Before the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Philadelphia 76ers Monday, Sixers coach Doug Collins had some high praise for Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
The Los Angeles Times writes that Collins believes Bryant is a ‘basketball genius’ and someone who knows how to play the game. Bryant is now in his 16th NBA season, but he is still in top form and playing some of his best basketball. Despite being 34 years old, Bryant is leading the league in scoring and is a dangerous offensive weapon.
“He’s a basketball genius,” Collins said.
“As guys get older, for the guys who are really the savants, the game comes easier. They don’t waste energy. When you’re younger sometimes, you chase your tail; and you get older and the game slows down,” Collins said. “He knows where he wants the ball, how he wants to get it, how he’s going to get it and what he’s going to do to you once he gets it.”
Collins and Bryant have always been close and there has been respect between both men for a very long time. The type of admiration Collins has for Bryant is very common with other players and coaches in the NBA. The way Bryant is playing is amazing and everyone appreciates what the five-time champion has done to improve his game.
The Sixers ended up beating the Lakers in Staples Center, 103-99, bringing the Lakers below .500 once again.
