Well, this degenerated into a Kobe hatefest (not to say that I don't agree...I just don't think you can favorably compare Kobe, or anyone, to MJ).
The more import thing the Lakers need to look at is getting someone to draw doubles off Kobe; otherwise teams are going to collapse on him everytime he touches the ball.
You can argue that Odom or Butler will be that guy, but as an opposing coach, I would rather play single coverage on those too, and let their defenders play help defense on Kobe. I would rather take my chances leaving Odom open than letting Kobe get off an eas(y|ier) shot.
I'm surprised that no one has pointed out that Kobe, Odom and Butler all play the same position. (I know Odom was playing the 4 in Miami, but he's really more of a 3, and he played the 2 sporadically as a Clip). So, the Lakers are either gonna run a four guard team (Payton, Kobe, Odom, Butler), or one of those are gonna have to come off the bench along with George. I just don't think there's enough minutes in the game to accomodate all of those players. (Although, if I were Kupchak, I would look at trading George and trying to bring in a backup PG. Golden State now has three PGs under contract...pick up the phone, man).
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