After beating the Warriors last Sunday, the number one team in the league, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers returned to their usual selves losing two out of the last three games they played this week. They started off the week doing good, beating the lowly Magic at home 107-98 on Tuesday March 8th. Bryant did not play in that game as he was getting over a lingering shoulder injury.

Bryant managed to come back strong when he suited up on Thursday to take on the Cavaliers. Although they lost, 120-108, he played a very efficient game. Bryant scored 26 points while making 11 out 16 shots and grabbing 5 rebounds in 32 minutes of play. At this stage his career this is an impressive performance, sports commentator J.A. Adande noted that Bryant gave everything he had left in the game against the Cavaliers.

This Sunday, The Lakers took on the New York Knicks at home. Bryant was not able to give another strong performance like the one he gave in the Cavaliers game. He only scored 14 points, while grabbing just two rebounds in 27 minutes of play. The Lakers ended up losing to them 90-87 due to Knicks point guard Jose Calderon netted a game winning three. 

The Lakers have a good chance to rebound off this loss when they take on the Kings in LA this Tuesday March 15th. Bryant typically plays very well against the Kings so don't be surprised if he scores 25+ in this game.

Kobe's hanging in there

In the week leading up to Sundays game against the Warriors Kobe had missed three of the last four games due to lingering injuries with his hand and shoulder. Prior to the Lakers 112-95 upset victory against the Warriors Kobe's only game played in the last week was against the Nuggets on Wednesday. In his last game against the Nuggets Kobe had a sub par performance due to the nagging injuries, only playing 11 minutes while scoring 5 points on two field goal attempts. The Lakers ended up losing that game 117-107. Fortunately magic was in the air on Sunday night as al the Lakers wore commemorative Kobe socks to honor the Laker legend. This magic gave them the boost they needed to up end the leagues number one team, one which is arguably one of the best in NBA history. Kobe rebounded nicely compared to his last game, recording 12 points and three assists in 24 minutes of play. His body is feeling better and he is scheduled to play in the Lakers next game on Tuesday March 8th as they take on the Orlando Magic at home.

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers resumed play after the NBA All Star break taking on the San Antonio Spurs on February 19th in Los Angeles. It was Kobes last game against the Spurs and he gave them a tough time as usual pouring in 25 points with four rebounds and three and assists. In this game Kobe continued to exhibit his warrior spirit that has made him a legend. He dislocated his finger late in the game yet continued to play. The dislocated finger didn't stop him from playing in any games since then, although the Lakers have lost every game since then. Regardless, Kobe continues to add to his legacy of being a warrior, fighting through injuries and pain to help his team.

Kobe Bryant's Last All-Star Game

On February 15th Kobe Bryant took the stage at the All-star game for his 18th, and unfortunately his last time ever. Almost everywhere he has played a final game in different cities this year he has been showered with praise and adoration and it was no different on this grand stage. Deservedly so, not only has Kobe Bryant amassed a long list of regular season and playoff records and accolades, but his all-star game resume is pretty impressive as well. As of now he holds the record for most points and steals in All-star game history, along with being tied for the most all-star game appearances and MVP's, four (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011). This year Kobe got the most votes out of any other player, and he worked to prove he belonged there despite having a sub-par season so far. He finished with 10 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 26 minutes of play. Although his usual all star numbers are much more impressive this out put was decent coming from the 37 year old with only a few dozen games left in his career