Robert Horry knows a thing or seven about being an NBA champion. He also knows how an all-time great should go about their business both on and off the court. So when Horry speaks on what it takes to win there should always be a captive audience.
Horry didn’t pull any punches by taking both Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard to task for their role in the Lakers struggles this season. The way Horry sees it Kobe’s defense and Howard’s sense of humor just aren’t helping the Lake Show find their mojo.
When it comes to Kobe, Horry has been unimpressed with Bryant’s gambling nature whenever he’s off the ball on defense.
"“Kobe is on the weak side, he needs to start paying attention to where the ball is and not be flying around, thinking he’s some stealth bomber where he can get steals nonstop.”"
It might seem obvious but Horry is about the only person I can recall that has been this specific when critiquing the Lakers. For my money he’s hit the nail on the head too. In fact the last two games have proven him very much correct.
Mike D’Antoni might not know much about defense but he’s a good enough coach to know the Lakers are better served with Bryant taking the opposing team’s top perimeter player. The efforts against Kyrie Irving and Brandon Jennings will validate that point.
But that’s a basketball related issue that is correctable. Not so much the case for Dwight Howard.
Horry just flat out doesn’t like Howard’s joking nature. Seems the seven-time champion doesn’t think D12 can win a ring being his normal, goofy self.
"“You want a guy to be more focused. That’s the kind of guy you want, someone who’s focused, not fun-loving.”"
Again, Horry has seen some of the greatest to ever play the game go about their business so far be it for me or anyone to question his opinion. He knows what works and if that formula ain’t broke then don’t fix it. Naturally Howard defended himself calling Horry’s take “stupid” but at this point the Dwight approach is unproven, so we’ll see how this plays out.