Kobe Bryant's Killer Instinct

There may be no better finisher in the NBA than Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.  Outside of Cleveland’s LeBron James, Bryant is the best fourth quarter player in the league.  As a game comes to a close, there’s no question you want the ball in his hands—unless of course you’re playing against him.   Yet, Bryant made possibly his best case for an MVP in a game in which he did not attempt a single fourth quarter shot.  No rebounds, no assists, no steals.   In fact Bryant didn’t play a single minute in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win against Seattle.   But this was an example of the leadership he shows on a nightly basis.     With just over four minutes to go in the third quarter the Lakers led by 31, with Bryant and Sonics guard Mickael Gelabale fighting for a rebound.  Gelabale won the struggle and secured the ball, but Bryant believed he had been fouled.   After not getting a call, Bryant let referee ... [link]