NBA news: Lakers legend Kobe Bryant backs team to do THIS
THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS are going to surprise a lot of teams in the Western Conference, according to NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
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Bryant spent 20 years with the Lakers after being drafted into the league in 1996.
After joining the Lakers from the Charlotte Hornets, Bryant went on to become a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and 18x NBA All-Star.
Things have not gone so well since Bryant retired in 2016, however.
After missing out on the NBA Play-Offs last year, the Lakers signed LeBron James in a bid to return to the glory days.
After a shaky start, the Lakers find themselves 7-6 in the Western Conference.
However, Bryant believes the team will still come good.
He spoke to Jerry Bembry of The Undefeated, and claimed the Lakers will make the NBA Play-Offs this year.
“Oh, God, yes. Come on,” he said, when asked if the Lakers would make the post-season.
“The Lakers are going to surprise a lot of people.
“Rob [Pelinka, Lakers general manager] has smartly built a team of physical players.
“Big, versatile, fast, physical players.
“He understands that if you want to challenge Golden State [Warriors], you can’t challenge them with shooting.
“That’s what they do.”
The Lakers are not expected to challenge Golden State, but took a step closer to looking like a more well-rounded team by adding Tyson Chandler.
The veteran centre was brought in by Pelinka in order to stiffen up the defence.
Chandler, 36, already looked worth the gamble as he provided a game-winning block as the Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 107-106 on Sunday night.