Latest LA Lakers news reveals just how Kobe Bryant perfected his fadeaway jumper and although most people think that it was inspired by Michael Jordan, which is true, but he improved his balance by watching a cheetah run.
Meanwhile, more LA Lakers news hint of "five-against-ball" defense that will be incorporated by coach Byron Scott and his team of assistants this season.
In an interview with New York Times, Kobe Bryant sat down with reporter Philip Galanes and Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington where the Lakers superstar talked about taking inspiration from the environment.
"When you watch me shoot my fadeaway jumper, you'll notice my leg is always extended. I had problems making that shot in the past. It's tough. So one day I'm watching the Discovery Channel and see a cheetah hunting," he said.
"When the cheetah runs, its tail always gives it balance, even if it's cutting a sharp angle. And that's when I was like: My leg could be the tail, right?"
Meanwhile, assistant coach Jim Eyen revealed more LA Lakers news as he said that they will be pressuring the ball more this season because they don't have the classic rim protector with the likes of Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard or New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis.
Speaking to NBA.com, Jim Eyen said that they have to adjust to the roster that they have right now. Although, they don't have a very good shot blocker, the center can still become a rim protector by being vocal.
"If you can have good ball pressure and you can have bigs that are engaged - that are calling out coverages, that are there to help and be the not-so-much rim protector at times, but paint protector - you're going to be a good defensive team. You're going to be solid," he said.
"It's incorporating a mentality of 'five against the ball,'" he explained. "And so probably some of the conversation we had is: How can you influence the offense? At this level, you're not going to stop the offense. You're going to influence them into doing things that you want them to do, as opposed to letting them do what they want to do."
