Kobe ignores the offense,” Jackson said.
Obviously that in no way means Artest is a better offensive player than Kobe, but it’s just another example of the Zen Master being himself. What exactly Phil is trying to accomplish is a mystery as always. One thing is for sure: Kobe taking over games and breaking out of the offense has won the Lakers multiple championships over the years. His game isn’t going to change and Jackson doesn’t want it to.
The Lakers aren’t playing their best basketball, and Jackson understands that. If he thinks a few subtle jabs here and there will help, he’s more than happy to provide them.
