LOS ANGELES — Already stoic, Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has become robotic (Kobotic?) in news conferences at the NBA Finals, as if to give the impression that he’s always locked in — on the court, at the news conference, taking out the garbage.
Asked after Game 2 of the NBA Finals if he’s happy now that his team is up 2-0 against Orlando, the Lakers’ superstar said in a Terminator-type voice: “What’s there to be happy about? The job is not finished. Is the job finished? I don’t think so.”
We’ve seen other sides of Kobe. The Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony, his Team USA teammate, said Bryant has a fun, jokester side, behaving at times like he’s Dwight Howard or something. But after the Lakers fell in the Finals a year ago, Bryant seemingly sees this year’s opportunity even clearer, through this unflappable focus, faux or not.
For instance, he scored 29 points in Game 2, which was a team high, but his coach, Phil Jackson, said Kobe didn’t play up to Kobe standards.
Bryant eagerly agreed.
“No, absolutely not. I didn’t read the coverages as well as I (should), and we still managed to win the game. It’s on me to make those adjustments, make those reads, and I’ll come back (for) Game 3 ready.
“It’s just like the quarterback throws an interception every now and then. You know what I mean. It’s the same type of situation.”
Bryant had seven turnovers, one reason he was unhappy with his overall game.
A key part of his game during the playoffs has been getting his teammates involved, early and often, much like the Nuggets’ Chauncey Billups. Bryant averages 5.1 assists per game this postseason, but in the past four games, including the final two wins against Denver in the Western conference finals, Bryant has averaged 8.5.
But Monday, Bryant got sloppy. He said he must make “smarter decisions” and not “force” the ball.
Moreover, Bryant needs better communication with center Pau Gasol, according to Jackson. The coach said his all-stars “struggled” working together in Game 2, which kept Orlando in the game until the overtime, when Bryant’s timing was impeccable, and Gasol scored seven points, including a huge layup, courtesy of a Bryant pass.
Heading into tonight’s Game 3 at Orlando, Bryant’s searing passion will have to trump that of the Orlando crowd. It’s the first Finals game in Orlando since 1995.
“It’s going to be a big event for their town,” Jackson said. “We know there’s going to be a lot of energy that’s surrounding their team. I think they’ll be much better. Usually teams are on their home floor.”
Bryant, wouldn’t you know, isn’t worried about matching energy.
“We’re about to kick it up,” he said, implying that there is more to give.
“You’d better believe it. We’re close. You see what I’m saying? This is the Finals. We’re going to be ready to go.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
NBA Finals schedule: Lakers lead series 2-0
June 4: L.A. Lakers 100, Orlando 75
June 7: L.A. Lakers 101, Orlando 96, OT
Today: L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Thursday: L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Sunday: L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 6 p.m.*
Tuesday, June 16: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 7 p.m.*
Thursday, June 18: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 7 p.m.*
* if necessary
