PORTLAND — The shots dropped into the basket with remarkable efficiency.
So much that Kobe Bryant initially outscored the entire Dallas Mavericks. So much that Bryant scored 62 points through three quarters, giving the Lakers enough cushion that he felt no need to play in the final period. So much that Bryant became the sixth player in Lakers history to score at least 60 points in a regular-season game.
And with the Lakers (9-37) facing the Dallas Mavericks (25-20) for the final time on Tuesday at Staples Center, Bryant narrowed in on one specific source that fueled his outburst.