Kobe: Youngest Player To Reach 17,000 Points

There was something in the air before I entered the Staples Center tonight. Was it the fact that the last time these two teams met, Kobe scored an incredible 81 points in one game? Could be, but it was another potential record that loomed, hovering in the air at Staples, there was speculation that Kobe may reach a milestone number tonight; the youngest player ever to reach 17,000 points...and he did.

Not only did Kobe help usher in a "W" for the Lakers, but he did it with a game high of 31 points tonight, (and a double double, his first of the season), topping off his career total to 17,024. Kobe also had 7 assists, who said in an interview right after the game that getting everyone involved was important,"that was what was going to keep us going, to get everyone involved, every body's a threat, and down to key situations, hopefully I can deliver for us." And deliver he did, and the crowd was definitely involved, too. When Kobe was asked about how he liked the new "Lights Out", he said "Oh, I love it, love it, it adds a certain romanticism to Staples Arena."

Although the defense left a lot to be desired, the offense was enough to get it done, kicking it up a notch in the third quarter. Another problem was turnovers, come on guys...19 turnovers? Turnovers mixed with the bad defense equals a recipe for disaster. Final score was 100 to 107, and by all accounts Lakers need to be grateful. There is a lot of depth on this team, so come on Phil, I know you're experimenting with different combinations, but let's find one that works and go with it. It seems like in past games when a player is getting hot, you take him out, let him play if it's working.


Another notable performance was from UCLA rookie Jordan Farmar, who said,"I'm just trying to do my job" and that he did with 7 tonight and 4 assists, with only one turnover in limited minutes. When the Lakers were really struggling in the second half, his performance was crucial, hitting 5 consecutive points, 1 a tres and the other a duece. Smush also came out strong at the beginning of the game.

Ok, so now the Lakers need to find their rhythm, because they are going to have games every other day (thanks Dad, for reminding me of that before the game). Sunday against the Bulls, and right back here at Staples on Tuesday. Lakers have taken the first 6 of 9, and the next game is at Staples at 5:00 on Sunday. Oh yeah, Lamar where were you tonight? And a message for Bynum, get ready for Ben Wallace on Sunday, he's no slouch. Also, the return of Kwame Brown.