NEW YORK, March 11, 2013 - Kobe Bryant was named Western Conference Player of the Week, for games played Monday, March 4 through Sunday, March 10.
Bryant led the Lakers to a 3-1 week behind an NBA-best 33.0 points, 8.8 assists (fourth in the conference), 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals. He posted back-to-back games of 40-plus points and 10-plus assists on March 6 in a win over the New Orleans Hornets and March 8 in a win over the Toronto Raptors. Winners of eight-of-their-last-10, the Lakers (33-31, .516) have moved one-half game ahead of the Utah Jazz for the eighth spot in the Western Conference Playoff race.
Here is a recap of the week for Kobe Bryant:
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
- March 6 @ New Orleans: Posted 42 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a 108-102 win over the Hornets.
- March 8 vs. Toronto: Tallied 41 points, 12 assists and six rebounds in a 118-116 overtime win against the Raptors.
- March 10 vs. Chicago: Scored 19 points and added nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals during a 90-81 win over the Bulls.