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.