Lakers' assistant Tex Winter on Kobe's defense

[Roy Hobbs]

If [Kobe is defending] Pierce, Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter said Bryant has to "stay attached, which is hard for Kobe to do." But Winter also said: "You don't want to put Kobe on Allen. Allen has always been very effective against Kobe. Kobe just won't pay enough attention to him."

Link.

I'm sure this is just a motivational ploy, but hey, I'll take any Kobe criticism I can get.  Ray has matched up very, very well with Kobe in the past; he's only averaging 3 points less per game, and is averaging more rebounds, assists, and blocks, with fewer turnovers and fouls.

[mpapic]

There is almost no way that Kobe is going to guard Ray Allen in this series... Not unless Ray shows us something considerably better than 40% and 14ppg... It just doesn't make sense to tire Kobe by forcing him to chase Allen around the tough screens set by Celtics big men.

[Who]

You gotta love Tex Winters. Straight shooter. If he doesn't like something you're doing he's going to let you know about it regarless of whether you're Shaq, Kobe or MJ.

[jaketwice]

There is almost no way that Kobe is going to guard Ray Allen in this series... Not unless Ray shows us something considerably better than 40% and 14ppg... It just doesn't make sense to tire Kobe by forcing him to chase Allen around the tough screens set by Celtics big men.

Then who does Kobe guard? If you want him to get tired - Pierce has shoulders the size of your head. Kobe (in addition to his vaunted offense) is probably their best on-ball perimeter defender. Does it make sense to have him guard Rondo? You'd rather have Fisher guard Allen?  Are you sure?

There's no one else.

Keep it moving Ray Allen!!