Big game on national television against the Miami Heat.  Kobe Bryant takes over late in regulation and overtime.  Lakers lose.

Big game on national television against the Orlando Magic.  Kobe Bryant takes over late in regulation and overtime.  Lakers lose.

The worst aspect of these two losses is that Kobe’s teammates have been turned into spectators.  And these are no ordinary teammates.  3-time All-Star Pau Gasol.  Former All-Star Ron Artest.  All-Star talent Lamar Odom.  Up and coming center, 7-foot Andrew Bynum.  Veteran leader Derek Fisher.

Bryant's recent success has had a lot to do with his twin towers, Gasol and Bynum.

All of these players of at least borderline All-Star talent, are relegated to watching the guy who’s arguably the best player in the NBA try to be the hero in every close ball game.  Bryant is without question the most accomplished closer currently on an NBA roster.  But what’s with his desire to show it every time the Lakers are in a close game.

In the Miami and Orlando games, Bryant had a vice grip on the rock.  And when the Heat and Magic defenders began to double him in an effort to get the ball out of his hands, his teammates were either unable to handle his passes or unable to convert based on poor positioning.  The bottom line is that they weren’t incorporated into the flow of the game at its most critical point – ‘crunch-time’.

Compared to other teams, the Lakers top 5 players are much more well-rounded that that of other teams.  And, not long ago, Kobe’s running mates proved just how good they are.  While Kobe Bryant was out of the lineup from February 6 – February 22, L.A. sported a 4-1 record including comfortable wins against San Antonio, at Portland and at Utah.  Their only blemish during that stretch was a one-point loss to the Boston Celtics.

Even with a team that has proven itself at the highest level – winning the NBA championship last season – Kobe just can’t disable his controlling nature.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.  Most would credit this to Bryant’s competitive nature.

But I see it simply as Kobe still being Kobe.

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