Kobe Bryant Puts His Trust In Andrew Bynum

This was nowhere near the significance or brilliance of Kobe Bryant’s lob to Shaquille O’Neal that later became the symbol of that memorable dynasty. Nor was this a moment that will ultimately turn the tide suddenly making this Laker team a title contender. Still you cannot ignore the importance of Kobe turning to Andrew Bynum in the clutch moments of a tense game against a bitter rival and asking the young big man to carry the team to victory.

Forever and day now we’ve heard all the talk of how little Kobe Bryant trusts his teammates. We know all too well just who is going to have the ball in their hands whenever the Lakers need a big bucket. We’ve seen KB24 carry his team to victory or drag them to defeat.

But we’d never seen Bryant defer to Bynum in the clutch.

What happened against the Celtics was monumental in Bynum’s growth. As if realizing it as his duty to ensure the torch is passed properly once his Laker days are done, Kobe gave Young Drew a baptism in basketball heroics yesterday.

For his faith Kobe was rewarded with a tough bucket from Bynum and praise from the hoops community. The legendary vet saw fit to give the young upstart his moment to shine and he did so during the showcase game of the day for the NBA.

It might not be the event that gets the Lakers back into the championship conversation but its importance cannot be overlooked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM2mQTRGm2M