Vino

Yes, call him Vino, because that man is aging like wine.  Last night, Kobe played 48 minutes and put up 47 points.  He added 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, and he was credited with 4 blocked shots.  How many times did he turn the ball over during this stellar performance?  Once.  Keep in mind, this was only the latest in a string of rousing performances from one of the game's best players.

No one can dispute the fact that Kobe is still in the top five, and I still believe he's the best player in the league.  Think about how many games he has played, and think of how much he has been through this year.  To call this a turbulent season for the Lakers would be a grand understatement, and just look at how Kobe has performed.  The dude is a stone cold killer on the basketball court.  There are guys with better stats on the season, I know this, but examine their situations.  No one has worked as hard as Kobe Bryant this year.  No one.

Now, this isn't going to be the year that Kobe Bryant gets his sixth ring.  You know it, and I know it, but I'm not so sure that Kobe knows it.  The Lakers will make the playoffs, and sometimes strange things happen when it matters most.

Regardless, Kobe Bryant is on fire, and despite the fact that his squad is fighting to make the post-season, this has been one of his most impressive campaigns.