You may or may not agree that Phil Jackson is a great coach, maybe on of the best ever. However nobody can argue that he is the greatest phychologist, mind-playing coach in the history of the NBA playoffs. Being a Bulls fan I saw this first hand in most evey series for 8 years. Either by pissing of opponents/fans in the media, being a smart ass wise cracker or singling out one player from the other team as the designated shooter and leaving him wide open (and exposed) for 3-5 games.
I'd guess that the 12 players on the Kings and 4 coaches have been hearing "Kobe's in, he's out, he's in " all afternoon and I'd say the MENTAL PRESSURE BECOMES EVEN GREATER FOR THEM in this game. I thought it was great in G1 and more so in G2, now it's even more so with this afternoon drama.
I have no inside knowledge, but I can picture Phil sitting in his hotel room with a smirk on his face, chuckling about this whole situation KNOWING that the Kings are gripping. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Kobe had a slight upset stomach and this was a ploy.
Sactown looked like a deer in headlight in game 1 and as much as I hate them, the Lakers +2-3-4- whatever, seems like a gift. (btw I have Sactown to win the title and that ticket is close to my garbage can).
Play the Lakers.
I'd guess that the 12 players on the Kings and 4 coaches have been hearing "Kobe's in, he's out, he's in " all afternoon and I'd say the MENTAL PRESSURE BECOMES EVEN GREATER FOR THEM in this game. I thought it was great in G1 and more so in G2, now it's even more so with this afternoon drama.
I have no inside knowledge, but I can picture Phil sitting in his hotel room with a smirk on his face, chuckling about this whole situation KNOWING that the Kings are gripping. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Kobe had a slight upset stomach and this was a ploy.
Sactown looked like a deer in headlight in game 1 and as much as I hate them, the Lakers +2-3-4- whatever, seems like a gift. (btw I have Sactown to win the title and that ticket is close to my garbage can).
Play the Lakers.
