Pincus: Kobe's Shot Attempts Revisited

Hey all,

Pincus: Kobe's Shot Attempts Revisited
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=19677

At first glance when Kobe shots 20 shots or more the Lakers have a worse record but a deeper look shows it’s more about field goal attempts per minute.

There’s actually a sweet spot at home where the Lakers win more when Bryant shoots at a rate that leads to a little over 20 a game.

It’s on the road where the Lakers win more when there’s more of a balanced attack – but we can’t assume it’s only Kobe with too many attempts because in some cases he doesn’t get the support needed.

Bryant will fill a vacuum and if his teammates aren’t bringing the energy – he’ll compensate. Sometimes that’s a winning combination but clearly on the road the Lakers need others to step up.

Kobe’s fga per minute were highest this postseason in Game 1’s – both losses.

Thanks

Eric

You have a factual error in your article:

The Lakers had a five-point lead entering the fourth (after squandering a 16-point third quarter advantage). Bryant was on the bench to start the final period and when he checked in about halfway in, LA's lead was just three.

The Lakers actually had a 7pt lead going into the fourth (78-71), and when Kobe checked in around the 6:00 mark, the lead was 3pts so the second unit actually lost 4pts of the lead.