| Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Born: August 23, 1978, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | |
| Newsbreakers |
December 25, 2008
Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 27 points in Thursday's 92-83 win over the Celtics, to go along with a team-high nine boards, five assists and one steal.
Our View:Bryant is averaging 32.5 points over his last four games, three of which were wins for the Lakers.
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December 23, 2008
Kobe Bryant posted his lowest point total in nine days on Tuesday, finishing with 26. He did have six rebounds and four assists as well.
Our View:Bryant 77 points in his last two games for the Lakers, which shows what kind of run he's been on lately.
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December 22, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 36 points on Monday, helping the Lakers end their losing streak at two games. He also recorded four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Our View:Kobe posted 41 and 28 points in his previous two games, but it wasn't enough. Bryant has scored 28+ in his last three games.
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December 20, 2008
Kobe Bryant tried to pick up the Lakers a night after a tough loss to the Heat with 41 points, but they came up just short again, losing 106-103. He also had eight rebounds and three assists.
Our View:This was Bryant's highest point total of the season, with his previous high being 35 on November 28th.
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December 19, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points on Friday and would've had 30 if his buzzer-beater didn't rim out in the fourth quarter. The shot would've tied the game, but the Lakers ultimately lost 89-87 to Miami.
Our View:This was Bryant's second straight game with 28 points for the Lakers.
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December 17, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 28 points on Tuesday to lead the Lakers to a thrilling 116-114 victory.
Our View:Bryant also registered seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
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December 14, 2008
Kobe Bryant had a rough outing on Sunday night as he hit just nine of 24 shots, though a 6-for-6 effort from the line left him with 26 points in the game.
Our View:Surprisingly, Bryant has made nine or fewer shots in five of his last six games as his shot hasn't been falling in the month of December though that hasn't stopped him from averaging 25.9 points per contest.
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December 13, 2008
Kobe Bryant went over 30 points for the fourth time on Thursday, finishing with 32. He also added seven rebounds, three assists, and one block in the Lakers' 112-103 win over the Kings.
Our View:The Lakers got their revenge on the Kings, who knocked them off in Sacramento on Tuesday.
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December 9, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers on Tuesday with 28 points which is nothing unusual. However, the Lakers got dropped by the Kings 113-101 which is extremely unusual. Los Angeles is still 17-3 this year.
Our View:Bryant also had four rebounds and three assists in Tuesday's game.
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December 7, 2008
Kobe Bryant had 20 points and a season-high eight assists to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat Milwaukee 105-92 on Sunday.
Our View:Kobe has helped the Lakers get off to a 17-2 start but his numbers are generally down from last season's MVP effort.
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December 7, 2008
The Los Angeles Lakers are getting tired of blowing some big leads and may make some changes, such as leaving starters in longer, according to the L.A. Times. "We've got to get back to doing what we do best, which is have those leads and start squeezing things," said Kobe Bryant.
Our View:As far as fantasy owners are concerned, the Lakers can blow as many leads as they want as long as Bryant keeps getting his numbers. He is putting up nearly 25 points per game, along with over five rebounds and more than four assists.
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December 5, 2008
The AP reports that Kobe Bryant banked in a running 12-foot jumper over Caron Butler with 25 seconds left Friday night, then went 1-for-2 on foul shots 10 seconds later, but the best-in-the-West Lakers eked out a 106-104 victory over the worst-in-the-East Washington Wizards. He was 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Our View:Kobe continues to be one of the best go-to players in the NBA. He is playing a reduced role this season with a far more talented team, but he is still one of the best fantasy commodities in the game.
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December 3, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the way for the Lakers on Wednesday night with a 32 point effort in their 114-102 win over the 76ers.
Our View:The Lakers bounced back on Wednesday night after a last second loss to the Pacers on Tuesday night. They have only loss two games this year.
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December 2, 2008
Kobe Bryant had another strong night on Tuesday, scoring 28 points to go with seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Our View:Bryant's performance wasn't enough as the Lakers fell to the Pacers 118-117.
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November 30, 2008
Kobe Bryant had 23 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 112-99 on Sunday. He shot 9-for-14 from the field.
Our View:The Lakers success actually hurts the reigning MVP's stats as he plays limited minutes in their blowout victories.
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November 28, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in scoring Friday night as they defeated the Mavericks 114-107. He finished with 35 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.
Our View:The Lakers are now 13-1 on the year as they drove Dallas back under .500 at 7-8. With Bryant putting up numbers like this, we could see two repeats later in the season: Bryant has league MVP and the Lakers as Western Conference champs.
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November 23, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points (he was 10-for-20 from the field) as the Lakers improved to 11-1 with a 10 point victory over the Kings on Sunday night.
Our View:Bryant also had six assists and three steals in what was a somewhat plain but still productive outing. Amazing when a guy is so good that a line like this one seems boring isn't it?
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November 22, 2008
Kobe Bryant carried the Lakers with a game-high 29 points in Friday's 104-90 win over the Nuggets, to go along with four boards, two assists, and two steals.
Our View:He only attempted five free throws in the game, four of which he made. Bryant tied his second-highest scoring total of the season.
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November 19, 2008
Kobe Bryant was held under his season average of 24.8 points-per-game, with 21 by the Bulls, but the Lakers still won 116-109. Bryant also had five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Our View:Even without going off for 30+ points, Kobe still is a strong fantasy contributor as he registered across the board on Tuesday. He's making a run at back-to-back MVPs.
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November 15, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points in the Lakers' first defeat of the year. He also contributed five rebounds, six assists, four steals, and a block.
