Kobe Bryant News L.A. Lakers

Kobe's pass first, shoot second attitude highlights U.S. play

LAS VEGAS -- The level of competition will be significantly more difficult in Beijing, but the United States has a blue print in place that will prove to be unbeatable if executed properly. Very simply, no one star is bigger than the team.

Credit Kobe Bryant for helping foster that atmosphere.

Thanks in part to the close proximity between L.A. and Vegas, Kobe Bryant was the one whose jersey was everywhere and who drew the loudest cheers whenever he was introduced or managed something special. Kobe Bryant's desire to fit in helped facilitate what turned into a love-fest for the American side that must continue overseas next August when Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh integrate into the squad.

In Sunday's gold medal game, a 118-81 rout that was never in doubt, he inexplicably took a forced off-balance jumper on the U.S.'s first possession, got that out of his system and then became an assist-machine, firing off alley-oops and outlet passes, choosing to involve himself the best way possible for his team.

He put his money where his mouth is on his stated desire that this second part of his career is all about team accomplishments, and that's going to include this international portion. He took only three shots against Argentina, making one and finishing with a 15.3 scoring average, third-best on the U.S. squad, but his eight assists and unselfishness were a major reason the team thrived so easily.

"With Kobe, he brings a leader. He's a tough-minded guy," said Carmelo Anthony, who led the U.S. in scoring with a 21.2 scoring average. "It's not just him. We have Jason Kidd, we have Chauncey (Billups) we have Amare (Stoudemire) back here from working with us last summer ..."

Anthony can go on and on and name the entire roster if he wants to. Everyone is vital in his own way in what became a case of getting in where you fit in.

Kidd finished last on the team in scoring and didn't even attempt a shot in the title game, but ended up with 46 assists against just five turnovers. Dwight Howard and Stoudemire clogged up the middle and were the team's top rebounders.

LeBron James and Anthony were the primary scorers, benefiting from last season's experience at the World Championships. The game definitely becomes easier when you're familiar with all the rules. Kobe Bryant, playing international ball for the first time, smartly felt his way through it, but shouldn't get any ideas for Beijing.

If for some reason the United States needs a game-winning shot at any point in the Olympics, then it would be fine to isolate for him and let him do his thing, but in the flow of the game, going one-on-one would only work to put shackles on an imposing offense that averaged 116.7 points per game in 10 games here.

"Kobe's not just the top perimeter player which I think is a good statement to the rest of the team," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "It's as if he said, 'Hey I've scored 50 points a few times in NBA games but I want that good shooter or that scorer.' I've been pleased with the trend.

"I'd just like to mention Dwyane Wade. We don't have Dwyane like we did last summer. Kobe this summer helped in that regard. When we get (Wade) back, that will make us seem stronger. We sense the commitment from these guys and it shows in a guy like Dwyane Wade. He's here. He's supporting these guys and that's the type of camaraderie that we've developed."

Barring unforeseen absences, expect Wade to be integrated in a sixth-man role that he'll be happy to play, because you would hope that the precedent has been set that everyone on the U.S. roster is willing to swallow their pride and do whatever it takes to claim gold.

Kobe Bryant, owner of the biggest ego of them all, checked it at the door and wound up the No. 3 scorer. Kobe Bryant came out saying he was going to focus on defense and did so.

There's no disputing that Kobe Bryant is the most talented American player in the NBA, but internationally, the versatility James and Anthony bring to the game with their ability to serve as undersized power forwards is an advantage that the U.S. must continue to exploit.

"Melo is a strange bird in the sense in that he can play the four and he gets bigger guys on him, so he can put the ball on the floor," Kidd said. "The key thing is that he's a really good shooter. That's the best thing about him. When you have bigger guys guarding you, a lot of times they won't come out on him."

That happened time and time again in Las Vegas and should again be a major advantage against Spain, Argentina, Greece and the globe's other top challengers.

Kobe Bryant recognized that and bought in. It didn't damage his popularity, either. Fans still chanted his name with 4 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in the game and the U.S. up 36. Anthony, standing on the bench, excitedly pumped his fist and cheered right along with them.

Hopefully, the love-fest continues in Beijing.

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