The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a painful loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, but the loss wasn't quite as significant as what happened off the court. Namely, the fact that shooting guard Kobe Bryant sat on the bench for the majority of the fourth quarter after being benched by head coach Mike Brown. Bryant didn't look all that pleased with the decision, and it figures that the decision would invite further scrutiny. Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles files this report.
"I just decided to make the substitution," Brown said after the Lakers shootaround Tuesday in preparation for their game against the Golden State Warriors. "That was it. Nothing else. Is it easy now to sit back and say, 'Would you do it again?' Anybody can play Monday morning quarterback. But, at the time, I probably would have done it again if the same (situation) came up. Who knows? But, I made (the decision) and to me; that was it."
Bryant has always had a historical issue with coaches, so it figures that this incident might be blown out of proportion. But it appears that Bryant isn't all that concerned here.
"It's his decision to make," Bryant told reporters after the game. "He makes the decision. He's the coach. If you guys are looking for a story, I'm not going to give you one. I can't sit here and criticize his decisions. In leading this ballclub, that's something I can't afford to do. I got to have his back. I've had his back the whole season; I can't start doing something crazy now. It wouldn't make no sense."
Now Brown and Bryant will have to work with each other to try and keep the team moving in the right direction.
To discuss the state of the Lakers, Bryant, and Coach Brown, hit up Silver Screen and Roll.