Our View:Kobe was solid for the Lakers but didn't have much support, as Pau Gasol was the only other starter to score in double figures on Friday. All five Pistons' starters scored in double figures.
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November 13, 2008
Despite hitting a big shot in the Lakers' 93-86 win over New Orleans Wednesday, coach Phil Jackson was not thrilled with the play of Kobe Bryant in the fourth quarter, according to the L.A. Times. "He was doing too much at the end of the ball game. We should have had him off ball a few times so it wasn't always him on ball," said Jackson.
Our View:Bryant scored 20 points in the game, which included a three-pointer with about a minute left. No matter what Jackson says, Kobe is likely going to be the guy with the ball in his hands at the end of the game, which is just fine with fantasy owners.
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November 12, 2008
The AP reports that Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, highlighted by a tough three-pointer over James Posey with just over a minute left, and the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 7-0 with a 93-86 victory over New Orleans on Wednesday night. With his 20 points, Kobe needs just three to tie Larry Bird for 23rd on the all-time scoring list.
Our View:Kobe also led the team with six assists. With so many other offensive options now in L.A., it's only natural that Bryant's scoring will be down some this season. Hopefully, he can produce enough in other categories to warrant his high fantasy selection.
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November 11, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in scoring with 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting. The Lakers beat the Mavericks 106-99.
Our View:The Lakers outscored the Mavericks in the second half 52-39 in their come from behind win. Bryant and the Lakers are 6-0.
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November 9, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in scoring with 23 points as they handed a beat down to the Rockets in their 111-82 victory over the 4-3 Rockets. Jordan Farmer added 16 points while Andrew Bynum contributed 13 points and seven rebounds.
Our View:The Lakers entered halftime leading by just two, 50 to 48, before outscoring the Rockets by 27 points in the second half. Bryant hit 10 of 17 shots on the night while adding three boards, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
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November 6, 2008
Kobe Bryant poured in 27 points as the Lakers beat the Clippers 106-88 on Wednesday. He was just 8-for-21 from the field and 11-for-14 from the line.
Our View:Kobe had three assists, two boards, two steals, two blocks and two turnovers on the night. His production will fluctuate with his minutes as a dominant Lakers squad will look to keep Kobe as fresh as possible throughout the season.
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November 1, 2008
Kobe Bryant carried the Lakers with a game-high 33 points in Saturday's 104-97 win over Denver. He also chipped in four boards, three assists, and two steals. Pau Gasol led with 16 rebounds as well.
Our View:Bryant was only averaging 19.5 points over the first two games of the season due to a strong supporting cast, but proved tonight that he can still score among the NBA's elite.
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October 30, 2008
Kobe Bryant played just 31 minutes as the Lakers routed the Clippers 117-79 on Wednesday. The MVP finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Our View:Surrounded by more options on offense and an all around better team, Kobe figures to take less shots and play less minutes than in recent seasons. This is not good news for fantasy owners as his stats will likely take a hit.
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October 29, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 23 points in their 96-76 win over the Blazers on Tuesday night.
Our View:Obviously the knee Kobe tweaked in the preseason didn't hurt him at all on opening night. The reigning MVP picked up right where he left off.
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October 24, 2008
Kobe Bryant missed Thursday's preseason game due to swelling in his right knee, according to ESPN. He said, "I've got a little bit of puffiness in the back of the knee. It's just from the trauma of landing the way I landed. So we'll just knock that out and make sure the swelling's out of there, which should be soon. Then I'm OK. After seeing the injury on TV, I'm surprised it's not worse, to be honest."
Our View:He feels fine and noted that he just needs to get the swelling out of his knee. He hopes to play Friday night in the preseason finale against Oklahoma City, and coach Phil Jackson has not ruled out the possibility. But if he can't play, the team may talk with Bryant about having some diagnostic tests done on the knee.
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October 23, 2008
Kobe Bryant could play in the Lakers exhibition game on Thursday, if the soreness in his hyperextended right knee is not overwhelming, according to the L.A. Times.
Our View:Bryant and teammate Josh Powell banged knees in the team's preseason game on Tuesday, but thankfully for the Lakers and fantasy owners, he should be fine.
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October 22, 2008
ESPN.com reports that Kobe Bryant is day-to-day and that he will not undergo an MRI.
Our View:This is obviously great news for the league, the Lakers and all owners who were fortunate to draft him. Kobe was the MVP last season and should compete for the award again this season.
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October 21, 2008
The Orange County Register reports that Kobe Bryant left the Lakers’ exhibition game against Charlotte before halftime after landing on teammate Josh Powell’s foot in pursuit of an offensive rebound. Bryant hyperextended his right knee and immediately walked to the bench before continuing on soon to the locker room for further examination.
Our View:All indications were that Bryant’s injury is not serious. He returned to the Lakers’ bench in his sweater and jeans and has been moving and standing fine and even joking around with teammates. We will keep you posted as more information is made available.
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October 19, 2008
The AP reports that Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat FC Barcelona, Pau Gasol's old team, 108-104 on Saturday night in an exhibition game. The reigning NBA MVP was 10-for-14 from the field in 27 minutes.
Our View:Kobe averaged 28.3 points per game last season but he should expect to share some more of those shots this season as the Lakers have more offensive options than in recent seasons.
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October 18, 2008
Lakers coach Phil Jackson believes Kobe Bryant might be tired from his long summer in the Olympics, according to the L.A. Times. "Kobe still looks to me like his legs might be a little bit tired," Jackson said.
Our View:Bryant has not shot the ball very well this preseason, which is one of the reasons for concern. Fantasy owners should keep his heavy workload in mind when deciding whether or not to draft him with a top pick.
