Kobe Bryant Benched: Mike Brown's Horrible Decision Highlights Lakers' Woes

Mike Brown benched Kobe Bryant in a losing effort to the Memphis Grizzlies. The one thing that should be noted is the benching, while in a regular season game during garbage time mattered, and it signals everything that is wrong with the Lakers. 

The moment came when the Lakers had seen the Grizzlies get the best of their defense for a late fourth-quarter three-pointer. 

With just 5:45 remaining, Bryant went to the bench when a timeout was called and he punched the chair. I imagine that if he were a slugger that had just been called out on strikes, a Gatorade container would have died that moment. 

Instead, he punched a chair and then took a seat. That he wouldn't get up until there was just 1:51 minutes remaining in the game, means everything. 

First, the Lakers were already out of this game when Bryant was benched, but the 14-point deficit was not nearly insurmountable with over five minutes to go. 

Some have pointed out that Mike Brown wanted to test his team's mettle with Bryant on the bench, a laughable thought considering Bryant seemed clueless to the impromptu teachable moment. 

Others will state the game was over and Brown was tempering a Bryant that was too hot to perform. When Bryant is hot, you play him. 

An inflamed Black Mamba is deadlier than any all-star that is cool and collected.

Bryant had thoughts and said all the right things after the game. Via ESPN.

First, he was asked if he was mad that he was pulled. The simple answer...

"

Of course I was. 

"

If you are looking for a quote that will tear the Lakers up, though, none exist. Bryant continues,

"

It's his decision to make. He makes the decision. He's the coach. If you guys are looking for a story, I'm not going to give you one. I can't sit here and criticize his decisions. In leading this ballclub, that's something I can't afford to do. I got to have his back. I've had his back the whole season; I can't start doing something crazy now. It wouldn't make no sense.

"

There are a number of things that trouble me about Brown's benching, but here are just a few that have me fearful as the postseason looms in the not-so-distant future. 

Chemistry

The Lakers have very little chemistry, and that is troubling considering how long this core of has been together. 

It's over half a season into the Mike Brown tenure and the star player still has no clue what the head coach might pull. 

This wasn't a life lesson pulled by Phil Jackson that had some hidden meaning or purpose. It was a gut feeling that Brown gambled on and one that left his superstar fuming. 

Rotations

Let's forget that Bryant should be in the game in the final five minutes and not on the bench for the majority of the vital final moments. 

I understand that Bryant had played 38 minutes up to that point, but that just means he was heavily played without thoughts to how the game would be closed out. 

If he is looking to try something new, perhaps he would like to try out Jordan Hill and Andrew Goudelock who were both DNP due to coach's decision. 

If you are going to experiment in wacky and inventive ways then start with the bench, which is really hurting right now. 

Communication

From Jim Buss on down to the training room attendee, this organization has lost every last bit of open communication. 

Phil Jackson would communicate to his players in odd manners, but at least he was talking. 

Bryant has been clueless as to the direction of this franchise and that now includes how he will be used in the waning moments of a game. 

I agree that this was one small decision in a game that was pretty much lost anyway, but the manner in which it was imposed spoke volumes. 

The Lakers are not ready to contend for a title. Not when capriciousness and flippancy rules the day. 

In closing, you play Bryant in crunch time if you want to win, and that is not even a question. 

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