Ranking every Kobe Bryant season with the Lakers: 11. 2010-11
The Lakers were coming off winning back-to-back championships. They were looking to get their second 3-peat in the last 10 years. Bryant was playing rejuvenated basketball and although him and Gasol went back-and-forth often, they enjoyed a lot of success together.
The season started off great with the Lakers winning their first eight games. The team finished the season 57-25 as it would be Phil Jackson’s last season coaching. They would end up getting bounced in the second round by the Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas Mavericks.
Bryant enjoyed a great season as his FG% stayed steady at 45.1% and his shooting splits were 45.1/32.3/82.8. He averaged 25.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per night. His impact on the court was still elite as his offensive rating was 111.5 and his defensive rating was 104.2, good for a +7.3 net-rating. His eFG% of 48.7% and TS% of 54.8% were in the middle of the pack for his career.
The Lakers offense was bad with him off the court as their rating dropped to 101.2 which is a -10.3 differential. So it showed how his game was still elite and as Kobe went the Lakers went as well.
Highlights of the season included Bryant being the leader in All-Star votes and winning the All-Star MVP with 37 points and 14 rebounds. He capped off the season as a first-team All-NBA selection and All-Defensive first team.