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October 7, 2008
Kobe Bryant took just six shots in 24 minutes of action as the Lakers lost to the Jazz 90-99 on Tuesday. He finished with just eight points to go with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.
Our View:With more scoring options in L.A. this season, Bryant will shoot a little bit less but don't expect just six shots from him in any regular season game. His defensive production and efficiency should increase this season as less pressure is on his shoulders to score.
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September 30, 2008
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, along with teammate Pau Gasol, may six out a few games in the preseason because of their offseason schedule, which included playing in the Olympics, according to FoxSports.com.
Our View:Bryant also has an injured pinkie finger that he will not have surgery on, so there are a number of issues for fantasy owners to consider in their drafts. Still, Kobe offers a stat line that few can match.
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September 9, 2008
Kobe Bryant has decided against surgery to repair ligament damage in his right pinkie finger. The superstar does not want to risk missing time in the 2008-09 season. "I have always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries. That's really just part of the game. When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery," Bryant says on KB24.com.
Our View:Bryant played through this injury late last season and throughout the Olympics. Sure, we'd prefer that the pinkie wasn't a lingering concern, but it shouldn't hinder his fantasy value much, if at all.
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September 6, 2008
Kobe Bryant will announce the date he plans on having his hand surgery on Monday via kb24.com according to the Orange County Register.
Our View:It is expected to take at least six weeks to fully recover but don't be surprised if Kobe pushes this. He should be ready to go for the Lakers season opener and it's doubtful he will show much rust. Kobe is a virtual lock as a top-3 selection in NBA fantasy circles.
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August 26, 2008
Kobe Bryant is yet to plan a date to undergo surgery to mend ligament damage to his right pinkie finger, according to the OC Register.
Our View:Bryant planned to take a few days to contemplate the situation, upon his return from the Olympics. Bryant’s post-surgery recovery likely will take at least four weeks.
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August 20, 2008
Kobe Bryant guided Team USA to a 116-85 win over the Andrew Bogut-led Australian club in Beijing. Bryant scored a game-high 23 points with five boards and a block. LeBron James led the team with 10 boards and added 16 points. Carmelo Anthony finished third in scoring with 15 points.
Our View:The United States remains perfect in the Olympics with a 6-0 mark. They shot 56.6% from the field against Australia, and hit 12-of-28 three-pointers (42.9%). They also outrebounded Australia 58 to 27.
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August 14, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 18 points in Team USA's 92-69 win over Greece in the Olympics Thursday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Chris Bosh also registered 18 points and Dwayne Wade scored 17 points.
Our View:Team USA shot 54 percent from the field, and hit 7-of-20 shots from long range. They also forced Greece to make 25 turnovers. Spain is next up on the Olympic schedule, who are the reigning world champion.
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August 9, 2008
While the NBA was a bit shocked to hear LeBron James would consider playing international ball if the price was right, Laker superstar Kobe Bryant has echoed the sentiment, reportedly interested in returning to Italy (where he spent much of his youth) to play ball, if the price was right, according to the Boston Globe. Asked about LeBron's comments and if he would consider a move to international competition, Bryant commented, "I'd go. I'd probably go. Like Milan or something like that, where I grew up or something like that. Do you know any reasonable person that would turn down 50 (million dollars)?"
Our View:The talk always centers around money, but the exchange rate for the slumping American dollar is what makes this a hot topic. Add that international leagues are not confined by salary caps and are supported by corporate dollars rather than an individual owner and it is easy to see one of these teams coming up with the dough to make such an offer. LeBron is a free agent in two years, and while NBA teams are gearing up to make that run to hire him, it would not shock to see an international squad do the same. Kobe is a free agent next summer, thus the experiment could become a reality sooner than we realize. Stay tuned.
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August 6, 2008
The NBA released its schedule today, pitting Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers in their season opener against Greg Oden and the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Tuesday, October 28th, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our View:There are a ton of great matchups for both teams during the season, but this particular battle will match the best young center to hit the league against the best player in the game. We'll get a good look at Oden's potential as he commences into his rookie season (having not played a single game due to injury last season, he is still labeled as a rookie by NBA rules). With Kobe looking to rid the memories of a frustrating end to last season, you can bet he'll be geared up and ready to go.
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August 3, 2008
Kobe Bryant provided the offense in the U.S. Olympic team's first defensive struggle, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the third quarter of an 89-68 victory on Sunday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View:Carmelo Anthony added 17 points in what was by far the Americans' most competitive tuneup yet for the Beijing Games. The United States had been scoring 118 points per game while winning its first three exhibitions by an average of 41 points. Russia allowed far fewer fast-break baskets than the previous U.S. opponents, successfully keeping the game in the halfcourt by grabbing 12 offensive rebounds and forcing the Americans to run more offensive sets.
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August 1, 2008
At halftime of team USA's beating of Lithuania, something very odd happened, according to Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com. One of the men refereeing decided that would be a good time for him to take a smoke break.
Our View:It was halftime, so we guess referee is free to do what he wants, but don't the carcinogens make it a bit tougher to run up and down the floor with world-class athletes? This has zero to do with fantasy basketball, but it was so strange, we felt it deserved a mention.
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June 25, 2008
The Orange County Register reports that Kobe Bryant will hold off having surgery on his hand in order to compete in the Olympics this summer.
Our View:Bryant tore a ligament in his hand mid-season and continues to delay a surgery that doctors have deemed necessary. But if you thought he would let down his country, you are out of your mind. This is yet another chapter to add to the lengthy, selfless Kobe Bryant Saga.
