Lakers’ Kobe Bryant more deliberate with his on-court moves

It has become clear that Kobe Bryant is more deliberate when he makes a move.

That’s what happens when age, injuries and NBA mileage rob a player of his athleticism.

After watching Bryant play the first five games of the regular season, it’s easy to see that the Lakers’ 36-year-old guard still moves well.

But Bryant has to work extra hard to get by his defenders.

His footwork remains impeccable. His ability to get to his “sweet spots” on the court happens just enough.

But he has become a jump-shot shooter now, unable to get by defenders as often. He uses lots of pump fakes.

Bryant takes lots of shots – good ones, bad ones and ones that are hard to believe they go in.

He may be second in the league in scoring, averaging 27.6 points per game, but he also is first in field goals taken per game, shooting 24.4.

Of the top 20 players in the league in field-goal attempts, Bryant ranked last among that group in shooting percentage at 40.2%.

That’s what happens when Bryant goes 14-for-37 against the Suns on Tuesday night.

The dilemma for Bryant and the Lakers seems to be whether to take a lot of shots or pass the ball to teammates who either can’t score (Carlos Boozer) or are afraid to shoot (Wesley Johnson).

One thing you can believe: Bryant isn’t afraid to shoot the basketball.

Until the 0-5 Lakers finally win a game, expect to see Bryant hoist up those jumpers.

Twitter: @BA_Turner