



SAN ANTONIO – There were many tweets of frustration, strategy and encouragement from @KobeBryant during the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff series opening loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. This wasn't just any Lakers fan. It was the verified account with 2.2 million followers from the star who is sidelined the rest of the season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

Bryant was rooting hard while offering suggestion after suggestion to his Lakers who couldn't hear his cyber voice as they lost 91-79 in Game 1. But NBA fans on their phones, computers or tablets heard him loud and clear, even though he is watching from afar since he currently can't travel with the team.

When told that Bryant tweeted several times that the Lakers should post more, coach Mike D'Antoni rolled his eyes before saying, "It's great to have that commentary."

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D'Antoni followed up by stating, "He's a fan right now. You guys put a little bit more importance on that kind of fan. But he's a fan. He wants to be part of it, so that's good."

Bryant tweeted in response to D'Antoni. "A fan?? Lol."







The Lakers have looked lost offensively since Bryant suffered the injury on April 12. They shot 38.5 percent from the field in a 91-86 win over the Spurs on April 14, the Lakers' first game without Bryant. Los Angeles shot 36.7 percent from the field during a 99-95 regular-season finale win over the Houston Rockets, who outside of Omer Asik, are a defensively challenged team.

[Related: Is Kobe's tweeting annoying Lakers coach?]

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had a brighter forecast once Steve Nash returned to the lineup, saying "Our offense will be better when he's back. That's the area we probably need the most help in."

Two epidural shots played a major role in helping Nash get back on the floor Sunday after missing all of April with hamstring and hip injuries. D'Antoni put Nash in the backcourt with Steve Blake while sending Jodie Meeks to the bench. But the Nash addition didn't work as the Lakers scored fewer than 80 points for just the third time this season.

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Los Angeles shot 41.1 percent from the field, missed 12 of 15 3-point attempts and allowed 14 points off 18 turnovers. Dwight Howard took only 12 shots while his teammates tested the rim's strength with their deep misses.

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