L.A. Lakers: The Science and Mathematics Behind "Kobe Ball"

Throughout his career, Kobe Bryant has heard the argument that he shoots too much. But in crunch time, you want Bryant taking all the shots. So how do we resolve this apparent paradox?

Science went looking for answers.

A recent article in "Science Now" detailed the mathematics and physics behind basketball shot selection from studies performed at the University of Minnesota. 

Through formulas, equations, diagrams, and mathematical modeling, the theoretical physics department at the university showed that teams who pass twice as much as other teams have more success.

Shocking development, I know. We didn't need a bunch of PhD's or lab coats to tell us that.

But with hardened, scientific proof, this level of thinking may become more easily adopted by coaching staffs around the game, particularly the Lakers.

The Lakers often look for Kobe to bail them out of games by predictably feeding him the ball play after play in the third and fourth quarters—termed "Kobe Ball." Or maybe it's Kobe simply taking over under his own will.

Whatever the case, we often times see "Kobe Ball" cause the rest of the Laker players to stand around and just watch No. 24—almost forgetting that they're also on the court and effectively isolating themselves from the flow of the game.

The isolation play works both ways, ironically.

These mental lapses take the Lakers team out of rhythm and force Kobe to shoulder even more of the load. 

Now let's be real—I'm not suggesting nor do these studies suggest that we abandon "Kobe Ball." At the end of the game, you want the ball in No. 24's hands. Best closer in the game.

In his playoff career, with his team tied or trailing heading into the final 20 seconds, when Kobe takes the last shot his Lakers end up winning 59 percent of the time.

And Kobe's determination to win cannot be measured in the science lab. There is no one better on the planet at finishing a game than Mamba.

Besides, the Lakers are trying to win titles—not the Nobel Prize in Physics.  

But if anything, this new batch of evidence at least supports the notion that in the third quarter and beginning of the fourth quarter, it wouldn't hurt for the Lakers to spread the rock around—even if the team is trailing or tied and needs to get back into the game.

After all, it's a scientifically proven winning strategy.

Sports science—like any other science—is never a final destination but more of a journey towards the answer.

So save your best for last—Kobe—and let the rest of the team carry you to the final minutes.

If that doesn't work, then bombs away. Your resume speaks louder than science.