All those questions about Los Angeles Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant's advanced age were summed up in one frightening highlight by the Utah Jazz's Alec Burks.
The Los Angeles Times reported about Bryant's most impressive performance in the exhibition season, scoring 26 points, leading the Lakers back from a 22-point deficit for a 98-91 win over the Jazz at Staples Center on Sunday night, leaving out the one minor detail about Burks' play.
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Bryant was just 7 of 22 from the floor, but he drove the lane more than he had in the Lakers' previous four games combined, according to the Times. Bryant also made a 3-pointer to end his team's 13-quarter streak without one.
"I think each game he's just getting a little bit stronger," Lakers coach Byron Scott said, according to the Times. "He's feeling a little bit more comfortable and confident. So hopefully in the next week and a half he'll be pretty close to where we want him to be."
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Bryant, however, wasn't anywhere where he wanted to be with three minutes left in the half as Burks had the ball in the front court, where Bryant picked him up.
Burks had the ball in his right hand and dribbled behind his back to his left. Bryant appeared to anticipate the move as he swatted at Burks' left hand.
But Burks simply dribbled behind his back to the right, completely blowing past Bryant for a layup and one. An exasperated Bryant hung his head in watching Burks finish the play. The play gave the Utes a 50-30 lead.
That could have sparked Bryant's rejuvenated second-half spirit in leading the comeback. Deadspin.com added that Bryant no doubt would study the video and watch video of Burks to be ready to humiliate him the next time they face each other.
But unless the 36-year-old Bryant can keep that intensity over the course of an 82-game season, it's going to be a long one for him and the Lakers.
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