Kobe Byrant: The Best Player in the NBA Only Gets Better

It has been 19 days and nine games since Pau Gasol arrived in Lakerland.

Since trading for Gasol the Lakers have been on their longest winning streak of the season, and notched their most consecutive road victories since the 2000-2001 season. 

The wins have been racking up, and everyone on the Lakers roster has been performing at a higher level since the trade.  But who has benefited the most form the trade?

Most would say that Lamar Odom has benefited the most because he longer has to shoulder the pressure of being LA's second option. 

Others would argue that role players such as Vladimir Radmanovic and Sasha Vujacic have gained the most because Gasol is the only one, other than Kobe, that demands a double team. 

However, I say that another man has improved his game since the Lakers' acquisition Gasol—Kobe Bryant.

It is true; Kobe Bryant's game has been at a higher level now than it has been in the past three years.  Bryant is playing his best and for the first time since the departure of Shaquille O’Neal seems to truly enjoy playing basketball. 

Kobe no longer has to work as hard, or for that matter, against triple teams to score.  Byrant’s defense has also increased due to the fact that he no longer has to carry the offence by himself.

The best trade this season has made the best player in the game even better.  Kobe is no longer forcing the offence and is now getter quality shots, at least quality shots in Kobe's standards. 

No. 24 has now shed the myth that he "ball-hogs" and is a selfish player with increases in assists.  Byrant’s averages might be down compared to that of last years, but it goes to show that averages are not everything, especially when players have to take over the game from start to finish to do so. 

Funny how having another star player to play with can make the best even better. 

Oh, and before every Lakers fan cry in rage I also need to add one last note.  Kobe is now a better player and can be considered as the best in the league today and challenge Michael Jordan because of Gasol. 

Gasol is having a career year, and the misconception that Kobe Bryant dose not make his teammates better can be put to rest. 

After all, even if Gasol made Kobe better, Kobe has made Gasol equally better. 

Funny how that is a two way street.