On scrapping D'antoni's system and running a new offenses.
"It's not a new offense. It's basic basketball."
This is true, and something that was long overdue with us for a while.
Steve Nash on preferences for Kobe being main ball handler and facilitator.
"I've always believed that Klobe had the potential to do that. When he plays that way he reminds me of Magic Johnson the way he can command the court and set everyone up. I've been impressed."
On why the offense is better this way as opposed to D'antoni trying to make him primary ball handler over Kobe and why him playing off ball now is necessary.
"I think that's what we need. When you look at the scores, everyone is in double figures. We're shooting a decent percentage, and we're keeping the defense honest. It's much better that way. It gets the bigs engaged. Also, it allows Kobe not to have to go against five guys if he's looking to spread it around. I think most importantly, our defense is better."
To Nash apparently this helps in all aspects but also helps team morale as well as defense.
"I think everyone feels a part of the team. The ball is moving, and guys are getting opportunities. I think guys feel enthusiastic about what's happening out there," he said.
Nash is more than willing to sacrifice being main ball handler and facilitator because he knows how much better it is for the team.
It was also said that teams fear Bryant more when he is asked to play a full court game of his skills as opposed to being a pure scorer, because of this teams will try to force him back into a scoring role as a hope of throwing off the Lakers new offensive identity.
When asked about how they plan to counter this type of strategy, this time Pau Gasol answered.
"We'll be ready for it.".
And closed off his thought with one key message on this new Nash off ball Kobe main facilitative style is gonna be the Lakers route going forward.
"I think it's one of the main things, if not the main thing," he said of what has keyed their success in the last two games. "When he distributes the ball like that, guys are ready to catch it. He sets everybody up, and sets up such a good energy on offense it carries over to the defensive end. It's worked great."
Seems like we're all finally on the same page! Hopefully now some people can stop saying that it was Kobe's fault for not running D'antoni's system and now they win because he is, Nash just basically said they AREN'T running D'antoni's system(the way he initially intended), and he prefers it that way.
Straight from Nash himself. Hope that puts it to bed.
