Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant are the two biggest superstars which will return from injury next season. Both of them are projected to have a huge impact to their respective teams and in a way, they will change the balances in the NBA. Let’s examine the latest news on those two megastars and they affect the game of their teams.
Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls
Rose has been heavily criticized about his injuries, his unwillingness to stay active and help his team due to his injuries. The truth is that the 25 – year old superstar has been absent for more than two years now due to a series of injuries he suffered. Although he did appear in 10 games during the 2013 – 2014 season, he barely made his presence felt. After a wait of about 1,5 years, Bulls fans saw their megastar going down with another season – ending injury.
Hopefully, Rose will be at his 100 percent as soon as the 2014 – 2015 season commences and hopefully he manages to at least stay healthy. As the explosive point guard recently stated, he would be able to play if the season started today. But during the last two playoff trips the Bulls made, Rose was not there. And some people around the league hinted that he could have decided to play instead of staying out for the entire season.
The truth is that the Chicago Bulls are a totally different team with Rose onboard. When Rose is playing and when he is at his best, the Bulls are a legit title contender. When the 25 – year old megastar is out, Chicago is nothing more than a playoff – caliber team. So, his impact will be huge next season for the Bulls and in fact, the status of his health may play a big role in the Bulls’ efforts to land another superstar like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love.
Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe Bryant
Kobe’s essence to the Los Angeles Lakers is even greater than Rose’s importance for the Bulls. The Black Mamba is the leader of the Lakers both on and off the court. The entire organization lies on his shoulders. Kobe has a huge impact to the Lakers’ course during each season but also when it comes to decision making.
As he stated recently, he also feels great with his body and he is ready to play. And the truth is that the Los Angeles Lakers kept Bryant out for the season only to allow him to fully rehab and come back stronger in 2014 – 2015. After all, this would have been a lost season for the Lakers even if Kobe was healthy.
Bryant will, too, have a big role in the Lakers’ efforts to build a title contending team from scratch. He may affect the decision of top – tier free agents like Carmelo Anthony or even LeBron James. Kobe is the ultimate difference maker for the Los Angeles Lakers and as soon as he gets active once again, nothing will be the same for LA.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues, and a LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+ or follow him on Twitter – @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
