It takes a certain kind of man to will his under-achieving team to the playoffs single-handedly. It’s even more incredible when that man is thirty four years old and in his seventeenth season in the NBA. Kobe Bryant’s MVP calibre season has come to an end with a torn Achilles tendon which occurred last night in the must-win game against Golden State. Bryant had surgery on Saturday at 1pm and his recovery is expected to be six to nine months, which would make for an expected return at the beginning of the next season. So with the Lakers in serious playoff contention, where to from here? Is it all over for a Lakers outfit that has been plagued with injuries all year or can the Lakers #winforkobe?
It’s a depressing sight, seeing a Lakers outfit without Kobe Bryant. But we all must remember, there is a day coming soon where this will become reality and there is nothing anybody can do. Am I happy about Kobe’s injury? Hell no! It brought me to tears quite frankly. However, it may be a blessing in disguise, for guys like Dwight Howard who get a chance to lead the Lakers outfit for the first time and get a taste of what’s in store for him in the coming days – should he stick around with the Lakers.
A Lakers team with the likes of Steve Nash, Metta World Peace, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol is still a dangerous team, so do not rule them out just yet. Having witnessed first-hand Kobe’s dedication and drive to get the squad to where they are now, the Lakers will be more determined than ever to make it all worth it. Steve Nash should be back from injury any day now and Jordan Hill will not be long afterwards. If the Lakers can keep their spot in the eighth seed, the Thunder should be worried.
Mike D’Antoni need’s to move over because Kobe Bryant will be leading this team from the side-line from now on. Bryant has the mind-set to lead this team and influence them just as much off the court than he does on the court. If Dwight Howard can accept his on-court leadership and still let Kobe lead the team from the side-line, the Lakers are still a formidable opponent. Mike D’Antoni need’s to get rid of his now six-man rotation and utilize his bench a little better if the Lakers are to be at full potential however.
So where to for the Lakers from here? I see them beating OKC in the first round. I’m serious, that’s not my bias opinion either. From there on, I’m not too sure. Can the Lakers still win a championship? No doubt in my mind. Will they? I am not sure. For now, Lakers fans, we must stick together and not abandon our team. We must pray for Kobe Bryant and hope for a speedy recovery and that we can see him start next season. We all know Kobe. He’ll be back, stronger than ever. But for now, let’s hope the Lakers can do what they do best – win rings.
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