RENO, NV—Pointing up at the sky as he landed a bank shot, local basketball player Alan Jennings credited Kobe Bryant for inspiring him to score a career-high four points in his rec league game Thursday night. “Kobe’s dedication taught me that amazing things happen when you just get out there and play for the love of the game,” said the 28-year-old account executive, who went two for 12 in his team’s 48-12 loss in the St. Viator Elementary School gymnasium. “There were times after my seventh or eighth brick when I thought I should just give up, but then I remembered that Kobe said, ‘Enjoy the road, especially when it’s a hard one,’ and also that Jim couldn’t make it tonight, so there was no one else to sub in. For real, though, I never would have got in the game tonight if weren’t for the Black Mamba—his drive convinced me to play despite leaving my basketball shorts at home.” At press time, Jennings expressed concern that he’d suffered a career-ending injury after sleeping weird.