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June 21, 2008
Kobe Bryant is content with the Lakers and didn't close out the season angry at team management as he was in 2007, according to the LA Times. Bryant said, "I'm comfortable with what we have. Whatever Mitch (Kupchak) decides to do, he decides to do. I am bitter we lost the championship, but I bounce back pretty quickly. Not to say the loss doesn't sting, because it does and it will, but I bounce back quickly."
Our View:Bryant will head off to Las Vegas next week to practice with the U.S. Olympic basketball team. After the Beijing Games he will undergo surgery on his injured right pinkie. He couldn't lead the Lakers to the NBA title, but a gold medal in the Olympics would be a tremendous consolation prize.
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June 16, 2008
Kobe Bryant and his Laker teammates are a game from elimination but there is no panic for the team, nor is there a sense that Kobe must win the series by himself, according to Slam Sports. "A lot of people say, 'Kobe, you have to go out for 40 or 50,' but that's not how we play," Bryant said. "That's not what's going to win championships. We've got to stick together, ride this out as a unit, and that's what we're going to do."
Our View:While it's true that the whole team needs to contribute, it certainly wouldn't hurt if Bryant had one of those games where he lights up the scoreboard. If we had to guess, we would say there could be a lot of fireworks in Game 6.
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June 15, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 25 points with seven boards and four assists in Sunday's Game 5, and helped the Lakers ward off elimination in a 103-98 victory over the Celtics. Los Angeles now trails in the series 3-2.
Our View:Bryant is averaging 26.4 points per game in the finals against Boston, who were notably the top defensive team in the NBA this season.
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June 15, 2008
Kobe Bryant isn't concerned about his team's mindset as they face elimination against the Celtics in Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA Finals, this according to SI.com.
"I borrowed Phil [Jackson]'s peace pipe. We had a big kumbaya meeting," he joked on Saturday.
"No, everybody's fine. Everybody is in the same mood that I am. Everybody's ready to go. We're excited about the opportunity." The Celtics are up 3-1 in the seven game series and could earn a championship with a win tonight.
Our View:Leave it to Bryant, the most negative of the Lakers' players during the offseason, to put a positive spin on a team that has underperformed during the Celtics series. They also face a task that has never been accomplished in the NBA playoffs, coming back from a 3-1 deficit.
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June 14, 2008
The Lakers may be down 3-1 in their NBA Finals series with the Boston Celtics, but they have one more game at home and they have the best player on the court, and he wants you to know "The series ain't over. It's far from over." At least that's what Kobe Bryant is saying, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:The Lakers were holding practice today and you can bet the words for his failing teammates were much more pointed behind closed doors. It would be great to have Andrew Bynum right now, but the Lakers still have the roster to get this done. Game 5 comes tomorrow.
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June 13, 2008
Kobe Bryant commented on the Lakers' Game 4 collapse which let the Celtics escape with a commanding 3-1 lead in the Finals, according to the Star Tribune. The MVP said, "We let a huge opportunity slip away, so I'm upset, hurt, disappointed. It's a huge loss, no doubt about it. We've got to take the good things that we did well in this game, understand what we did wrong in the third quarter and move on from there."
Our View:Bryant only hit six of 19 shots in Game 4 Thursday, and the Lakers are not likely to recover from a 3-1 deficit in the series against the NBA's best defensive team.
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June 12, 2008
Kobe Bryant failed to raise his game hitting only six of 19 shots on Thursday night in the Lakers deflating loss to the Celtics 97-91. The Lakers must now become the first team in finals history to overcome a 3-1 deficit if they are to win the championship.
Our View:Bryant just couldn't get his shot to fall on this night and was only able to dish out four assists. He did contribute four steals and 10 boards, but that mattered little tonight.
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June 10, 2008
Kobe Bryant (who else?) led the Lakers with 36 points in the Game 3 win over the Celtics. He shot 12-of-20 from the floor and closed the door with two key buckets in the final 1:10 of the contest.
Our View:He isn't the MVP for nothing. The Lakers will need to continue to hold serve if they want to stay in the series.
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June 8, 2008
The Lakers have taken a worrisome 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals, falling 108-102 to Boston this evening. Team leader Kobe Bryant shot 11-of-23 from the floor and 7-of-7 from the charity stripe to score 30 points, adding just four rebounds and eight assists to the stat line.
Our View:Kobe is in need of help, but the lack of defense by the entire team has put them in this hole. Now the series shifts to Los Angeles where the Lakers are likely to find better returns.
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June 5, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, but he was just 9-for-26 from the field and didn't score in the last five minutes of the game in the Lakers 98-88 loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the Finals.
Our View:The Lakers simply can't win with an effort like this from Bryant. What's strange is that Kobe just disappeared down the stretch. Do league MVP's do that in the Finals?
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June 4, 2008
It's a misnomer that Kobe Bryant is the entire offense for the Lakers. In fact the Lakers are a very balanced group offensively. The Triangle offense is a perfect fit for Pau Gasol and four different Lakers are scoring in double-figures this postseason.
Our View:The Lakers are playing solid half court defense, led by Kobe. Their weakness is transitionally, which doesn't come into play in this series with the Celtics more deliberate style.
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May 30, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 39 points to lead the Lakers to a 4-1 series victory over the Spurs on Thursday night and push the team to its first Finals appearance in four years.
Our View:Bryant took a whopping 30 shots on the night, hitting 16, and he was perfect from the free-throw line going 5-for-5. Bryant appears to be on a mission and will likely give whomever emerges from the East all they can handle.
