Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant End 2014 With A Bang! Black Mamba Defies Age With Triple Double

Tags: Los Angeles Lakers; world news; Kobe Bryant; Black Mamba; NBA

BY Craig Harrison Dec 31, 2014 10:11 PM EST

Coming off two major surgeries and with a lot to prove, the season has been very difficult for Kobe Bryant but the Black Mamba ended 2014 with a bang with a triple-double performance in Loa Angeles Lakers' game against the Denver Nuggets on December 30.

The two-game rest clearly benefited the Los Angeles Lakers superstar as he went into the match against the Denver Nuggets with fresh legs. Kobe Bryant led the team to 111-103 victory.

"Bryant notched 23 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds for his 21st career triple-double, and it was his second this season," said the Washington Post. "He became the second-oldest (36 years, 129 days) among active players to record the feat; Tim Duncan (38 years, 224 days at the time) had a triple-double on Dec. 5."

The only blight in Kobe Bryant's game was his nine turnovers.

Later, the Black Mamba told reports: "Am I looking forward to playing next year? Yes. But if you asked me if I want to play beyond that, right now the answer is no."

This season, Kobe Bryant is averaging a career low on field goal percentage but it could be attributed to his tired old legs.

"Averaging around 35 minutes per game was also far too many for a player in his 19th season, but in his two games back, Kobe has showcased an all-around game. So far, he is putting up 16.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals since returning," said Lakers Nation.

The different tweets from Lakers reporters also revealed just what people can expect from Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant's game going forward.

Mark Medina tweeted: "Kobe: 'I'm a natural scorer. But that doesn't mean I can't evolve.'

Baxter Holmes wrote: "Kobe on evolving late in his NBA career: 'It's not something that's easy to do. It's like a golfer changing his swing.'"

Finally, Serena Winters quoted Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant that his time off "also gave him 'a chance to reflect...on breaking down [his] game.' 'I know exactly where I want to go.'"