Things are going good in Lakerland, or should we say in “Kobeland”. Kobe has very quietly led his team to the best record in the NBA thus far, and has very quitly put up some amazing statistical numbers to back up his efforts. Let’s take a look at some of the important notes of the Lakers and Kobe Bryant thus far.. in case you missed any of it.

1. The Incredible One Legged 3-pointer Buzzer Beater

As if Kobe has not had enough amazing buzzer beaters to win games in his career, he entertained us with yet another one last Friday evening against the Miami Heat. Down by 2 points with seconds to go, Kobe launched a running 3 pointer off one leg, over defender Dwyane Wade at the buzzer to win the game. Truly one of the more difficult game winning shots in league history.

2. The Lakers are 16-3

The Lakers have quietly achieved the best record in the NBA up to this point, even though star forward Pau Gasol was out with a hamstring injury for 10 or so games. They have also managed to achieve this record while still integrating newcomer Ron Artest into the lineup. Something that will still need some more time. The Lakers have played the majority of their games at home thus far, and many of those games have also been against sub .500 teams. So the challenges of the regular season mostly lie ahead for these Lakers.

3. Artest Says Kobe Is Making Him Better

In a recent interview, Ron Artest said “Kobe gets up for everybody. He’s actually making me a better player, feel like I’m better now than I was ever. He’s just always going for blood. And I learned that now. That’s what I’ve been doing now when I’m out there.”

The last thing the league wants to see is a new and improved Ron Artest! Ron brings many unique skills to the Lakers. And with his competitiveness and toughness, I think he will be the X factor for the Lakers winning another championship this season.

4. Sporting News Poll Says Kobe Bryant Is The Best

We already know Kobe Bryant is the best player in the game, and has been for quite some time now. But media outlets such as Sporting News have to put together polls taken by hall of fame basketball players in order to satisfy the haters. Well the poll was taken. And it’s official. Kobe is the best! A total of 62 first place votes with the nearest being Lebron with 34.

Sorry Kobe haters. What other ammunition do you have if any?

5. Kobe’s Advice to Lebron, Or Lack There Of

Kobe was recently asked in an interview if he had extended or would be willing to extend any advice to LeBron James for playing with Shaq. Here was Kobe’s response. “I clearly know, but I’m not saying nothing,” Bryant said. “That’s something that I had to do.”

So what did you do?

“I figured it out,” Bryant said. “That’s something that [James] needs to do. I won’t give him advice.”

Did James call you for advice on O’Neal?

“I won’t give him none. I’ve given him enough already.”

Gotta love that response. Kobe’s not interested in helping anyone or anything who might stand in the way of another championship. Especially if that person is Shaquille O’neal. You gotta believe as a Kobe fan that Kobe is very motivated about getting to that fifth championship before Shaq does.