LAKERS NOTEBOOK: Bryant setting a new standard

Kobe Bryant doesn't need many New Year's resolutions.

He enters the Lakers' game against Philadelphia tonight at Staples Center averaging a league-leading 30.1 points per game.

His shooting percentage (47.8 percent) marks a career high. He also said he's "extremely healthy" after losing 16 pounds this summer.

"This is probably the best I've played in a while," Bryant said.

Bryant averaged 33.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists in December, numbers he never maintained at the same time for a month. Would that convince the 34-year-old veteran to stay beyond "the two or three years" he believes he has left?

"Not really," Bryant said, smiling.

The Lakers hope to reduce Bryant's 38.7 minutes per game average, but coach Mike D'Antoni said that will happen only in blowouts.

Bryant said he's excelled for three reasons: D'Antoni's offense, Bryant's a year removed from procedures he had in Germany on his right knee and left ankle, and he avoids junk food.

"I've been honest with myself and have cut down on a lot of things and eat very healthy," Bryant said. "It sucks, but it's worth it."

Bold prediction

Lakers forward Metta World Peace boasted this offseason the Lakers would eclipse the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for most regular-season wins (72).

The Lakers fell short, but World Peace defended such assertions because of injuries to Steve Nash (fractured left leg) and Steve Blake (lower abdominal strain). World Peace then insisted the Lakers will match Chicago's winning percentage (87.8 percent) for the rest of the season. The Lakers could lose only five more games to finish 62-20.

"That's no problem," World Peace said. "That's the easiest thing I've heard in my life."

Reflecting on 2012

Pau Gasol spent the last year hearing endless trade rumors. What did he learn?

"To stay positive, stay thankful and keep things in perspective," Gasol said. "No matter what happens in my job or profession, understand how lucky I am."

Quick hits

Lakers reserve guard Chris Duhon missed Monday's practice because of back spasms. He remains a game-time decision against Philadelphia. … Gasol described the plantar fasciitis in his right foot as "sore" but he said he can play through it.