Kobe Bryant's attempted 47 shots, 19 of which are classified as dribble jumpers by Synergy Sports – a mark that is consistent with his recent increase in this shot type.

However, what is readily apparent  – even in such a small sample size – is the concerted effort Los Angeles is making to help him create space. It isn’t unusual to see someone like Derek Fisher set a down screen for Kobe in the corner, allowing him to flash up then curl off a handoff from Josh McRoberts.

In fact nearly 40 percent of his 64 total possessions have come via screen, handoff or pick-and-roll. In the previous four seasons, those play-types never accounted for even 20 percent of his offense.