Following Monday’s practice in Los Angeles, we turned the camera on while Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant answered questions from assembled media.
HERE’S THE VIDEO
Phil
Phil Jackson explained why it’s sometimes natural for players to lose focus while protecting a lead, expressed no concern that teams might use a zone defense on L.A., addressed the second unit’s struggles in the half court and talked about coaching a team that’s favored to win a title.
Kobe
Kobe Bryant said that it’s still too early to think about the playoffs, dealt with the usual few questions that come if the Lakers let a team back into a game and talked about dealing with a zone defense that Dallas used and Philadelphia’s expected to feature at times.
Philly In Town
At 33-31, the Philadelphia 76ers are sitting in the sixth spot of the Eastern Conference, 5.5 games behind Atlanta for the fourth spot and 2.5 games ahead of 9th place Chicago. The 76ers have actually been better without free agent acquisition Elton Brand (out for the season), in part because they’re now able to play to their strength - running. With three straight wins against Toronto, Chicago and Miami, Philly’s game at STAPLES sets off a five game trip out West that should produce a better understanding of their playoff position. Philadelphia first met L.A. back in early December, resulting in a 114-102 Lakers win.
