It looked as though Bryant was playing more as a facilitator, than a scorer, and honestly that usually works out for the better of the team.
Kobe asked the media, "Do you really have to worry about me finding my shot?"
It almost seems silly to begin questioning arguably the best player of all-time, but reality is slowly showing us that father-time is starting to knock on Kobe's door.
The 32-year-old superstar is beginning to feel the natural effects of aging. During the off season, Kobe had surgery on one of his knees, but it hasn't seemed to bother him on a dramatic level...yet.
The obvious keyword is yet. It's hard to believe that Kobe is already 32 years old, but it's starting to become more visible in his game. Kobe doesn't seem to have the same lift on his shot as he used to have and his style of play is becoming more and more like that of Jordan's, towards the end of his career.
Kobe's knee is forcing him to rely more heavily on his I.Q. and less on his athleticism. This is what makes Kobe a great player. He has adjusted more and more each year and it's showing.
Only a couple of seasons ago, Kobe told the media that he had been working on his bank-shots and now, it has become one of his many diverse moves.
What about this season? Like I said before, he is coming off knee surgery, and for someone like him, a knee injury can't come at a more worse time in his career.
Kobe's game has relied on his athletic ability, mixed in with a whole lot of skills. No one is going to question his work ethic and I guarantee Kobe worked harder than any other player in the league during the off season, but will his body be able to hold up until late June?
...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
