An article today on how the Celtics defend Kobe Bryant by ESPN's Henry Abbot triggered me to take a look at exactly how well the Lakers do when Kobe is a high volume shooter.

During their two regular season meetings, Boston dared Kobe to be a perimeter shooter and did not allow him to penetrate into the lane.

The Spurs defended Kobe in a similar fashion during the Western Conference Finalsand kept him off the free throw line, but he played brilliant all-around basketball and shot an extremely efficient percentage from the floor.

Kobe averaged 20.6 field goal attempts during the regular season, so I looked into the Lakers' record when he shot 20 or more times versus nights when he shot 19 times or fewer.

Regular Season Results

20 Or More Field Goal Attempts: 26-18, .591

19 Or Less Field Goal Attempts: 31-7, .816

Playoff Results

20 Or More Field Goal Attempts: 6-3, .667

19 Or Less Field Goal Attempts: 6-0, 1.000

The Lakers were 38% more likely to win during the regular season when Kobe was not a high-volume shooter and their offense was more balanced, which is a staggering differential.

Via Christopher Reina/RealGM

Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics

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