Kobe Bryant mystifies his teammates constantly–in good ways and bad. But Jeremy Lin may be the number 1 SMDH (Shake My Damn Head) Kobe teammate. Bryant has returned from his Byron Scott-recommended rest as if he’d been sent to a time machine. And as predicted Bryant is now able to help his team in ways he couldn’t before he watched them perform without him: Kobe had 11 assists to go with 11 rebounds and 23 points in a 111-103 Lakers victory over the Nuggets in Denver.
Lin said afterwards, “It just seemed so easy for Kobe to get that triple-double. He’s so talented.” Lin went on to say, “He’s lost a little bit of his athleticism. He’s not the same, in terms of explosiveness or his body recovering or whatever. That’s no secret. But he’s finding ways to be effective and manage regardless of that.” Bryant’s own assessment of his performance: “very efficient.” That rest was for more than Kobe Bryant’s body. It was for his eyes, so he could see. Mission accomplished.
