Following L.A.'s recent 97-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bryant wasn't shy about how the loss of Fisher hurt him.
"Very difficult," Bryant said. "I'm not used to it because I've been with him my entire career, aside from that little stint that he had away from us. So, it's very different for me. It's pretty weird."
This might seem like making a big deal out of nothing, but there's no way to measure the value of playing with a friend.
When you are comfortable with your teammates, as Bryant was with Fisher, and when you know how to play effectively with certain players, it becomes much easier to be successful.
Not only is there comfort when playing with a friend, but they aren't afraid to urge you on and give you constructive criticism, as opposed to a stranger who would be afraid to say anything.
Still though, a championship can do wonders in curing the trade of a friend.
And that's exactly what Sessions brings. Championship potential.
The young point guard's ability to get to the hoop brings a new dimension to Los Angeles' offense. Fisher and Steve Blake always lacked that explosive ability, but Sessions has it.
Not only does he give the Lakers another scoring option, but his ability to drive and kick will free up Los Angeles' shooters who can't create shots on their own.
What's more, the pressure in the backcourt is suddenly off Kobe. He will still obviously see the most attention, but Sessions can and will make defenders pay for that with his ability to knock down the open jump shot.
Slowly but surely, defenders will have to stop cheating towards Bryant.
I would say that right there will make Sessions a pretty good friend, himself.
