The madness of All-Star weekend, at least for a couple of days, made me forget about the fact that a pinkie finger could end up derailing what was shaping up to be a terrific season for my beloved Lakers.
No one knows how effective Kobe can be while playing with the busted up pinkie, and now the question becomes, If he’s out there, will defenders attack the finger?
“Well, we had a little rule,” said Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers, “if you put something on your hand or on your body, that was a bull’s eye.
“I don’t know if that goes on anymore. We actually talk about that. I don’t think anyone wants to hurt anyone, but if you’re going to go out and play injured, we’re not going to let you beat us injured. That was the old-school thought. I think that’s still prevalent today, but not as much.”
Bruce Bowen laughs at your assumptions, coach Rivers.
Though everyone says today’s League isn’t as tough as it was back in the day, and rightfully so, I’m picturing Raja Bell – who has something of a mean streak – rubbing his hands together with a maniacal look in his eye at the mere thought of going up against an injured Bryant.
