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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant Shines, Fizzles In Opener

By Jackson Sanders

October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves to the basket against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves to the basket against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves the ball against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tayshaun Prince (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves the ball against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tayshaun Prince (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Kobe Bryant Shines Early, Fades Late

In any loss, putting the blame on one player is misguided. However, a large chunk of the blame will fall on Kobe Bryant’s shoulders and rightfully so.

After an 8-for-16 start from the field (and the Lakers holding a 16-point lead at one point), Kobe finished the night on a 0-for-8 drought that certainly contributed to the opening night collapse.

Bryant looked more like “Kobe” — and less like the hobbled veteran he has been over the past two campaigns – as he made the familiar twisting jumpers over desperate defenders early on. But it all fell apart later in the game, causing his efficiency to plummet below 40 percent once again.

The worries – if there are any – should not be about the misses. Kobe himself admitted he was a bit rusty after sitting for a good stretch of the preseason. What should concern fans is his approach to the game, which was ultra-aggressive even for Kobe Bryant. The “Black Mamba” never really looked to distribute when he had the ball, which will be paramount for him to turn around in his 20th season.

Another problem area was his shot selection: Kobe’s 13 three-pointers attempted (23 percent from three in the game) were only one less than Nick Young and Lou Williams combined. Aggressive Kobe will work some nights, but at this stage of his career, a more balanced approach needs to be taken.

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