Kobe Bryant: Signs of Life in the First Half (video)

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen game action out of Kobe Bryant.  Early on, there was a concerted effort to get him shots.

He started the game with a contested 18′ jumpshot and was woefully short.

However, his next shot brought some familiarity to Laker fans.

During his limited time on the floor, he finished with 6 points and 4 assists.  He hit one 15′ turnaround jumpshot on the left baseline.  He hit on 18′ jumpshot near the elbow of the key on the left side.  He hit on baseline 15′ jumpshot on the right baseline.

I’d like to thank CaCHooKaManTV for the stellar coverage.

While doing that, he showed his playmaking skills out there as well.  He hit Wesley Johnson for a baseline 3-point shot.  He hit Boozer in the paint for a strong, right-handed hook shot.  He hit Jordan Hill twice for assists, once for a left-side baseline 10′ jumpshot, the other for a power finish.

In fact, he accounted for the Lakers’ first 13 points.

Not bad for just 8 minutes of play.

Early on, he looks to be getting his legs under him.  Instead of trying to jump over defenders on his fade away jumpshots, he’s sticking with the basics.  He’s drawing contact with the defense to create separation.  He is limiting his angle to get himself squared to the basket.  He’s using a higher follow-through to get the shot over the defender.  He used the Dirk-like kick-out to maintain separation on the first shot.

While sticking to the fundamentals creates better chances for success, his game legs aren’t under him just yet.  Kobe Bryant in previous years may have forced the issue and powered up for strong finishes in the paint.  He had a few opportunities, but instead, chose to kick out to his teammates.  It’s a better decision overall.

Yet, there’s a part of me that wishes he was still stubborn, and powers through defenders.

It’s just game one of the preseason.  In time, maybe, in time.