Kobe Bryant Getting Defensive

OC Register: Kobe Bryant has one steal in the Lakers’ first three games, which might not sound like much of a campaign to become the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Bryant said before the season began, though, that he wants that honor this season. And unlike previous seasons when he indulged his desire to chase steals - he annoyed Coach Phil Jackson one season by setting a goal of three steals per game - Bryant plans to gain recognition through solidity.

“Defensively, I feel like I could be better than I have ever been in my entire career just because my legs are strong and healthy,” Bryant said. “I’m in great condition. And that’s one the drives that I have - to be considered the best defensive player or one of the best defensive players in the game.

“Good defense can’t really be measured. I don’t want to measure myself by steals, because then you wind up costing your team. Just stay in front of my guy, make him take tough shots whoever it is. In the past I’ve always gotten tuned in for big players like Tracy McGrady or Vince Carter or those guys. I could tune in and just lock in on them very easily.

“But it was the players like Voshon Lenard, the sort of mid-range players, that I wouldn’t. It was just a difference in intensity. When I lock in on a guy, I think I can make his night very, very difficult. And this season I will lock in on everybody - from one to 82. If they have a good game, they have a good game, but I’ll be locked in on them.”

Lenard scored 14 and 11 points in Denver’s two games against the Lakers, both Lakers victories. On Sunday, Lenard’s output against Bryant was almost nonexistent.

Lenard didn’t score at all until 2:30 remained in the third quarter, and that came when Bryant wasn’t guarding him because of a defensive switch.

Kobe for Defensive Player of the Year? Do you think Kobe can consistently play that tenacious defensive we all know that he can play? Sound off in our CL.com Forums!