There was a lot of love in the city of angels for Kobe Bryant. The Staples Center was almost filled twenty minutes before tip-off, something that is very rare no matter the sporting event.
The people wanted to see the 35 year old veteran take the court for the first time this season. Not that any extras would be needed in his return, but the Lakers were playing the Toronto Raptors, the team Bryant scored 81 points against seven years ago.
With the Lakers' first possession, you could feel the anticipation in the air waiting for Kobe to get the ball. Once the pass was thrown in his direction, the crowd erupted; the mamba had the ball, things for the Lakers were going to be better. With the ball, Kobe worked he his way to his left and it looked like he was going to fade-away (the crowd cheered loudly), but instead threaded-the-needle to Robert Sacre down low for an easy two, and the cheers continued.
When Bryant's first shot did come, it looked like his first shot ever. With little effort in the lane, Kobe put up a right-hook shot that missed everything. By the time his seven limited minutes were up in the first quarter he was 0-2 shooting, with 2 assists and 1 steal.
Kobe returned with 6.27 left in the second quarter and soon went to the free-throw line. He missed his first free throw, but made the second, scoring his first point of the NBA season, receiving a loud applause.
With 5:14 left in the second quarter Bryant scored his first field goal after pumping faking twice and kissing it off the backboard with DeMar DeRozan on his back.
The half end for the Lakers with Bryant receiving a stand ovation as he dribbled the clock down waiting to take the last shot. Unfortunately, it was for not, his shot was blocked by DeRozan. Bryant finished the half playing 14 minutes, shooting 2-5, four rebounds (skying for one of them), three assists, with three turnovers.
For the Raptors, Amir Johnson was having the game of his life. By the end of the half he had 23 points, which was three short of his career-high for a game, helping the Raptors lead the Lakers 51-47.
The third quarter for Kobe looked ugly, continually turning the ball over, trying to squeeze that ball where he shouldn't have. The Raptors were able to open up a large lead, but the Lakers' bench did their best to keep it close, but the Raptors responded whenever it got close.
Kobe checked back in with a little less than 7 minutes to play with the Lakers down 8. He continued to turn the ball over, finishing the game with eight turnovers, shooting 2-9 with 9 points, 4 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Raptors won with the final score 106-94, dropping the Lakers back to 500 in a tough Conference where being 500 means not making the playoffs (the Eastern Conference it usually does).
Nick Young played well for the Lakers, hitting some heavily contested shots, as did Xavier Henry. Paul Gasol struggled shooting 3-11, but was active pulling down 8 eight rebounds (6 in the first half). Amir Johnson created a new career-high in the win reaching 32 points.
But the Lakers losing that game doesn't matter too much to anyone right now, it could down the stretch, but the story is all about Kobe Bryant for Laker Nation and much of the NBA.
The excitement level for Bryant's return was high, but no one expected an amazing performance from him; everyone just wanted to see him play again. There were questions to be answered though, could he still compete, how well would he move, how much rust would be on his game, and would he play the following game? The latter wouldn't be answered till Tuesday, but the others could receive a grade.
There was a lot of rust on his game. At times it seemed that he could barely dribble the basketball, not showing the usual cadence that he has, losing the handle of the ball and shooting 22% from the field (C-). He was able to move. He didn't get beat off the dribble and played tight defense when he was one-on-one. He was able to elevate on his jump shot, pushed the ball up the court a few times, and did a great job rebounding (B+). He really wasn't competing. The Raptors ended up having a 16 point advantage when Kobe was in the game. His turnovers and poor shooting didn't help the Lakers (D).
Yes, it was an overall terrible first impression for the rehabilitated man, but I wouldn't read too much into it. I would honestly sum it up to him being nervous, knowing the people would be dissecting everything he did or couldn't do. He has been in the NBA for more than half his life and is one of the greatest the game has ever seen, but that doesn't mean he doesn't get nervous.
Mr. Felder
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