Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Pacers will host the Lakers on Monday, and it will be the final time that Paul George gets the chance to take the court against Kobe Bryant in a game that officially counts.
Both players were voted into the All-Star game as starters, so George will technically get to play against Bryant again later this week. But during the one that matters, he plans to go as hard as possible in competing against one of the game's all-time greats.
"Honestly, try to go for 82 [points]," George said, via Vigilant Sports. "I look forward to this, his last trip to Indiana, last game in Bankers Life [Fieldhouse]. I want it to be a good showing. I'm definitely coming with all of my weapons and tools cleaned up."
Bryant, of course, scored an incredible 81 points in a game against the Raptors 10 seasons ago.
"It is the best way to show the respect to him is to put on a good show," George said.
The Lakers have been so bad this year that we wouldn't necessarily rule it out. L.A. ranks second-to-last in defensive efficiency, and George already torched the Lakers once this season, scoring 39 points in a 107-103 win back in November at Staples Center.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.