Everything was going according to plan in Los Angeles, that is until Kobe Bryant decided to do Kobe Bryant things.
With retirement breathing down his neck, Bryant scored a season-high 38 points in the Lakers’ 119-115 victory over the Timberwolves on Tuesday. He became the oldest player with at least 35 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game since Karl Malone in 2003, per ESPN.
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"It was just another Mamba moment to add to the collection," Lakers rookie guard D'Angelo Russell said. "There should be a museum of just Mamba moments."
There just shouldn’t be another “Mamba moment” this season. That’s not how tanking works.
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Lakers Tank takes a hit tonight but we got a win! Kobe ends with 38/5/5. A little vintage Mamba if I dare say so myself
— Lakers Outsiders (@LakersOutsiders) February 3, 2016
For all of Bryant’s greatness, he also snapped a 10-game losing streak for the Lakers. They climbed to 10-41 on the season, just three wins better than the putrid 76ers (7-41). Every “Mamba moment” pulls the Lakers farther from a top draft selection.
Not that the worst record in the NBA will guarantee the No. 1 overall pick, but it will certainly increase the team’s chances of laying a new foundation. With the Lakers’ first-round pick being owned by the 76ers, the only way it remains in Los Angeles is if it falls in the top three draft spots.
So while the romantic in you is rooting to see Bryant end his career at the top of his game, he’s better off contributing those airballs we’ve all grown accustom too.
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Not even close Kobe #Airball #Oldmanlegs pic.twitter.com/6T3J3rwDPe
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) December 24, 2015
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