Los Angeles , CA – Since Phil Jackson’s arrival in Lakerland, Kobe never conformed completely to his offense—the triangle. The triangle is a calculated offense that positions players a certain distance from one another, which if properly executed, results in backdoor passes and defensive lapses.

Although Bryant saw success under the offense, like many players, he also felt its constraints. Because the system adheres to very strict principles, there is little leeway for error. There has been several occasions in which Phil temporarily abandoned the triangle to let Kobe find his natural flow. However, that was only when the game was on the line.

With Phil’s departure in the summer of 2004, came the offense of Rudy Tomjanovich. A run-and-gun offense which is primarily established on isolations and screen and rolls. After Tomjanovich’s departure, Frank Hamblen, a former Jackson assistant coach, re-instituted the triangle. However, the triangle is an offense that takes several months, if not years to master. And with only Bryant, Walton, and George familiar with the system, the Lakers tumbled to finish the season 2-21. With the new season comes a new challenge and a chance for redemption.

Bryant will have to lead his fellow teammates in conforming to Jackson ’s system, which has brought Lakers so much prior success. Another challenge for Bryant will be his new role as the team quarterback. During the 2004 playoffs, Phil Jackson allotted Kobe as the team playmaker and quarterback. A responsibility normally assigned to the point guard. Kobe will have his hands full, but under the defensive-minded leadership of Jackson , it should not be too difficult. Maybe Kobe can prove us all wrong again, like he has time and time again.