In the 107-87 loss to the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant turned back the clock as he posterized Clint Capela in the third quarter.
With his first dunk of the season, it was a pleasant surprise as Kobe had his teammates and fans buzzing at Staples Center.
Following the loss, Kobe was asked about his dunk in the third quarter and shares he has ‘no idea where it came from’ according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN:
Kobe Bryant on his first dunk of his 20th season: "No idea where it came from."
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) December 18, 2015
While Kobe struggled to start the new season, it appears he has turned the corner. In the past five games, Kobe is averaging 18.4 points (48.6 percent shooting), 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.8 minutes. Also, it appears he is stepping back and allowing the young core of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson to figure out their games.
With 56 games remaining in the season, the hope is Kobe can sustain this level of play while the young core continues to develop. As this will be the five-time champion’s final season, he will attempt to play every game possible as his farewell tour continues.
In 22 games, Kobe is averaging 16.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists.