Eric, Redlands: David, Why do you think Kobe doesn’t amass more assists, given his more unselfish play the last 1 1/2 seasons? I watch a lot of Laker games and he seems to find open teamates a lot. What’s the deal?

David Thorpe: It’s a great question, because I agree with you that he often finds guys impressively. I think he is just such a special scorer that he can always create a good shot.

Bill (Charlotte): David, just wanted to let you know that my friends and I send each other the single funniest comment any of us have read all year to pick the funniest one. Simmons wins most years, but this year, it was you. Your liveblog comment during the finals of “Jordan Farmar is Robin to Kobe’s Batman. Lamar Odom is Batgirl” won in a runaway. I submitted it and nobody else had seen it. When I first read it I literally gagged on my pork lo mein. Happy new year and keep up the great work.

David Thorpe: I’m no Bill Simmons, but I have to admit that I was laughing when I wrote that. I actually really love LO’s game too, but he was just so soft that game.

Aaron (NYC): Why does Kobe get left out of MVP and BIW discussion just because he’s taking a reduced role because of the surrounding talent? The Lakers on 2003-2005 featured him and nobody else. If he was ever the main star surrounded by good supporting players, he would have done just as well as Lebron and DWade now.

David Thorpe: He’s in the running for both. And hey, news flash: he won the MVP last year!!

Jacob (Los Angeles): Happy New Year Thorpe! What are some of your favorite teams to watch, I like Lakers, Memphis, and Atlanta?

David Thorpe: Lakers 20 years ago. Phoenix yesterday. San Antonio today. Maybe Portland tomorrow.

David Fairborn, OH: Luke Walton > Bill Walton?

David Thorpe: In a one on one battle?

Nick (NJ): Two on Two: Marc and Pau vs. Brook and Robin – who you got?

David Thorpe: Gasol’s in a romp.