When we think of Kobe Bryant‘s statistics, anything similar to 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists is a familiar stat line. He nearly repeated that exact line tonight.
ESPN came out with a player ranking, and had Kobe ranked #40 in the league. Whether or not that added fuel to the fire, Kobe did come out shooting. While tonight’s Laker loss was rather disappointing, it was nice to get a glimpse of Kobe Bryant can go about getting 27 points.
Kobe Bryant showed once again, that he’s the master of the midrange game. His number one shot is easily going to the post and setting up the fade away jumpshot. It’s comforting to see him equally consistent off-the-dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations from 15′-20′. He looks like a pure, knockdown shooter out there.
He used his hoop IQ to draw fouls. While 27 points is impressive, it’s important to note that he got to the line 13 times and only made 7 of his free throw attempts. If he shot his career free throw percentage, we would have witnessed his first 30-point game in nearly two years.
Kobe did an excellent job finding Carlos Boozer as a teammate as well. He was the target of two assists.
There is a play where he took Gordon Hayward off the dribble and drew a foul. While it may be easy for fans to get excited about Kobe Bryant attacking the basket, Hayward was clearly out of position and Kobe Bryant took advantage of the poor position. He easily had half-a-step on Gordon.
The Lakers are several games into the preseason and it’s important that the Laker team gets healthy, as well as get their legs under them. We have yet to see an explosive or quick Kobe Bryant on the floor. We have witnessed the Paul Pierce version of his game.
I can’t help but think there’s more in the tank than that. Hopefully, into the season, Kobe Bryant gets more comfortable on the floor and can generate more lift for better offensive punch.
The Lakers definitely need it.