Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Thrilled to Have Ramon Sessions on His Side
The Los Angeles Lakers have only employed Ramon Sessions for less than two weeks, but Kobe Bryant is already thrilled with what he has seen from the former Cleveland Cavalier.
Bryant spoke with ESPN’s Marc Stein over the weekend and had a glowing review for his new point guard:
""I've been extremely impressed. He takes a lot of pressure off of me. I can be a legitimate 2-guard now. Know what I mean? He can play-make for others. Before, I had to score and play-make for others as well. I don't have to do that. I can be on the receiving end of those plays."
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Coach Mike Brown has been bringing Sessions off the bench before finally inserting him into the starting lineup for Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzles.
Like Kobe said, he is the guy who creates opportunities for others and can run the show without having the ball in his hands for an entire possession. The flow of the Lakers offense has gotten much better with Sessions, and the defense has shown flashes of being one of the best in the league.
Without having to worry about Derek Fisher staying in front of his man, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol can be more focused on their own man in the paint. While Sessions certainly isn’t a defensive wizard, he is a significant upgrade in that department.
But let’s be honest, the most important part of being a Laker is getting along with Kobe. He has been on the team for 16 years and the ol’ wily veteran has to be happy with his point guard. Bryant loves the fact he doesn’t have to hold the ball for so long anymore:
""We just let him handle the ball. You saw me off the ball a lot, more than probably you've ever seen me. And, as a result, my night [Wednesday in Dallas] was a lot easier. I really didn't have to work."
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In the win against Dallas, Kobe poured in 30 points on an efficient 11-of-18 from the field.
The Lakers were able to significantly upgrade the position without having to surrender Gasol or Bynum. This team is now one of the most balanced in the league and they have to be one of the favorites to win the Western Conference behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A happy Kobe is a dangerous thing for the rest of the league to handle.