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May 27, 2008
The Lakers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, winning tonight in San Antonio, 93-91. As usual, the charge was led by guard Kobe Bryant , shooting 14-of-29 from the field to score a team-high 28 points, also adding 10 rebounds to complete the double-double.
Our View:Bryant failed to garner a single foul, never taking a shot from the free-throw line and missing the only three-point shot he launched. All of points came from the floor, and tonight the Lakers needed each and every one of them. Now they adjourn to Los Angeles with hopes of closing this series and moving on the NBA Championship series.
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May 25, 2008
The bulk of the Lakers struggled to rise in the 103-84 loss to the Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. However, it is no shock that guard Kobe Bryant was at the top of the offensive charts, shooting 12-of-23 from the field, 4-of-9 from the three-point line, and 0-of-1 (that's right, just one foul earned) at the free-throw line to score 30 points, also adding five rebounds, one assist, and three steals to the box score.
Our View:Bryant is going to need more from the supporting cast if the Lakers are going to win on the road, but you know Mamba will be there regardless.
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May 23, 2008
Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom led the Lakers to a convincing 101-71 victory over the Spurs in Friday's Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Bryant scored 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting while adding five points and five assists, while Odom chipped in with 20 points and 12 boards.
Our View:The Lakers just barely snuck by the defending champs in the first game of the series, but this one was basically over just after the tip.
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May 21, 2008
Kobe Bryant had just two points in the first half of Wednesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, but he scored 25 the rest of the way en route to helping the Lakers overcome a 20-point second half deficit to defeat the Spurs, 89-85. Kobe also added five rebounds and nine assists.
Our View:Kobe certainly didn't look MVP-worthy for a while, but by the end of the night he reminded everyone why he earned the award.
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May 19, 2008
The LA Times reports that only a handful Lakers were on hand for an informal practice Sunday that involved scrimmaging, shooting and conditioning. Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher were given the day off. Pau Gasol and Sasha Vujacic came in for treatment. "Sasha got banged around a little bit," Jackson said. "Pau's ankle. Kobe's back. Lamar's knee. You just go down the list of things that go on and players have to maintain it. There's just nagging injuries that go on through this time of the year, and you want them to be as healthy as possible."
Vujacic experienced a bit of whiplash in Game 6, taking a charge against Utah's Paul Millsap and banging his head against the court.
Our View:Kobe and the Lakers will be intently watching tonight's Spurs and Hornets Game 7 while they rehab their bumps and bruises.
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May 17, 2008
Kobe Bryant battled through his sore back to score a game-high 34 points in Friday's 108-105 win over Utah. He also chipped in eight boards and six assists.
Our View:The Lakers won the series 4-2, and Kobe averaged 33.1 points over the six games.
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May 16, 2008
Coach Phil Jackson declared Kobe Bryant ready to go for Game 6 against Utah after Friday's shootaround, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Jackson commented on Kobe's sore back, "I think he'll have no problem. He came out and shot with the rest of the players."
Our View:The Lakers lead the series against Utah 3-2, and it will take more than a sore back to keep Kobe out of tonight's crucial Game 6.
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May 16, 2008
Kobe Bryant sat out Thursday's practice, resting his back, which he said felt "really, really tight" and "pretty sore" after Game 5, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Our View:Kobe's back probably won't get better until this offseason, but he's certainly not going to sit out any playoff games as a result.
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May 15, 2008
As usual, it was Laker guard Kobe Bryant leading the way in the Lakers' 111-104 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Kobe went 6-of-10 from the floor, 1-of-2 from long range, and 13-of-17 from the free-throw line to score a team-high 26 points, adding six rebounds, seven assists and two steals to the stat line.
Our View:The supporting case was the key to victory this evening, a refreshing approach for Kobe as the team seeks to keep him happy moving forward.
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May 14, 2008
Kobe Bryant did not practice on Tuesday, but he says he'll play on Wednesday night. The MVP tells the Los Angeles Times that his sore back felt better on Tuesday than it did on Monday. "There's the possibility he may not shoot the ball well, but that doesn't really concern us that much because he'll find a way to do what is necessary in the ballgame at some level," head coach Phil Jackson adds.
Our View:There's no way Kobe is going to give the media or the Jazz any clear indication of how much he is or is not hurting at this point.
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May 14, 2008
If Kobe Bryant is as limited as he was in Game 4, the Lakers may be in some trouble. With Bryant looking far less explosive than usual with a bad back and tweaked ankle, Kirilenko blocked several of Bryant's shots and limited the superstar to an awful 13-of-33 shooting from the floor.
Our View:The Lakers need to balance out their offense if they plan on holding serve and winning Game 5 tonight in LA.
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May 13, 2008
Kobe Bryant (back spasms) skipped practice again on Tuesday, but he still says he will be ready to play in Game 5 on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times. "The last game was kind of an indicator for me, so if it is that bad -- I don't think it'll be that bad again -- but if it is, I kind of know what I can and can't do already."
Our View:Bryant will clearly be limited because of the injury, but they don't award any points for second place in the playoffs so look for Kobe to suck it up and do what he can to help the Lakers overcome the Jazz.
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May 12, 2008
Kobe Bryant has been selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team, according to the AP.
Our View:This was Bryant's eighth career selection, and he earned it this season by averaging 6.3 boards, 1.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest.
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May 12, 2008
Kobe Bryant tweaked a lower back muscle during Sunday's loss to the Jazz, but stated that he will be ready to go for Game 5, according to the LA Daily News. He said, "I should be OK. I'll definitely play."
Our View:Bryant was in pain in Game 4 and couldn't attack the rim, but still scored 33 points (with 10 assists). He could be limited in crucial Game 5, but shouldn't miss the game, as the series is tied 2-2.
