The Los Angeles Lakers were blown out in a 136-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors, but Kobe Bryant scored a season-high 44 points on 35 field goal attempts. This is what the Lakers season has devolved to by Game 9: Kobe scores "XX" points, Lakers lose by "XX" points.
Golden State flowed up and down the court, drained shots from everywhere, strolled to the rim and took full advantage of the Lakers' lack of a cohesive defensive game plan. A very good basketball team -- arguably the best right now -- took care of business against a very bad basketball team. There's not much more of a story to tell here. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 30 points and 15 assists.
What we saw as Kobe Bryant put on a heckuva' performance in a gigantic loss. Despite his pretty-efficient night, the Lakers were in a hole no Kobe flurry could save them from. The season has already turned into "appreciate the good Kobe nights while they're still around" fest, and the results haven't been favorable in the win-loss columns. It was a nice outburst for Kobe, though, who put in serious work in 31 minutes despite playing with the flu. He also played the entire first, and third, quarters again.
Things might shift, just slightly, when Nick Young (hopefully) returns Tuesday. The Lakers' offense could use something -- anything -- else on a nightly basis, which is what Young was to Pau Gasol many nights last season. We'll find out more Tuesday, when the Lakers begin a three-game road trip. Send us off, Jack:
@netw3rk I believe he is. pic.twitter.com/2w2gFRqZJU
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) November 17, 2014