Few players in the NBA watch as much game film as Kobe Bryant.

"Hands down, he's the biggest video fiend we've ever had," said Chris Bodaken, the Lakers' director of video services. "I didn't know if it was possible to be more competitive than Magic was, but I think he might be. It carries over into his preparation, and this is part of that."

Bryant has increased his requests for tape since last season.

Bryant used to primarily study clips from entire games, watching them at his home or on the way to home games in his car while one of his bodyguards drove. Now his pregame routine also includes clips of individual players he will guard.

"It's a blueprint," said Bryant. "So if something goes down, it's not something you haven't seen before. Everybody's got tendencies. If he scores 40 on Monday, he's going to try to do it on Tuesday. You've got to take him out of his spots. That's the key."