Heading into his 20th NBA season, there were questions about how much Kobe Bryant had left in the tank for the Los Angeles Lakers. At the age of 37 and coming off three consecutive season-ending injuries, he has struggled in what may be his final season.
Appearing in 11 of 14 games so far, Kobe is averaging 15.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 30.5 minutes. However, his efficiency is at an all-time low and tied a career-low shooting performance against the Golden State Warriors.
Following the 111-77 loss to the Warriors, Kobe was asked about his shot selection so far this season, via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
Kobe on his shots: "I got to do a better job demanding some help off the ball & get some easier chances, pindowns, picks, catch and shoots."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 25, 2015
While Kobe’s shot selection has been an issue, he believes he could have scored 80 points, but it would not have made a difference:
Kobe" "I could have scored 80 tonight, it wouldn’t have made a damn difference. We’ve got bigger problems."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 25, 2015
Through the first 14 games of the season, Kobe’s shots have not only been short, but contested and on isolation plays. As a result, he is shooting a career-worst 31.1 percent from the field and 19.5 percent from beyond the arc. At this stage of his career, it is clear Kobe does not have the same lift on his jumpers.
While Kobe will look to make adjustments to his game, the Lakers as a team will need to improve their ball movement and defense. Although the Warriors are the defending champions and currently undefeated, the Lakers only had 16 assists on 31 made attempts and allowed them to shoot nearly 50 percent from the field.
