By Bill Plaschke From | Los Angeles Times - News from Los Angeles, California and the World


Has he ever screamed to the crowd like that? Has he ever flapped his golden jersey like that? Has cool, calm, drop-top-Impala-driving Kobe Bryant ever shown us so much of himself as he did during that hair-raising, skin-chilling moment Wednesday night? Have we ever appreciated it more?

In his dozen turbulent years in Los Angeles, Bryant has scored more points and made bigger plays. But I will stake my press seat on the fact that he has never been a better all-around player than Wednesday night in the Lakers' 122-107 victory over the Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Can you still see him after he made that three-pointer with 5:19 left? Can you still feel his raw mix of intensity and joy as he ran back down the court screaming at himself, then screaming at the fans, then tugging on his jersey like a proud prep star?

The win gave the Lakers a near-insurmountable two-games-to-none lead in the series. The win cemented Bryant's reputation as basketball's best player. But as much as all that, it also laid the groundwork for a growing reputation as one of basketball's greatest teammates. Forty-nine points, including 20 in the first quarter when the Nuggets' defense was sagging on everyone else.

Ten assists, including seven in the third quarter when the Nuggets took the lead. He scored early because it was necessary. He created baskets midway through the game because it was imperative. He scored late because it was, well, fun. In a two-hour display that even stunned a veteran Staples Center crowd, Bryant not only carried the Lakers, but lifted up his teammates so they could carry them as well, again and again.

When he made the last of his 27 shots -- he missed just nine -- he pantomimed like he was tucking his fingers into his pants, a gunslinger. When he came off the floor with two minutes remaining, he stalked right to the bench, a man just beginning a mission. Long after he left the court, fans filled the city streets chanting, "M-V-P, M-V-P."

Only Bryant, it seemed, was taking it all in stride. "We've got to take care of business," he said afterward. "We've got to come with focus." Surely even Bryant must agree this was at least one of his best games?