Accordingly, the perspective has mostly tilted in his favor, toward his grandeur, serving in construction of his legend.
It has not been ineffective marketing.
Bryant came to the Los Angeles Lakers practice facility a week ago and told new coach and longtime friend Byron Scott how much rust felt coated on his bones despite how healed everything was and how much more focus he had been placing on his craft all summer.
Bryant did not want the team's website or TV network in the gym, as was allowed for other informal scrimmages for Lakers players. He had worked out with teammates such as Jeremy Lin for a week early in the offseason, but this was different.
This would be real five-on-five, a meaningful test.
Did Bryant pass? Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak termed the results "comforting" and was moved a few days later to remind: "He gives you a chance, no matter the circumstances, to be really good."
Scott saw enough to suggest Monday at Lakers media day that Bryant would average 24 points and play all 82 games. Scott's doubt about how well Bryant could raise up to get his jumper off was eased to the point that Scott described Kobe's outlook as "very exciting."
Bryant executed his footwork in the mid-post. He had the lift also to reach high for much-needed rebounds.
He played three games.
He hit two game-winning shots.
Asked on the eve of training camp about his dramatic scrimmage success, Bryant said, "I hadn't played, so I spent the whole summer just kind of preparing and training. It was important for me to get a five-on-five game in, so I could see what I can and can't do.
"And I felt like me."
Bryant didn't say it with any bravado, however. He also wasn't cavalier about it and didn't make it ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
