"Star scores season-high 48 points in victory.

His pinky is damaged. So is his forefinger. His wrist is missing a ligament.

Overall, his right hand looks bloated and misshapen. Lately, he's been wearing something that looks like an oven mitt on his hand for off-court protection. Against all medical odds, however, everything seems to be functioning properly.

Kobe Bryant still can put a basketball through a hoop. Again and again and again, as he proved while dropping a cool 48 points on the helpless Phoenix Suns during the Lakers' electric 99-83 victory Tuesday in front of a sellout crowd of 18,997 at Staples Center. "