Is this the Best We have Seen Kobe Play?

[kendodgerfan]

Given we are only 10 games into his 17th season. But the way he has been playing, it is arguable that he is the best shooting guard in the nba right now and if he keeps this up for the whole season, he at the very least in the conversation for MVP.

Now we all know his superior athleticism has diminished slightly since his best seasons from 2006-2008, which is natural since he is only human.

But I would argue that he has more than made up for the loss of a step with his basketball IQ - crafty play, incredible decision making, and the realization that ball movement and team play trumps individual play. I would go so far as to say these first 10 games are some of the best 10 games I have ever seen him play basketball smarts wise and he is still able to make those tough shots.

Perhaps the real thing to look at is Mike D'Antoni's offense. This offense is tailor made for an aging Kobe. The focus on ball movement and wide open floor spacing is allowing Kobe the freedom to make excellent decisions and to pick his spots to shoot. Gone are those beat the shot clock launches.

But while the offense helps, Kobe is absolutely at his mental and skills basketball peak right now even though his athleticism is shy of Kobe 2006.

If this season is any indication, I think Kobe could play this way for another 3-4 years.

[City of Angels]

He is playing the best all around game of his career. However, I wouldn't say his best year of all time. I see kobe reuping for one year after his current contract then calling it quits along with nash.

[LoveMeOrHateMe]

In terms of all around production and efficiency combined yes, but man 03 Kobe and then from 06-09 Kobe are gonna be hard to beat... But if he keeps it up this will definitely be one of probably his top 3 seasons... 17 years in the league and still spoiling us with his great talents the man is a legend the greatest Laker and a top 5 player ever... Started balling at 18 and still beasting at 34 wow!

[KB-Pau-DH2012]

But wait, didn't he rape that white chuck in the butt and started his career as a backup singer to Eddie Jones?

You Kobe FIENS are delusional!

[Avenged24]

Serious answer: YES. Without a doubt this is the best Kobe has played in all of the seasons of his career (okay maybe aside 1 - arguably though). The problem will be able to sustain this level of productivity and efficiency. At 34 years of age with the most mileage of anyone in the league, this is truly remarkable especially since the majority had him having more of a drop off.

If he can sustain this level of play throughout the season.... Look out.

[kendodgerfan]

But wait, didn't he rape that white chuck in the butt and started his career as a backup singer to Eddie Jones?

You Kobe FIENS are delusional!

Trolling hard. You at least have to appreciate what this guy can do after 17 years in the NBA. Next you will probably say Gasoft is the best power forward in the NBA.

[KB-Pau-DH2012]

Trolling hard. You at least have to appreciate what this guy can do after 17 years in the NBA. Next you will probably say Gasoft is the best power forward in the NBA.

I was joking brah!


I will say this, he is playing with poise and patience. Through all the drama with the firing of Clown, FO not choosing Phil, and the hiring of D'Antoni, Kobe has been that one constant while Nash is recovering, Dwight at only 80% and Pau still trying to find his way to 09 and 2010 form, and with 9 new players on the team.



It shows that he really wants that 6th championship.

[Leather Balls]

If the Lakers don't win a championship and waste this opportunity with a superteam, it won't be because of Kobe.

[Tymathee]

most efficient but sans Shaq he was a beast.

He got most of his triple doubles during that time period before Gasol came on

[jaydubb]

Trolling hard. You at least have to appreciate what this guy can do after 17 years in the NBA. Next you will probably say Gasoft is the best power forward in the NBA.

MOUNT LAKERMORE!!!! haha i love your sig.

[The1_Who_knocks]

Hopefully he can get more triple doubles this year

[jaydubb]

I think Kobe is playing the "smartest" basketball of his career.. Earlier in his career he would shoot way more often even when double and triple teams come, now more often then not he will pass up those shots to open guys for an easy shot.. Defenses are starting to respect his passing and as a result he's not getting doubled as much which is why he is being so efficient in his scoring.

[Showtime Steve]

Lmao that you said "superior athleticism". Best all around possibly, though I think his play in the 2010 playoffs overall was great. But it is nice to see him filling up other stat columns.

[Iron24th]

He's playing very efficiency basketball actually, he's our PG until Nash returns.

[Showtime Steve]

He is kind of showing lebron (and all the stat heads that hate Kobe), that he can get triple doubles and assists and boards if he wanted to. He is too smart a basketball fanatic to not have those areas of his game unpolished. Not doing something and not having the ability to do something are two different things. And I was joking about him showing Lebron and the league, we all know he could care less