Kobe Bryant Loves The Triangle?

LA Times: Kobe Bryant dismissed the notion that he was a detractor of the triangle offense that he ran for five seasons under Phil Jackson and Tex Winter, saying he was pleased Coach Rudy Tomjanovich had brought the formation back into the fold.

“If people think I didn’t like the triangle, that’s a misconception,” Bryant said Sunday after Laker practice. “I love the offense.”

The Lakers used the scheme for the first time this season Friday during their 111-104 victory over the Houston Rockets and worked on it extensively Sunday before boarding a plane for Minneapolis.

Tomjanovich said the Lakers would use a lot of the formation tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. And that’s fine with Bryant, who said he liked the offense that Winter originated because it “makes everybody a threat.”

“It gives great movement; it’s very flexible,” said Bryant, who scored 27 points and had 10 assists Friday as the Lakers won their first game of the season in which their opponent scored more than 100 points. “There’s a flow to it so the defense can’t sit and anticipate what you’re going to do. It’s all reads, and we have a good time running it.”

Tomjanovich said he relished the opportunity to get so many players involved using the set, “But I also believe I’ve got to get the ball in our primary scorers’ hands with other stuff too. And it should always be a mix [of formations].”

Does Kobe really like the offense that he once called “boring as hell”? Can this Laker team utilize the triangle with the players they have? What are your concerns or dislikes of us going back to the triangle? Discuss in the Forums!
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Devean George Update
LA Times: George did not make the trip and may require several more weeks of rehabilitation before making his season debut.

George said he was still having trouble jumping and making quick cuts.

“The type of player I am, I’m not a stand-still shooter,” George said. “I like to get offensive rebounds, play defense, run the floor, and I’m just a little slow in that area. I don’t have much of a lift in my legs right now.”

When do you think George will make his return to the Lakers? Will he have a place in the rotation or spend the majority of his season on the injured list? What could he possibly help this team with? Discuss in the Forums!