But this was already the best support the Lakers could muster besides Kobe and Yao Ming...
Bill Walton, after watching the game, felt, "The OK replica has enough dominance, but they still lack a sufficient helper, which should have been Lamar Odom, but he didn't accomplish what he should have in this game."
The reporters in Los Angeles were also criticizing Odom.
"Lama" actually didn't care about these media criticisms, but he knew very well the look Kobe would give him after seeing the news the next day. Therefore, sensing he would be overwhelmed by media opinion the next day, Odom took the initiative to send Kobe a message on the bus ride back:
— Kobe, I think I need extra practice.
He almost trembled as he pressed "send" with his thumb.
Then he watched as Kobe unlocked his phone and then turned to him with a surprised and relieved expression:
You're finally growing up, kid!
Watching Kobe's reaction, Odom thought to himself:
