Why Lakers Fans Should Cherish Kobe Bryant’s 2014-15 Campaign

Enjoy the next chapter of Kobe Bryant's career, Los Angeles Lakers fans, because, for one last time, it's going to feel familiar.

Injuries have polluted what figured to be an age-abolishing twilight not two years ago. Bryant wasn't just playing at a high level, he was dominating. Dunking. Defying. The Black Mamba became the first NBA player older than 31 to average at least 27 points, five rebounds and six assists per game in 2012-13. 

Then it was over. The remainder of his season was lost to a torn Achilles. And all but six games of 2013-14 were lost to a fracture in his left leg and, unofficially, the Lakers' tanking efforts.

Next season is Bryant's shot at redemption. It's not going to come with a butchered role or a stark shift in mentality. He's returning to a Lakers team that needs him to be Kobe Bryant one last time. 

If the Lakers landed Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James, or if they didn't lose Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets last July, they wouldn't need or expect his return to parent nostalgia. 

Bryant wouldn't return as a superstar. His status would remain unchanged, but his role wouldn't be the same. His stay as Los Angeles' No. 1 offensive option and all-inclusive lifeline would be over.

But the Lakers aren't emerging from this offseason with James or Anthony—or even Pau Gasol. They have Julius Randle. They have Ed Davis. They have Jeremy Lin.

They have Carlos Boozer.



The Lakers aren't assembled to contend or win much of anything. Some even have them pegged as tankers:



Really, the Lakers fall somewhere in between. They aren't good enough to chase championships, but they're not bad enough to dwell in the place Sam Hinkie calls home, where they can retain the top-five protected first-round pick that's owed to the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers, in no uncertain...

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