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May 11, 2008
Kobe Bryant, who tweaked a lower back muscle in Sunday's 123-115 loss to the Jazz, scored 33 points and added 10 helpers.
Our View:Bryant was in obvious pain for most of the final three quarters, and didn't have the wherewithal to attack the rim resulting in several critical blocked shots by Jazz defender Andrei Kirilenko. While Bryant is expected to play in Game 5 back at in LA at the Staples Center, he could again be limited by the lower back ailment.
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May 9, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 34 points for the Lakers, but it wasn't enough as the Utah Jazz registered a 104-99 victory over Los Angeles on Friday night, cutting the Lakers' lead in the series to 2-1.
Our View:Bryant added six rebounds and seven assists in the loss.
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May 8, 2008
Kobe Bryant has been named First-Team All-NBA, according to the Boston Globe. Bryant, who also won the MVP Award, averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 boards, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game this season.
Our View:He earned the honor for the third straight season, and for the fifth time in his career. He also led the Lakers to a Western Conference-best 57-25 record.
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May 8, 2008
Some call him Mamba, some call him Kobayashi, and we all call him MVP. Regardless of your moniker of choice, there is no denying Kobe Bryant's contributions to the Lakers' 120-110 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of their playoff series. Bryant shot 11-of-18 from the field, 1-of-2 from three-point range, and an outstanding 11-of-12 from the free-throw line to score 34 points, also adding eight rebounds and six assists to the cause.
Our View:Bryant has scored at least 30 points in five of six playoff games for the Lakers thus far (scoring 22 in Game 3 versus Denver), including 49 points in Game 2 against the Nuggets and 38 in Game 1 against Utah. He's raising his game, getting his teammates involved, and proving worthy of the recently-awarded MVP trophy.
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May 6, 2008
Kobe Bryant was officially named the 2007-08 MVP on Tuesday, the AP reports. He recieved 82 first place votes and edged out Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James.
Our View:We've known this was coming for four or five days, and Kobe definitely deserved the award after leading the Lakers to the top of the West. Paul and KG had great claims, too. Anyway, Kobe will probably enter the 2008-09 season as a top-three fantasy pick alongside Paul and James.
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May 6, 2008
Kobe Bryant is expected to be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player today, according to the AP. It was a tight race from top contenders Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James. Bryant recently commented, "MVP nowadays is not an individual award. You really have to make your teammates better and elevate your ballclub. For me to be nominated in that race is a tremendous honor because that’s really been one of the criticisms that people have had of me, is how well do I make my teammates better. From that standpoint, I feel like I’ve already won."
Our View:Bryant earned the expected honor by averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 boards, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He is averaging 34.4 points over five games in the playoffs so far as well.
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May 4, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 38 points in Sunday's Game 1 win over the Jazz. The MVP went to the free-throw line 23 times and sunk 21 of those shots. Bryant added seven assists, six boards, and a steal.
Our View:The Jazz are known as a physical team, but they can't go so far as to give Kobe that many freebies. Jerry Sloan has his work cut out for him in figuring out Bryant in this series.
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May 2, 2008
ESPN is reporting that Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant has won the league MVP award. The announcement was based on Insider speculation.
Our View:The award is well deserved after a solid season and a first-round playoff sweep of the Denver Nuggets.
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May 1, 2008
Kobe Bryant has been resting nagging injuries over the last few days, but he is not in danger of missing a game, according to the LA Times. He is battling minor pain in his ankle, and tendinitis in his right knee. He said, "It's good to have a couple days and get your body right."
Our View:He averaged 33.5 points over the four-game sweep against Denver. He will be ready for the next round of action.
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April 26, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series, bouncing the Nuggets 102-84 on Saturday in Denver.
Our View:Bryant continues to make a case as the best player in the league, and if he doesn't win the MVP, there should be an investigation into why.
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April 24, 2008
If you didn't believe it before, you should probably give it full consideration now, for Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA and should be given the league's MVP award. Mamba shot 18-of-27 from the floor (outstanding), 5-of-9 from three-point range (superb), and 8-of-9 from the charity stripe (nearly perfect) to score an astounding 49 points against the Denver Nuggets, giving the Lakers a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series with a 107-122 win. Bryant also added 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot to the evening.
Our View:This is a game you can tell your grandkids about, a Jordan-like moment that puts Kobe head and shoulders above the rest as the face of the NBA for this era of the league.
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April 20, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 18 of his 32 points in the final eight minutes of Sunday's win over the Denver Nuggets.
Our View:Bryant struggled from the floor shooting a weak 9-for-26, and had only three assists and one rebound in the high scoring Game 1 victory.
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April 17, 2008
Kobe Bryant was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for April, this according to NBA.com. Bryant led the Lakers to a 7-1 record on the month with averages of 26.1 points and 5.5 assists. It was Bryant's second player of the month honors.
Our View:Bryant scored 28.3 points per game this season with 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists in a season that just might earn him MVP honors. He is obviously one of the top options in playoff pools as the Lakers figure to challenge for the championship.
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April 13, 2008
Kobe Bryant led the way in Sunday's easy win over the Spurs. He had 20 points, five boards, five assists, two steals, and one block before sitting out the fourth quarter.
Our View:Bryant carried many fantasy teams this season. We just hope you didn't have your championship this week, as he managed outings of "only" 16, 29 and 20 points.
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April 12, 2008
In the Lakers' 104-107 win over the New Orleans Hornets, the West is one game closer to deciding their top seed and Kobe Bryant is one step closer to securing the league's MVP award. Kobe went 9-of-17 from the floor, 3-of-7 from three-point range, and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe to finish with a team-high 29 points, adding 10 rebounds for the double-double and eight assists to come up two shy of the triple-double. That's just the best in the game doing what he does.
