He may be 36 years old and coming off a season fraught with injury, but Kobe Bryant's superhuman credentials remain as credible as ever.
Even as his Los Angeles Lakers look to rebound from a 27-55 record, Bryant is attempting a comeback of his own after playing just six games last season.
Chances are the results will be impressive. They usually are when Bryant's involved.
But the anticipatory chatter is already cementing a reputation that probably didn't need any help.
Sports Illustrated's Chris Ballard recently spoke with "longtime physical therapist for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers" Judy Seto, and the fallout only serves to further enhance an iconic legacy that—in the eyes of many—ranks as the true heir to Michael Jordan.
Regarding Bryant's threshold for pain, Seto contended that, "It's the highest that I've ever seen. He channels his focus so well in terms of just the task at hand. But also when he's had pain, he can block that out. I mean, I think a good example is when he tore his Achilles, he made those free throws. He blocked it out and focused."
Those free throws were a reminder that for all of Bryant's talent and titles, it may be his fortitude that truly sets him apart.
"He's remarkable," then-Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said at the time, per ESPNLosAngeles.com's Dave McMenamin. "For him to hit the fouls shots is remarkable. It just didn't end. You have a greater appreciation to what he wills himself to do."
It was a historic moment, but there's little doubt Bryant hopes to avoid repeating it. Going forward, he's focusing on staying healthy and making the most of his career's few remaining years.
So it should come as no surprise that the 16-time All-Star is doing his homework.
Ballard separately reports that, "In preparing for this season, Bryant told friends that the player he is analyz...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
