Cold From Field, Hot at the Line

Kobe Bryant’s shooting percentage has plummeted to career-low depths, with more misses than makes in all but two games this season.

His free-throw activity, on the other hand, is close to an all-time NBA high for a season.

Bryant’s 38.8% field-goal percentage is the lowest since he shot 41.7% in 1996-97, his rookie season. He has compensated in part by making 10.1 free throws per game, putting him on pace to finish fifth in NBA history in the category over a season.

Jerry West made an average of 10.6 free throws per game for the Lakers in 1965-66, for a record total of 840. Wilt Chamberlain made 10.4 a game for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1961-62. Adrian Dantley averaged 10.3 for the Utah Jazz in 1983-84 and Michael Jordan averaged 10.2 for the Chicago Bulls in 1986-87.

As Bryant struggles to find his shot, he tries to take solace in earning, and making, free throws.

“Any time you get to the free-throw line, it’s much easier,” said Bryant, averaging 27.8 points. “It’s all about creating contact, drawing the foul, getting to the free-throw line and knocking them down once you get there.”

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Karl Malone will be home for the holidays.

He continues to recuperate from off-season knee surgery, and a decision on his return is not expected until after Christmas, if not early January. Malone, 41, has told Laker officials he would play for the Lakers if he decides to come back for a 20th NBA season.

The Lakers continue to watch and wait from afar.

“Second all-time in scoring, I think he’d help,” forward Lamar Odom said. “If he feels like he’s ready to come back, I’m pretty sure there would be open arms for him. For us, the sooner the better. For him, he has to feel good for him to come back.”