Kobe Bryant is returning to Staples Center against the Golden State Warriors in the Los Angeles Lakers' second preseason game, so what better throwback moment than when he returned last season? Anticipation was high for his return after he tore his Achilles to close the doomed 2012-2013 season, and Staples Center had a little fun with it by introducing him with the classic "Imperial March" theme from Star Wars.
Kobe made that return against the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 8, finishing the night with nine points, eight rebounds and four assists in a Lakers loss. We'll see how he does in his first game in Staples since fracturing his knee soon enough.
Since we're here, lets reflect a little more on Kobe's shortened season. Sure, the Black Mamba only played in six games, but that didn't stop the NBA from compiling his top five plays of the year.
Why not?
That laser pass to Jordan Hill was probably my favorite, but all five plays were pretty. Here's to many more highlights during a healthy '14-15 season for Kobe Bryant.