Top 7 Kobe Bryant Games of the 2014-15 Season

Jan 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of the NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

7. January 15, 2015: Cleveland Cavaliers at Lakers

The end was near for Bryant’s season. By this point he was missing games regularly. No one knew from night to night if he would play, which was creating chaos for the team on and off the court. The Lakers lost this game 109 – 102. However, Bryant played 32 minutes and had 23 points on 50% shooting. He grabbed an astounding 17 rebounds and had six assists. It took so much out of him, however, that he missed the next two games, and when he finally returned to the court on January 21, 2015 against the Pelicans, he hurt his shoulder and his season ended.

In trying to put Bryant’s shortened year in perspective one must knowledge he accomplished as much as his incredible focus and determination would allow, but his skills had diminished and his body would not allow him to play 30+ minutes very game. When he returns this fall he will surely provide us with a few more thrills. In the end, however, it is unlikely the roster will be much improved or that the season will end well for the team or for Bryant. It is unrealistic to expect his body will cooperate at age 37, so as to enable him to exit the game of basketball with grace and dignity. Still, looking back on this year, we should cherish and appreciate what Bryant gave us, as he led the team to exciting, early season wins over much better opponents.

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7. January 15, 2015: Cleveland Cavaliers at Lakers

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