Why Ramon Sessions Makes Kobe Bryant Better

Ramon Sessions has transformed the Lakers identity almost overnight by bringing high pick-and-rolls, bullet passes off the dribble and drives down the lane to an offense historically void of such play.

This run-and-gun mentality creates mismatches across the floor and makes Sessions' running-mates that much better.

Including Kobe Bryant.

Can the best closer in the game (anybody catch last night's win over the Warriors?) actually get better on account of his new point guard?

That's a scary, scary thought, and one that deserves a closer look.  

Let's dish on Hollywood's latest duo.

Off-the-Ball Plays for Kobe

Pre-Ramon, the majority of the Lakers' offensive flow was generated through Kobe Bryant.

Off the elbow, in the post, spins into the lane—you name it. The Mamba came to operate, 99 percent of the time with the ball directly in his million dollar hands.

Now, with the arrival of a point guard who can create plays off the dribble, Kobe Bryant can introduce another facet to his offensive attack: off-the-ball movement and curls for quick looks on the perimeter.

Steve Blake and Derek Fisher used to force-feed a stationary Bryant the ball in the post and just get the heck out of his way. Not much in terms of cuts, screens or movement—just a simple Point A to Point Kobe.

With Sessions running the point and handling the rock, Kobe Bryant is now able to freelance around the perimeter and use more off-man screens prior to receiving the ball, thereby opening up his game and creating different points of attack.

Trust in the Backcourt

For the past few years, when it came to the Lakers' locker room, Bryant trusted no one more than five-time champion and closest confidant Derek Fisher. What value Fish brought to the locker room, however, he noticeably lacked on the floor. 

A triangle point guard his entire career, Fisher has never been known to run a traditional offense or be the team's primary facilitator. He's made a career off clutch timing and veteran leadership, which Laker fans will forever be grateful.

But on the court, Fish fell short of Bryant's complete trust with the basketball (with the exception of end-of-game heroics, of course).

Ramon, on the other hand, has quickly captured Bryant's confidence on the floor—for all four quarters. 

Bryant regularly defers to Sessions when bringing the ball up the floor or off a rebound.

Wait, wait—Kobe Bryant? Passing the ball?

Believe it. There needs to be an enormous amount of trust for Bryant to bestow the rock unto his point guard, and Sessions unequivocally has it.

And instead of initiating a read, spacing offense like the triangle, Sessions goes immediately into attack mode—flying down the court to push the break and increase the tempo. 

Expect a whole new set of dazzling plays on the break and in the open floor from your Lakers' back-court duo.

The Don Ramon Effect

Sessions has been an on-the-court killer his entire career. Never awarded a starting job, Sessions has always been the leader of the second unit, helping his team win by taking over the game with crafty plays and sick buckets.

Now, with new life on a new ballclub, Don Ramon finally has the opportunity to officially claim the reins as the team's floor general.

Logging 29 minutes of tough, high-speed basketball per game as a Laker, including huge fourth quarters to seal victories against the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers, the 25-year-old has no doubt delivered and lived up to the lofty expectations customary for new Laker players.

With Sessions playing at such a high level and getting better every game, defenses are forced to game plan for all the action he creates.

Added attention on Sessions means more freedom on offense for Bryant. Defenses simply cannot focus entirely on Bryant when Sessions is in the game.

Never one to squander an opportunity, the Mamba will surely make teams pay for the extra space afforded him on the floor.

And pay dearly.

The Lakers are sitting on some serious firepower in the backcourt, and Coach Mike Brown knows it. Sessions played three-and-a-half games before Coach Brown realized this potential and decided to pair these two killers in the starting unit. 

Averaging 15 points, 6.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 three-point baskets as a starter, Sessions has firmly entrenched his spot on the backcourt and his place alongside No. 24 in the starting rotation.

And Kobe Bryant, eyes firmly tied on a sixth prize, couldn't be happier.

It's been a tumultuous few months, but there's reason to celebrate: Thunder has finally found its Lightning in Lakerland.