Kobe Bryant registered just the 18th triple-double of his 17-year career Sunday in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-108 win over the Houston Rockets, but as rare as triple-dips have come for Bryant, the more remarkable sight was how in sync his game operated along with Dwight Howard.

Several of Bryant’s game-high 11 assists were delivered to Howard, who scored 28 points to Bryant’s 22. One of Bryant’s assists to Howard came after Kobe drove to the basket and dumped it off to the big man at the last second, gift wrapping a wide-open dunk. Another came with Bryant holding the ball at the top of the key and making eye contact with Howard to signal an alley-oop lob was on its way, and the two executed the play to perfection.

“We’re almost there,” Howard said. “We’re almost on the same page. I just tell Kobe, he’s always going to attack but always just attack the basket and I’ll try to clean up if you miss. We’re just learning each other’s game. It’s going to take some time but we’re doing the best we can.”

via Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles