Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know . . .

Mark Heisler begrudgingly admits that yes, indeed, Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player in the Universe (that's right, even those aliens doing their fly-bys near Haiti ain't got nothing on Kobe).

Kobe in his prime v Jordan in his prime matched with about equal teammates would be a sight to see. Can only happen in computer simulation land though.

Kobe has taken his game to a new level over the past six months or so, it was hard to tell when he was with the Lakers (especially when they got swept in the playoffs), but playing with the best of the best that the USA has to offer, he still is clearly better than anyone else and is the only person you want defending the other team's best player or taking the last shot when the game is on the line.

He was outstanding in both 'blue on white' games they played getting ready for the FIBA Americas Championship that starts today. He's been a demon in practice, and he has the awe and respect of all the other all stars gathered.

He better stay a Laker, and the Lakers better do whatever it takes to assemble a team that he can win with.

The big knock on him is that he doesn't do enough to make those around him better, but you try making everyone better when Smush Parker is your point guard (good luck Miami Heat, you'll need it). Getting Derek Fisher back should help a lot more than people expect, plus a healthy Walton, Mihm and Odom could help make the Lakers a lot better than anyone expects them to be.