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April 8, 2008
Kobe Bryant was at it again and Pau Gasol had his back, but the Lakers still managed to finish with a loss, falling to the Portland Trailblazers 103-112. Bryant was 11-of-26 from the floor, 2-of-7 from three-point range, and 10-of-13 from the charity stripe to score 34 points, adding five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one blocked shot. Gasol added 21 points of his own, going 7-of-12 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, adding 13 rebounds and four assists along the way. The Lakers need these wins, especially on nights when the Hornets fall. Getting Andrew Bynum back is starting to look more and more appealing with each passing day.
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April 7, 2008
Kobe Bryant was named the Western Conference player of the week for games ending on April 6th, this according to NBA.com. The Lakers went 3-0 behind Bryant as he averaged 30 point, 9.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 68.8% from downtown.
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April 5, 2008
Kobe Bryant spread the wealth and enjoyed the work of teammates Lamar Odom and Paul Gasol as the Lakers picked up the 112-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks last night. Kobe went 7-of-14 from the floor, 3-of-4 from the three-point line, and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line to score 25 points, adding 10 rebounds and six assists in a solid overall effort.
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April 3, 2008
Kobe Bryant continues to put the Lakers in position to win with outstanding performances on the court, leading his Lakers to a 104-91 win over Portland this evening. Bryant went 10-of-16 from the field, a strong 4-of-5 from the three-point stripe, and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line to score 36 points, adding 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Kobe is the man and continues to play like the best player in the league.
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March 30, 2008
Kobe Bryant paced the Lakers with 26 points and 13 assists as they knocked off the Wizards 126-120 on Sunday night. He also added four boards, one steal, and one block. That was his 17th double-double of the season.
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March 29, 2008
The Lakers are starting to give fans a bit of worry, coming off a 53-point performance from Kobe Bryant that results in a loss to the lowly Memphis Grizzlies (at home no less), 111-114, last night. This was the 23rd game with 50 or more points for Kobe since he first joined the NBA, third only to Michael Jordan (31) and Wilt Chamberlain (118) for career 50-point games. However, Grizzly SF Rudy Gay led five Memphis players earning double figures in the scoring category with 28 points, taking full advantage of a lackluster defensive effort that leaves significant questions for LA moving forward. Darko Milicic and Mike Miller each gathered double-digit rebound numbers for Memphis, Lakers PF Lamar Odom added just two points on the evening, and every other member of the LA roster failed to step in and fill the voids left by Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, both struggling to return from injury, all bad news with the playoffs approaching fast and Kobe struggling to keep his team on point.
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March 28, 2008
Kobe Bryant picked up two technicals when he was tossed out of Wednesday's game, which raised his season total to 15. If he gets a 16th T, he'll be automatically suspended for one game. Kobe's averaged one tech per week since the middle of January. Let's hope he can keep his tongue in check, as fantasy owners and the Lakers, alike, can't afford to have him sitting at all down the stretch.
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March 27, 2008
Kobe Bryant poured in a team-high 27 points in the Lakers' 108-95 loss to the Bobcats. He also chipped in six boards, three assists, and a block. He is playing fine since sustaining a sprained ankle and bruised eye against the Warriors on Monday.
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March 26, 2008
Kobe Bryant basically got the day off of practice on Tuesday. He sustained a bruised left eye and a sprained right ankle in Monday's win over the Warriors, the Los Angeles Times reports.
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March 25, 2008
Kobe Bryant sustained a gash under his left eye during battle with the Warriors and needed five stitches, but he is not expected to miss any time, according to the LA Times. This is good news for your stretch run.
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March 24, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 16 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter as the Lakers made a run at the Warriors. Without a big man in the Lakers lineup, the team is again depending on Kobe to carry the load. Bryant added a season-high 14 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Lakers Sunday night.
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March 19, 2008
Kobe Bryant is fine after jamming his right hip on Tuesday night. "It hurt for a minute and then it released," he tells the Los Angeles Times. "I'm A-OK." Fantasy owners should obviously keep him in their lineups.
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March 18, 2008
Kobe Bryant appeared to tweak his right groin late in Tuesday's run with the Mavs. He proceeded to tank a free throw, make the next one, then toss up an airball on his next shot. Kobe completed the game, finishing with 29 points, seven dimes, three swipes and two treys, but he appeared to be favoring his right leg at times. Hopefully, he'll be ready to face the Jazz on Thursday, but we'll have updates on his status as they come in.
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March 16, 2008
Kobe Bryant struggled on the day, going 11-of-33 from the field in the Lakers’ 92-104 loss to the Rockets. Bryant ended with 24 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. The potential MVP of the league is going to have tough days from time to time, and scoring 24 is a good way to come up short for fantasy owners. Look for Bryant to ramp it up as the playoffs approach.
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March 14, 2008
Kobe Bryant was up to his usual tricks this evening, scoring 36 points with nine rebounds and three assists, yet the Lakers fell short and lost to the New Orleans Hornets, 98-108.
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March 12, 2008
Kobe Bryant was up to the challenge of the Toronto Raptors this evening, scoring 34 points with seven rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and one block in the Lakers' 117-108 win over the Raptors. Just another day at the office for Kobe has he works this team towards bigger and better goals in the playoffs.
