This wasn't exactly how it was supposed to go down on Tuesday for the Lakers. L.A. was coming off of its first three-game losing streak since acquiring Pau Gasol back in 2008. And facing a Raptors team at home which had won just once in its previous six games, it should have been a comfortable, get-right win for the Lakers.

But it wasn't, thanks to L.A.'s inability to slow Toronto's attack for most of the game. So, with about 10 seconds remaining, the game was all tied up at 107, and the Lakers had possession. By now -- since it's the sixth time it's happened this season -- you can probably guess what happened next.



There's no question that was a tough shot by Bryant there: heading to the baseline, fading back over the outstretched arms of two defenders. But again, if you're Toronto, why in the world would you allow Kobe Bryant to even attempt a game-winning shot?

Jay Triano seemed to think his team did everything they could defensively, effectively saying, hey, we ran two guys at him, what more do you want? Well, the fact that the double team came extremely late allowed Bryant to take inventory of his options and make exactly the right play in that situation.

The correct call, of course, would be to immediately trap Kobe as soon as he gets the ball, and force him to make one of his teammates try to beat you. At this point in the season, after Bryant has now done this six different times (or seven if you're counting the one in Dallas, which came with a lot more time left on the clock), it's really the only choice you have -- unless you're okay with losing.

Source: Brett Pollakoff, FanHouse

very amazing player. he's a god!