Playoffs 2000:Lakers playbook: Kobe shows his versatility

Lakers playbook: Kobe shows his versatility
Coach's Edge

The Suns gave L.A. a scare in Game 2. But Kobe Bryant saved the day with his game-winning jumper just 2.6 seconds from the final buzzer. It seems the kid is coming of age, stepping up in big situations and hitting big shots.

Combine Kobe with the big efforts of Shaquille O'Neal, and the Lakers are tough to beat.

ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE

(A) Kobe Bryant (8) has the skills to handle the ball up top, take it to the rack and shoot the jumper. The Suns have been putting Jason Kidd (32) on Bryant, which makes it tougher for Kobe on the perimeter, but gives him the advantage inside.

(B) Kobe (8) dishes to A.C. Green (45) and cuts off Green to get the hand-off. That gets him just enough separation from Kidd (32) to either go hard to the goal or pull up for the short jumper.