Some fans get upset when Kobe Bryant seems to hog the ball. And some of the players as well.

But they should all know that Bryant does that in the name of leadership and the determination to win a title.

“Every game he comes out and there’s a purpose these guys have to play for, there’s a reason to go out there and win,” Phil Jackson said Monday as the team prepared for tonight’s game against Oklahoma City. “There’s a motivation he provides by always pressing the team forward.

“A lot of times it over runs guys. They’re upset they’re not getting as many shots. And he says, ‘OK, come get the ball. If you want to take it from me, you’ve got to show me you’re as hungry to score, as hungry and aggressive as I am.’ So that’s the leadership he provides.”

Some detractors (haters) might point out that Bryant’s point production has slipped from 28.3 points a game last season to his current 27.6. Jackson said he sees little difference, adding that Brynat is “playing as well as he did last year” because he is providing better leadership.