Kobe Bryant finds rhythm, pours in 31 points to help Lakers earn fifth win
Kobe Bryant has been simultaneously revered and maligned this season as he takes his farewell tour of the league and drags the often-hapless Lakers with him. Tuesday night, he was good Kobe, tying a season-high 31 points as L.A. topped the Denver Nuggets111–107 for its fifth win of the season.
Bryant shot 10 of 22 from the floor and added five assists in what was his fourth consecutive 20-point game (he sat out Saturday’s blowout loss to the Thunder with a sore shoulder). As erratic as he’s been, and as frequently as his egregious airballs have circulated in lowlight form, Bryant appears to have found some form of rhythm, at least temporarily, and he scored 13 in the first quarter alone on Tuesday.
The outgoing Bryant also chipped in this late-game shot that made it a three-possession contest. The footwork is vintage, the rim-roll was kind. Roy Hibbert was entertained.
Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson added 19 and 16, respectively, for Los Angeles, which is now 5–23 and still headed nowhere fast. But Laker fans and Kobe sympathizers will take all the moments he’s got left.
For more riveting Kobe action, check in when the Lakers host the Thunder (and Bryant’s dinner buddy Kevin Durant) on Wednesday.
