Mavericks vs. Lakers: Why Kobe Bryant Will Extend His 40-Point Streak

The Dallas Mavericks are are currently 8-5 because of terrific defense and their German superstar, Dirk Nowitzki. 

Fortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers, their superstar, Kobe Bryant, has a German-engineered knee. 

Bryant, who came into this season with so many questions about his German experimental-surgically-repaired knee and banged-up wrist, has looked like the 27-year-old version of himself.

The "Black Mamba" is averaging 32 points per game on 46 percent shooting, 5.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and just over a steal. The points are the most in six years, while the shooting, rebounds and assists are all above his career averages.

Oh, and he's been as clutch as ever in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Can you say MVP?

What's possibly even more impressive is what Kobe has done in his last four games. He's dropped 40 points in each game and the question on everyone's mind in simple: Can he make it five in a row?

Simple law of averages, along with Dallas' stout defense, probably says no.

But Kobe Bryant hasn't always been the type of player to be OK with average. Can he really drop 40 on this defense?

Dallas is giving up just 89.7 points per game, fourth in the NBA. They allow teams to shoot a 47 percent effective field-goal percentage, 11th in the league. They give up just 32 field goals per game, second in the league.

This team won the NBA title last year, and eliminated the Lakers, for a reason: defense.

Still though, what makes this Mavericks defense so menacing might be what makes Kobe Bryant so dangerous.

The Mavs are first in the NBA in opponents' points per game in the paint, allowing a meager 33.2. The only two real scoring weapons next to Bryant are Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, who both score almost exclusively in the paint.

If they are taken out of this game, it will be Kobe's time to step up.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mamba attempt 30 shots in this one. He's going to get to 40 if only because of sheer opportunity.

Oh, and the fact that he's playing the best basketball of his career right now. That's kind of important, too.