While questions regarding Kobe's return to form following Achilles and knee injuries figured to linger all season long, the narrative has quickly shifted following a series of unfortunate events.
No longer is the Lakers' season filled with the promise of Julius Randle serving as Bryant's understudy and the two forming a bond that could span the old guard and a new generation. A fractured right tibia made sure of that.
So what now?
With uncertainty reigning supreme, Bryant and the Lakers are wandering into a dangerous realm of basketball purgatory asking plenty of questions and possessing few answers.
Which means only one thing: This season is going to be defined by Kobe's quest to conquer adversity and transform what could very well be a lost season into a meaningful campaign.
After facing a brutal opening week schedule that included matchups against the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, the Lakers find themselves sitting at 0-4. For a franchise that has a proven track record of sustained success, that mark represents a futile new low, according to ESPN Stats & Info:
As a result, Bryant made some facetious remarks following the Lakers' 127-104 loss to the Warriors Saturday night, according to ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes:
It's only been four games, but frustration is already setting in and understandably so.
This means we may very well be treated to a vintage edition of Bryant who embraces a seek-and-destroy approach.
In his 19th season, time isn't on Bryant's side. Patience is no longer a luxury he can afford, and the construction of the...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
