Tapscott Says Lakers Can Provide Lessons

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 23 -- Interim coach Ed Tapscott looks for teaching points for his young players in just about anything, even the performance of an opponent.

During Thursday's 117-97 loss to Los Angeles, Tapscott made a point of telling his young players to watch the way Lakers guard Kobe Bryant attacked the Wizards while involving his teammates.

Bryant scored only 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting but dished out five assists and helped several teammates have good nights in an easy Los Angeles win.

"I kept making that point to my young guys: Watch how they share the ball," Tapscott said. "Even when the game is decided, so to speak, and you could see guys just going for their numbers, watch the way they move the ball and help their teammate. That's something I want our young guys to learn as they go along."

The game also provided another stiff test for second-year forward Dominic McGuire, who has made 16 starts this season and typically defends the other team's best scorer.

One night after doing good work against Kings' leading scorer Kevin Martin in a Washington win, McGuire found himself matched up against Bryant, who attacked the youngster on the game's first three possessions.

The three plays produced two free throws and two missed shots and McGuire generally did a solid job against one of the world's best players.

"I kind of expected that," McGuire said of Bryant's early aggressiveness. "Me being a young player in this league, vets like that are going to come at you and test. I just try to do my best and make him work for everything. Just make everything hard for him."

Up Next: Saturday at Portland 10 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980

Monday vs. Phoenix 7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980