Bryant will be 36 years old when the 2014-15 campaign starts, and that alone should be a sign that he’s on his way out. If we include the fact he missed practically the entirety of the 2013-14 season due to an Achilles tear and fractured knee, it seems evident that his playing days are numbered.
That might sound gloomy, but it’s a reality we must all come to grips with. It’s important that we appreciate the moments that Kobe will give us as he plays out the last two years of his contract.
In a perfect world, Bryant will close his career in the same manner that he’s performed throughout its majority: as a legend.
The Talent
The NBA doesn’t necessarily need Kobe to reproduce his past exploits since it has stars such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James to carry the league. However, the NBA would certainly appreciate a last round of greatness from the face of the Lakers.
Bryant plays the game with a flair that no one else in the league shares. His body language screams to opponents and fans “I’m just better than you,” and on some nights, that body language is right.
For those that prefer actual words, Kobe is more than willing to share those, too.
“As far as one-on-one, I’m the best to ever do it,” Kobe told ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Palmer in January 2013.
At his best, Bryant isn’t just a marvelous ball player, he’s also a savior of sorts. If that sounds hyperbolic, allow me to present you with some evidence. During the 2012-13 campaign, the Lakers were staring at a five-point deficit with under two minutes left in the game.
Bryant responded by hitting a barrage o...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
