NBA: Lakers- Kobe, Barnes and Artest Trio
The Lakers to date have come up with three championship titles thus far and are on course and training hard in search for their fourth and third consecutive title. The key to all these titles and surely for upcoming titles in the Lakers would be because of the defence that they have formed by Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest and now Matt Barnes trio, which is one the best in the business.
The addition of Matt Barnes adds to already strong defence that they have and now coupled with the strong offence that they have, the defending champions are looking in good position to maintain the crown this season too.
The trio of Kobe, Artest and Barnes provides the Lakers with various options in the department of defence and along with it the immense talent of the three that enables them to play in any provided position, further strengthening their chances as one of the top teams and favourites to win the title.
Ron Artest is one the most hardest players to beat, while on the offense due to the physical abilities he possesses that enable him to maintain an opponent free area inside the 2 pointer line. This player though not at the top of his form right now is the former Defensive Player of the Year, though he is not the form that won him this award at the time. Coupled with this is the fact that this former Defensive Player of the Year is a powerhouse, with a big figure that ranks him amongst the some of the most unpredictable players in the NBA.
Not only this, the level of spirit and the desire for win could be seen on a road game against the Celtics, when Artest and Kevin Garnett got into passing comments after a Lakers basket. When Garnett scored, he could just smile as he was put to the floor by this competitive player who gave the “icy glare” as some say.
The rough, tough and physical show that the Lakers put up that day changed the opinions of many who regarded the Lakers as a team, who didn’t have the energy level for a team competing in the finals of the NBA.
The Lakers defence is one of the best but one of the problems with it would be Artest’s response to offensive players, who are quicker than him. The arrival of Barnes however, compensates this, as his quickness and a powerful 6’7 figure would look to dominate the proceedings without a doubt. However, he might not be as strong as Artest but he is among some of the best defensive players in the NBA.
The addition of Barnes could well be regard as one the blockbuster deals and it is said by many experts that his style in defence is one the matches that of the Lakers. Moreover, it will not only develop him as a more strong and efficient player but also help the Lakers achieve their goal of having a tough defence.
On the fact that where he would play is not a big issue, as he is expected to take control of the wing and then even if Kobe gets substituted, he is a player along with Artest, who could still maintain a non-porous defensive line.
Furthermore, the addition will also help out Kobe in defence, as he could play more freely and with the backing of Artest and Barnes in the defence. It is expected that he would gamble more on the jumpers and try to seize every open court opportunity he gets.
Kobe Bryant on the other hand is another player who has his own class where not only he does the thinking but also executes what he thinks. This statement is regarded by some as definition of Kobe however, some disagree saying that it’s more of a selfish thought. Whatever the case, Kobe is one of the best players in NBA and a sure match winner.
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