KOBE BRYANT INSPIRES TEAMMATES

Kobe Bryant returns from an ankle sprain, and Pacer George Hill says the amount of visiting Laker fans ‘sucks’

Kobe Bryant refused to give in to injury and found a way to get himself ready to play on a severely sprained ankle. Laker radio announcer John Ireland said earlier in the day that Kobe couldn't even walk and said there was no way he could play Friday night against the Indiana Pacers. But I think Kobe knew if he could show up, give it a try it would inspire his teammates and it worked. I hope that Laker fans and Basketball fans everywhere appreciate what we are seeing in Kobe Bryant. He truly is on the same level as Michael Jordan. Don't forget the season he is having in his 17th year. 

I also was interested to hear the words of the Pacers young star George Hill about all the Laker fans in Indiana:

“It sucks. It was 70 (Lakers fans) – 30 (Pacers fans) out there. These are the same people that want autographs after the game. We’re out there in the community. We’re doing our job, doing what we’re supposed to do on and off the court. Something has to change. I tip my hat to this team. We’ve been trouble free. Been out in the community shaking hands, we’re winning. It shouldn’t feel like an away game, especially with an important like this. Tonight, that’s what it felt like.”

“They always say your fans are your sixth man and you feed off that energy. Energy is down and we turn the ball over and we’re hearing cheers. We’re missing shots and we’re hearing cheers. That kind of brings your head down cause you know you’re at home. It shouldn’t be like that. Now we see how it is. We have to move forward, don’t worry about. Stay focus on what’s in this locker room and don’t worry about the rest.”

“(We’re) not a team that’s in the bottom in the East. We’re one of the top three teams in the East. We’re winning the Central Division and it should show. Right now it’s not and it’s been all season long where it’s not showing and I don’t think there’s nothing else we can do as an organization and as players. Now it’s up to the community.”