I feel like Los Angeles Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant has been one of the NBA's best man defenders for most of his career. The league obviously echoes my sentiments as Bryant was selected to the all-NBA defensive first team for the eighth time.
It's easy to forget Bryant's prowess as a defender considering he is one of the best offensive talents to ever enter the NBA, but his defensive skills have been on full display so far this postseason.
Bryant's defense on Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook was likely the difference in that series. Now although Ron Artest now defends an opponent's best player, it was Bryant's responsibility since he became a starter.
This is quite an accomplishment for a player who draws most of his reviews, positive or negative, on the offensive end of the court, but the same qualities that make Bryant a superb scorer aid him on the defensive end as well.
For one, Bryant is one of the better athletes in the professional game, and the attention he pays to honing his craft is legendary and unmatched.
Bryant's ultimate goal is perfection. He understood at an early age that what he did on the defens ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Hadarii Jones
Kobe Bryant Gets Defensive With His Eighth First Team Selection
May 5th, 2010 by Hadarii Jones Leave a reply »
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