Kobe talks about scoring binge

Kobe Bryant had some interesting thoughts today on his latest scoring binge. He has scored 41 points in three of the last four games, including back-to-back contests. He is averaging 34.5 points through six games so far this season, tops in the NBA.

"It's easier because I have better teammates," he said. "They can make decisions with the ball. They understand the offense. We've been playing together for a while. It's not like I have to go get it on the perimeter and then try to beat three or four guys.

"You look at the points I'm getting, they're almost all from below the free throw line. It's almost silly to think about it. I never would have had those opportunities in the past. I have guys who I'm playing with who are threats, who can make 3s.

"The defense has to honor them and I can post up. It makes it a lot easier. You look back then and I had to beat three or four guys (to score 81 points) against the Raptors and the Raptors were (lousy in 2005-06) that year.

"Think about it, it's crazy. It's stuff I don't have to do now. It's stuff I had to do just to keep us competitive."