Not sure if anyone recalls this past summer, but past sports-media reported then that Bryant heavily courted Raja during his free agency, even making efforts to be Raja's chauffeur for him during his stop at LAX.
Rumor, or fact***, it's not important. What is telling though is that Bryant has never done that before for ANY player! That said, it's safe to say Kobe wanted Raja helping him, not hindering him from the opposite side on court.
Here's where Raja and Kobe's on court relationship, as opponents, tallies:
• October 17: Utah @ LA; Jazz win 99 - 94.
• October 19: Utah @ LA; Jazz win 82 - 74.
• November 26: LA @ Utah; Jazz win 102 - 96
• January 25 2011: Utah @ LA; ____________.
• April 1 2011: LA @ Utah; _____________.
• April 5 2011: Utah @ LA; _____________.
If LA splits the remainder of their six game Utah matchup, maybe Bell's influence is not a big deal. But if the Jazz end up sweeping the Lakes, THAT is surely something to take notice regarding the aforementioned.
Qs:
? Anyone think Kobe really DID want Raja in purple & yellow? ***was Bryant for a fact after Raja?
? Anyone think Raja's defense on Kobe IS SOMETHING that few others are able to command with Bell-esque tenacity?
Rumor, or fact***, it's not important. What is telling though is that Bryant has never done that before for ANY player! That said, it's safe to say Kobe wanted Raja helping him, not hindering him from the opposite side on court.
Here's where Raja and Kobe's on court relationship, as opponents, tallies:
• October 17: Utah @ LA; Jazz win 99 - 94.
• October 19: Utah @ LA; Jazz win 82 - 74.
• November 26: LA @ Utah; Jazz win 102 - 96
• January 25 2011: Utah @ LA; ____________.
• April 1 2011: LA @ Utah; _____________.
• April 5 2011: Utah @ LA; _____________.
If LA splits the remainder of their six game Utah matchup, maybe Bell's influence is not a big deal. But if the Jazz end up sweeping the Lakes, THAT is surely something to take notice regarding the aforementioned.
Qs:
? Anyone think Kobe really DID want Raja in purple & yellow? ***was Bryant for a fact after Raja?
? Anyone think Raja's defense on Kobe IS SOMETHING that few others are able to command with Bell-esque tenacity?