It may be early in the 2009-2010 NBA season, but judging by headlines like “Kobe’s Newfound Post Game Leads LA,” “Best Kobe Ever” or “Kobe Acts as Lakers’ Gasol-ine in Lakers Win,” it appears that Kobe Bryant has gotten off to a terrific start so far this NBA season. Add to the headlines the fact that, as of Monday, Kobe was leading the league in scoring by over 2 full points per game (over Carmelo Anthony), is second in the NBA in steals, is shooting a career best 48.6%, and has a PER rating of over 28 and it appears as if the stats back up the contention being made by the media headlines. With how great Kobe has been over his career, it is hardly a surprise that he is making headlines and having spectacular games. What is a bit surprising, however, is that a guy who has arguably been the best player in the NBA over the past decade and who, at 31, is no longer a spring chicken, seems to have elevated his game even further than it already was.

One thing that is obvious from the early going, Kobe appears to have redefined his game with the addition of an array of low post moves that have seemed unstoppable thus far this season. Kobe’s low post game is going to cause teams defending him to use taller and thicker bodies, as Kobe has thus far shown the propensity to abuse guys like OJ Mayo and Devin Brown in the post. As teams adjust to Kobe, it is a bit scary to know that all Kobe has to do to adjust to their adjustments is to go back to playing his regular game, that of a perimeter scorer who is a deadeye shooter yet can take anyone overplaying him off the dribble in embarrassing fashion.

I hate to yet again start making comparisons between Kobe and the Great MJ, but it is a bit obvious how similar Kobe’s career progression has been to that of MJ. MJ’s low post game and thickness were large late stage career additions to his game that the Chicago Bulls ended up riding to the back-end three-peat of their six championships in the 1990s. With a league that is arguably deeper in individual talent (Lebron, Wade, Paul, Howard…) and team expectations (Magic, Cavs, Celtics, Spurs…) than any other time in its history, it will be fun to watch and see if Kobe can truly elevate his game and his legacy amongst what appear to be insurmountable odds. Only time will tell, but so far this season Kobe is showing that the league may have prematurely appointed its current King.