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March 4, 2008
Kobe Bryant didn't need to do much in the first three quarters Tuesday, as he scored just 17 points, but he lit things up in the fourth by scoring another 17 points and holding off the Kings for a 117-105 win. Kobe was just 10-for-26 from the field Tuesday, but he hit 14 of his 16 free-throw attempts and added 10 boards and two steals. Kobe's taken things to an unbelievable level since the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol. He doesn't seem the least bit bothered by his finger injury and has been in the "zone" regularly. He could well end up the NBA and fantasy MVP be season's end.
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March 2, 2008
Kobe Bryant exploded for 52 points on 15-of-27 shooting Sunday. Kobe also added 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal and two blocks for good measure. It's the first time this season but the 22nd time in Bryant's career that he's topped the 50-point mark. He's pretty good, eh?
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February 25, 2008
Kobe Bryant's ejection on Sunday night mattered little to the outcome of the game. Up 31 points late in the third quarter, Bryant already had 26 points, dished out 10 assists and quickly decided, in Kobe style, it was time to receive his first ejection of the season. Nevertheless, the Lakers put a 111-91 beating on the SuperSonics. The win is the eighth straight for Los Angeles and puts them in first place in the Pacific.
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February 20, 2008
Kobe Bryant sure wasn't hampered by his finger injury Wednesday, as he put up 41 points on 16-of-25 from the floor. Kobe also filled out the statsheet with five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Obviously you weren't even thinking about benching Kobe, but it's nice to see that the finger is a non-issue.
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February 20, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 23 points before sitting out the fourth quarter as the Lakers beat the Hawks 122-93 Tuesday night. It was Los Angeles' fifth consecutive victory.
Bryant, who dislocated his right pinkie last week, was 8-for-16 from the floor with five rebounds, five steals and three assists. Bryant didn't appear stressed by the injured finger during his 30 minutes of action.
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February 19, 2008
Kobe Bryant is determined to make it through the rest of the season without having surgery on his ailing pinkie. "I'm going to go all the way with it," Bryant said in the LA Times. "If it dislocates again, we'll have to rest it, ice it, do whatever we need to do. But that's my plan." Surgery would've sidelined Kobe for six weeks, but under the current plan he should be back on the floor right away. Just pray that he doesn't re-injure the digit.
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February 17, 2008
Kobe Bryant played all of two minutes and 52 seconds in his league imposed start a the All-Star game. Since Bryant and his injured finger participated in the Lakers last game, Bryant had to play in this one or he would be ineligible to play in the Lakers first game after the break. He grabbed one board to avoid a donut on the scoresheet.
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February 15, 2008
Kobe Bryant will have to play in the All-Star game or face a one-game suspension from the league, despite the fact that Bryant has been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinkie, according to the LA Times. It is NBA policy that any selectee who plays in his team's last game has to play in the All-Star game or sit out his team's next game. Bryant, who was chosen as a starter for the Western Conference, will play in the game but probably be taken out shortly after the opening whistle.
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February 14, 2008
The Los Angeles Times reports that Kobe Bryant sustained a torn ligament in his right pinkie, and after visiting hand specialist Steven Shin in Los Angeles today, has decided to try to play through the injury instead of undergoing surgery. The surgery would sideline the All Star guard for at least six weeks. As of today not only is Bryant questionable for the All Star game on Sunday, a timetable for his return has not been determined.
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February 14, 2008
Kobe Bryant jammed his finger during the second quarter of Wednesday night's game and it began to swell, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Bryant is scheduled to visit a hand specialist today in Los Angeles, and it's possible he could sit out the All-Star Game this weekend in New Orleans. He said he would attend no matter what the doctor says today, but he might not play. "We'd like him not to play," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.
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February 13, 2008
Kobe Bryant was perfect from the line going 13-for-13 on his way to a 29 point, five rebound, five assist outing against the Timberwolves. Bryant only turned the ball over once on Wednesday though he failed to record 30-points for a fourth straight game in the victory.
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February 11, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 31 points to lead the Lakers to their fourth win in five games since acquiring Pau Gasol. Bryant made four 3-pointers and was 9-for-9 from the line in the game. Despite the points, Bryant had a bit of a down night with only two boards and five assists, numbers below his yearly average (6.2 and 5.3). Still he only took 17 shots, so at least he wasn't a massive ball hog.
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February 10, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a 16-2 second-half run beat the Heat 104-94 Sunday in Miami. Bryant was 10-15 from the field and 11-11 at the line.
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February 8, 2008
Kobe Bryant received electro-stimulation and wore a bandage on his dislocated right pinkie finger on Thursday, according to the LA Times. However, he said he plans to play Friday evening with the digit taped to his ring finger. Obviously, that will have some affect on his outside shooting, but it looks like he'll tough it out and not miss any contests. However, he could skip the All-Star activities next weekend to get some added rest.
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February 7, 2008
Kobe Bryant admitted last night that his dislocated right pinkie, an injury he suffered Tuesday, is affecting him. Kobe was just 4-for-16 from the floor last night after a 3-for-13 showing Tuesday. He also lost control of the ball with eight seconds to play, costing the Lakers a crucial possession. "It just bounced out of my hand," Bryant said in the LA Times. "[The pinkie] is very swollen. There's a different feel to the ball. It is what it is."
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February 5, 2008
Kobe Bryant scored just six points on Tuesday, the first time he finished a game in single digits since he scored eight points last Jan. 5. It was Pau Gasol's debut with the Lakers, and Kobe really focused on getting the ball to Gasol, rather than hogging it for himself. The result was just 13 shot attempts for Kobe, most of which were out of rhythm, resulting in a 3-for-13 total. No worries here, though. Kobe was visibly excited about balling with his new stud teammate and ended up with eight assists. He'll be back in form soon enough.
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