Coaching staff deserves credit for Kobe’s explosion

LOS ANGELES, CA — The NBA Playoffs are quickly approaching, and teams are trying to head into the post-season with some momentum. The Los Angeles Lakers were headed in the opposite direction – the team had lost seven straight games and eleven out of fourteen before Friday, March 16.

That night, coaches studied videotape of L.A. star Kobe Bryant and made a discovery that has resulted in Kobe exploding for 65 points, then 50 on Sunday, 60 on Thursday.

“Apparently, on my follow through I’ve been swinging my arm way out to the right and it’s been affecting my jump shot,” the nine-time All Star revealed. “When that happens, guys have a tendency to hit my elbow with their face – I really think the league should do something about it.”

Because of his recent hot streak, Kobe has earned himself a new nickname among teammates: they now refer to him simply as “Teen Wolf.” Bryant has fully embraced the new moniker – based on the 80’s Michael J. Fox movie – and seems to feel that it suits him perfectly.

“Man, we just like them guys in the movie,” Lakers center Kwame Brown said. “I wanna be like the fat guy eatin an apple while Teen Wolf does his thang. I’m hungry – feed me too, bitch.”

Despite their struggles in recent weeks, this latest surge should almost guarantee the Lakers a playoff spot. Once the postseason begins, the team’s success will almost certainly depend on which “Teen Wolf” shows up. The only one who knows for sure is Bryant himself.

“I’m not changing, I’m gonna do what it takes to win games. As long as I get to nail Boof after it’s all said and done, the Lakers are gonna be champs in ‘07.”

It’s going to be tough for this sport to sweep any nations, but it’s still pretty frickin’ cool!