Jordan Clarkson

Lakers' Clarkson jokes about Kobe Bryant 'getting kinda old'

Published Nov. 16, 2015 6:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant's struggles to start the season have been well noted, but it's only fair to recognize when the Mamba plays well, even if it's not as often as most expected heading into this season.

After a grueling five-game road trip, in which Bryant missed two games and the Lakers went just 1-4, dropping their record to 1-8, Bryant had a throwback performance against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, leading the Lakers to a 97-85 victory behind Bryant's 17 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in a season-high 37 minutes.

When asked about Bryant's performance, teammate Jordan Clarkson couldn't help but take a playful shot at Bryant's age:

Clarkson better watch his words, as the last time Bryant was challenged by a teammate, he took it out on them in practice. Bryant's performance on Sunday doesn't rectify his play this season -- just 16.9 points on 33.6 percent shooting (23.3 percent from deep) -- but it shows he still has something left in the tank every few games in the right matchup.

And Clarkson does have a point: Bryant is missing Monday night's back-to-back in Phoenix against the Suns, the third game he's missed this season due to rest.

(h/t Lakers Nation)

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Jordan Clarkson

Los Angeles Lakers

National Basketball Association