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Rockets not ready for Kobe

Houston's shaky offense dust for the Lakers' broom

Commentary

Geronimo Rodriguez

In their first visit to the NBA playoffs in five years, the Houston Rockets will get swept. Not because they're facing the Los Angeles Lakers, but because they're going up against Kobe Bryant.

He's like the man with no face -- Clint Eastwood -- except he's the man with no team. It doesn't help that the Rockets have become a walking head case, losing all confidence in their game since the season tip-off.

And head coach Jeff Van Gundy isn't exactly Tony Roberts, Steve Francis isn't the answer and Hakeem Olajuwon is still retired.

Van Gundy is a smart coach who knows how to win, but it isn't even worth seeing the Rockets scrape their way to the playoffs when all they'll do is sputter when the whistle blows.

Oh, and they're facing Kobe Bryant.

Forget about the Yao vs. Shaq match-up. Even if it's a wash, Kobe will skin Cuttino "Da Cat" Mobley. And while Van Gundy's team is wrapping up their weekly session with Dr. Phil, Phil Jackson will be mastering the bend-over-backwards-for-Kobe in yoga class.

It isn't too late for Francis to bust out with a decent game, but it won't happen. Some guy said a while ago not to underestimate the heart of a champion.

That guy forgot to consider those players who just can't finish a lay-up or figure out whether to pick or roll.

Oh, and there's that Kobe guy.

Never mind the rest of the Lakers. Bryant should own the offensively-crippled Rockets by the time this is finished.

He's got something to prove, and the Rockets don't. That's what it'll come down to. He shouldn't, but if Kobe does lose a game to the Rockets, he can always blame the Lakers.

Mind you, winning for the Lakers always comes back to Kobe -- just like their troubles.

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