Bryant, widely considered as the best basketball player on the planet, was having an out-of-this-world performance—and I mean that in a bad way.
He was horrendous, missing shot after shot and losing his handle on more than one occasion. It wasn’t the Bryant we have seen throughout his career, or even the player we had seen the entire NBA Finals.
The Boston Celtics were on top of their game, obtaining a 13-point lead at one point in the third quarter. With Bryant struggling with his shot and everything in between, he began to focus on other things—like his teammates.
Pau Gasol and Ron Artest became the Lakers’ formidable scorers, making big shots and big plays time and time again as the comeback was in full swing. Bryant, on the other hand, knew his shot was off and focused on the glass. He ended up with a double-double because of his rebounding efforts.
More importantly, Bryant showed a version of himself nobody was accustomed to a decade ago.
Back then we all knew a talented young player with amazing skills, although his ego sometimes overshadowed his potential greatness. He was characterized as a selfish player and careless teammate, even being ridiculed by former floor mate Shaquille O’Neal and current head coach, Phil Jackson.
That was then and this is now.
It seems as if Kobe has come full circle, starting last season, and increasing his maturity level every game. The 2008 season ended in disappointment, but it was an experience which made Kobe stronger down the road. He realized the importance of trusting others and working together.
This new-found realization has made Kobe an elder statesman in t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
