Greatness makes a difference

Lakers star Kobe Bryant is regarded in many circles as the best player in the league. Avery Johnson doesn’t have a problem with that argument. Johnson, however, was asked if teams can win without someone like Bryant.

“Every team needs a guy that can win games for them, no matter what type of defense is played,” Johnson said. “Every team needs a guy that can put a team on its back and split double teams and score. And maybe that can get you a steal or do something in the paint on offense or defense.”

Johnson want on to say that a certain championship coach – he made a point to add it wasn’t Gregg Popovich – has a theory on greatness that the General also shares.

“In the playoffs everybody knows your plays,” Johnson said. “So at the end of the day, you need great players to make great plays. That’s what it’s all about. We try to stay out of the way as coaches, facilitate and do what we do.”