Phil Jackson had been lamenting the fact that Kobe didn't appear to have the usual bounce in his step, and speculated that his superstar was suffering from some "tired legs." Well, if this is what Kobe looks like with tired legs, the rest of the league better hope he doesn't get a chance to rest.
Kobe scored 28 points in just 27 minutes, on 10-14 shooting, and added six steals during the Lakers' 108-104 victory over Regal FC Barcelona. Afterwards, Kobe had a little response to Phil's concern that he might be playing on some tired legs.
"I think it's the other way around to be honest with you. I think Phil's a little tired. I feel fantastic.''
Pau Gasol played well against the team that he was a member of for five seasons, contributing 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists in a brief 18 minute appearance. His former Memphis Grizzlies teammate, Juan Carlos Navarro, was the real star of the night though, lighting up the scoreboard for 34 points, including seven three-pointers. NBA squads don't need to worry about seeing him during the regular season anymore though, as Navarro decided over the summer to return to Spain and play for Barcelona.
The Lakers controlled this one for most of the way, until the deeper reserves came in and allowed Barcelona to close things up. Lamar Odom played well again in a sixth man role, coming off the bench with seven points, eight rebounds, and five assists. That's exactly the kind of stat line that Phil Jackson felt that Lamar could contribute while playing with the second unit, and so far, the player has proven his coach to be correct. The reality is, he's been much more productive in the games where he wasn't in the starting lineup, so hopefully Odom can see past his contract year status and come to be at peace in this new role for him off the bench.
