This is an accurate statement by Bean.
“This is probably the best I’ve played in a while,” Bryant said after practice Monday. “I’ve had years the last few years where I’ve felt pretty good but we kept my minutes down so the numbers didn’t look the same, but this year I feel pretty good.”
“I think it’s just the minutes,” Bryant said. “I’m playing more. And I’m also extremely healthy. I had a whole summer to really be healthy, to be in shape, to get stronger and I think that has a lot to do with it. Diet has a lot to do with it, too. Watching what I eat.”
Contrary to popular belief, he is shooting around the same amount of shots that he has during the last six seasons, but this year his shooting percentages is much higher 48%. He is also averaging 5 assists and 5 rebounds a game. Unless your name is Lebron or Durant you don’t see too many 30, 5, 5 seasons in the NBA anymore.
Even though the Lakers are 15-15, you can’t say Kobe isn’t doing his part. Without him they would be 5-25, so while there are still times where his hero ball bogs down the Lakers, there are many more times where it keeps them in ball games.
Doing what he is doing, 17 years in the league, at the shooting guard position is unheard of and will be appreciate more whenever he does retire, which at this point is anyone’s guess.