[Stardust]

Lakers give up the most points that they have all season, continuing to prove to the critics that the Lakers have no defense!

Also fuel for the critics, Kobe throws up his 40 points but does nothing to take leadership and develop teamwork. Instead, Kobe gets his points; makes his 7-0' Power forward feel like he has no purpose; watches his Center argue with his Point Guard because neither are playing defense, yet each blaming the other; and finally has no ability at all to communicate to his Small Forward who appears to be playing in another World except this one! I think this is why the critics will always contend that Kobe could not touch the legacy of Michael Jordan, who was one tough person to please, but one who made his teammates better players! Yes, Kobe puts up great numbers, but so did George Gervin. Only time will tell whether Kobe can get this team of 3 Hall of Famers to the NBA title game, but if not, the critics will have a field day :yum: