Kobe tells Lin to ‘run the offense’ as Lakers struggle

MANILA, Philippines – It was another night and another blowout loss for the Los Angeles Lakers.

A night after suffering an 18-point drubbing against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers traveled to Phoenix where they were embarrassed by the Suns by 20, 119-99 on Wednesday, October 29 (Thursday PH time).

Kobe Bryant, who is returning from back-to-back injury marred seasons, played impressively,  adding 31 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and two steals in the defeat, but Wayne Ellington (13) and Ed Davis (14) were the only other Lakers to score in double-figures as former Sacramento King Isaiah Thomas (23) led six Suns in double figures to the victory.

(RELATED: There will never be another Kobe Bryant)

During the game, Bryant reportedly told Laker newcomer Jeremy Lin on the bench that the ball handling and playmaking duties for the team would be on his back.

“You got to run the offense,” Kobe told reporter Serena Winters. “I’m telling you to run the offense and you got to do it.” 

This contradicts the prediction made by ESPN NBA Insider Kevin Pelton, who felt that the Lakers would avoid a traditional pick-and-roll offense and have the 36-year-old Kobe Bryant create opportunities off the dribble.

The fourth-year player Lin, 26, only registered one assist in 21 minutes after dishing out 6 against the Rockets. He added six points in Wednesday’s game while missing both 3-point attempts.

The Lakers’ backcourt has been riddled with injuries, with two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash lost for the season with back injuries and rookie Julius Randle breaking his leg in the season-opener. Shooting guard Nick “Swaggy P” Young will miss another month with injuries.

The Lakers will see action again on October 31 against the Clippers followed by the Warriors on Saturday, November 1 before facing the Suns again on Tuesday, November 4.

– Rappler.com