NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant Changing His Game A Step In The Right Direction

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By @pjacobosports

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers

Chris Humphreys- USA TODAY Sports

It seems Kobe Bryant has had an epiphany as the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard has changed his approach to the game. It’s a fantastic idea on Bryant’s part.

Kobe decided to take three games off to rest his aching body. The 36-year-old guard has realized that his body is not what it used to be. Coach Byron Scott has echoed Bryant’s sentiments by cutting his minutes a bit.

Bryant returned to the court on Sunday determined to change his approach to the game. He was two rebounds and three assists away from a triple-double. The team lost to the Phoenix Suns but the ball movement was exceptional. Six players (including Kobe) were in double figures.

That trend continued Tuesday evening against the Denver Nuggets. Bryant came out calm, cool and collected. He let the game come to him and didn’t force anything. He put up a triple-double (23 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds) as the Lakers took the win 111-103. Five players were in double figures for Los Angeles.

Once again, the ball movement was apparent as the Lakers came out on fire and at one point built a 23-point lead. The Lakers’ offense was fluid and seemingly got every shot they wanted. The defensive intensity has picked up in these past few games as well. Players are helping each other out and contesting shots.

These last two games Kobe’s workload has been effortless. He’s averaged about 31 minutes and has had more pep in his step. Coach Scott has kept his word in shortening Bryant’s time on the court. Although it has only been two games, the team has functioned better. We’ll see if Kobe maintains the same patience when the team’s shots are not falling.

Bryant playing less minutes has benefited the rest of his teammates. Their confidence has been boosted because more shots are available to them. Bryant is still commanding double-teams thus he’s making the easy play by passing to the open man.

In the long run, this evolution to Bryant’s game will be beneficial to his career. He will have to work less and will preserve his body for the rest of the grueling season. It’s unclear if Kobe will take more games off, but it will be something he will need to look into. The Lakers picked up their 10th win of the season and the Lakers are playing better.

In two games, 31 minutes, 33 points, 19 rebounds and 17 assists for the Black Mamba is not too shabby. He is more than capable of maintaining this run. This is a huge positive for the team as they continue on with the season. The Mamba continues to impress at his advanced age. One of the most competitive players in history is teaching himself to take the foot off the gas pedal. We’ll see how long Kobe stays in facilitator-mode.

Pablo Jacobo is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @getempsports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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