Kobe Bryant has made it look easy with his breathless game-winners and efficient footwork.
Even at 34 years old, the Lakers star also has thrown down a fair share of dunks, including one Sunday over Atlanta forward Josh Smith that kept everyone abuzz.
But beyond his unmatched skill, Bryant points to a more important variable that's helped distinguish himself through 17NBA seasons.
Bryant enters the Lakers' game tonight at Oklahoma City (43-16) averaging 27.3 points per game, third behind New York's Carmelo Anthony (28.6) and the Thunder's Kevin Durant (28.6). In the past five games, Bryant has averaged 35 points on 57 percent shooting and six assists.
Bryant attributes that to losing 16 pounds this offseason mostly by improving his diet. He's replaced sweets and fast food with lean meat and vegetables.
Bryant maintained he never lost focus with his diet, workout regiment or sacrificing time with family for the sake of maximizing his play.
Mark Medina has been the Lakers beat writer for the Los Angeles Daily News since 2012. He also works as a Lakers insider for AM570 and is heard on national radio outlets, including The Dan Patrick Show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Chris Mannix Show, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Yahoo! Sports Radio and SB Nation Radio. Medina also appears frequently on Spectrum SportsNet and NBC4's "Going Roggin."