NBA News: Kobe Bryant Explodes Against The Wizards
In NBA news, Kobe Bryant exploded against the Washington Wizards and looked like his old self again, according to ESPN. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Wizards by a score of 108-104.
Kobe Bryant Explodes Again
When the NBA regular season started, Kobe Bryant scored 24 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nothing felt out of the ordinary. The next ten games saw Kobe failing to break the 20 points mark again. Not only did the Los Angeles Lakers lose most of the games during that stretch, but they also had to suffer through some atrocious shooting nights from Bryant. During the past week, Kobe managed to break 20 points twice, but fans were waiting to see a historic night that used to be a normal occurrence for Bryant.
With a 7-9 record, the Washington Wizards would be on the outside looking in if the NBA Playoffs were to start today. That is a disappointment when you consider that the team came into the season as a favorite to deep into the playoffs. When you have star players like John Wall and Bradley Beal, you don’t expect to find yourself sitting in last place in the Southeastern Division and behind the young Orlando Magic squad. Head coach Randy Wittman really needed a victory against the Lakers to get his team closer to.500 in the standings.
Los Angeles Lakers Highlights
Kobe Bryant finally led the way for the Los Angeles Lakers. The legendary guard scored 31 points while taking 11 attempts from beyond the three-point line. Kobe and the Lakers had to be elated by the performance as morale was hurt the night before, after a loss to the then winless Philadelphia 76ers. D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle are the future of the team, and they provided Bryant with plenty of support. The trio combined for 46 points, 27 rebounds, five assists, and nine steals.
Head coach Byron Scott kept the rotation short and tight but the bench managed to provide some assistance. Louis Williams, Metta World Peace, and Brandon Bass provided some offensive firepower and contributed a combined 29 points. World Peace, Larry Nance Jr., and Bass chipped in on the boards and snagged 11 rebounds. Williams was given 33 minutes by Scott, and he rewarded the Lakers with an astounding seven steals to go with his four assists.
Washington Wizards Highlights
The Washington Wizards leaned heavily on John Wall tonight, and he came through. The former Kentucky star produced 34 points on a very efficient shooting night. Wall also had 11 assists, seven rebounds, and two steals to cap off a tremendous night. Starting center Marcin Gortat outplayed Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert by putting up 18 points and 11 rebounds. Bradley Beal was only able to score 11 points but his six assists were quite helpful for the Wizards.
Backup forward Kris Humphries chipped in off the bench with nine points and four rebounds while playing just 11 minutes in the game. Gary Neal came back from an injury and provided a little help with seven points and three rebounds. Garrett Temple had a productive night off the bench with four points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Ramon Sessions, Kelly Oubre Jr., and backup center Ryan Hollins were given some minutes but did not produce much for the Wizards.
Is this an anomaly for Kobe Bryant or has the Los Angeles Lakers found his game again?
[ Featured Photo by Rob Carr / Getty Images ]
