Kobe, Lakers Take 2-1 Series Lead [David Stefanini]

Tonight the Los Angeles Lakers went into Houston without their starting point guard and beat the Rockets 108-94. The reason for this win, in one work - Kobe.

Kobe Bryant was not going to let the Lakers lose this game tonight and there was nothing that any of the Rocket's players could of done. The Lakers are the most talented team of the league who are impossible to beat when they are knocking three pointers. I have watched most of their games this season thanks to NBA's League Pass, and other than the new Transformers trailer I have not seen anything as good as the Lakers when they are clicking on all cylinders.

This game was over after Kobe hit a three point buzzer beater with Ron Artest all over him. That took the crowd out of the game, the air out of the Rockets and showed his teammates that everything will be okay.

Another reason why the Lakers won tonights game was Ron Artest. As the announcers were accurately pointing out in the second half, Artest was throwing up three pointers like they were going out of style. It's one thing when you are feeling it but he wasn't even close on these shots. Throughout the game Trevor Ariza, who was guarding Artest, was jumping on a pump fake every time. If Artest would just pump fake Ariza, take two dribbles towards the rim and shoot, this may have been a completely different game.

The last thing worth knowing about this game is the 'Flagrant 2' that was called on Artest with under a minute to go in the game. Personally I feel this was a complete joke. The way the NBA is treating fouls these days is a disaster. Let the players play. This is the playoffs not the preseason. I will guarantee that the NBA will lower the Flagrant 2 to a Flagrant 1 tomorrow after the play is reviewed.