[Tobe BryantParticipant]

It was a tough exit for the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. A 2nd round upset to the Mavs and being relegated as yet another team over the hill and reaching for the walkers.

Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s most prolific player since the great Michael Jordan stands at a whopping 32 years of age. Bryant has logged in 1,311 games including both the playoffs and regular season. Kobe has been in the league 15 strong years, and 14 have included play-off runs where his teams have played in NBA Finals in 7 instances.

The toll that he has taken onto his body is that which the average man cannot handle. His arthritic finger which required surgery but had none, a nagging ankle, and a bum knee. All injuries that Bryant has fought through over the pass few runs this year.

Many fans have been accustomed to Bryant performing at his usual high level on both ends of the floor every night. We all can see that he is a step slower, but his skills and intangibles are still second to none. There have been questions of the falling of glory as the best player in the league on Bryant’s part. My perspective and feelings is that Kobe is still the BEST players in the NBA. This is a belief built upon strictly biasness and hope that Bryant regains his form.

Completely off the subject, but people made similar assumptions about Michael Vick, an athlete playing arguably the toughest sport, hardest position, and leading after spending time away from the game of football in a prison cell. Time away from the game gives you room to rest the body, mind, and soul. It also creates a sense of re-dedication to the game.

This lockout is blessing in disguise for Kobe Bryant. He not only can rest his body from all his prior injuries, but he can recover mentally from his abrupt play-off exit, and also train to build his body for the long-run he is facing over the next few seasons.

With the kind of will and mental toughness that Bryant possesses, it’s not hard to believe that he is still a top-3 player in the NBA. You can bet your bottom dollar that he will look to avenge last season’s embarassment and also redeem his crown as the BEST in the league. KOBE IS NOT DONE!!! I can see about one or two more magical seasos left in him! Let’s just all sit back and watch as he proves the doubters wrong….like so many times before…..

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 no one thought Kobe was "done" they just think he is declining .

Also Kobe probably isnt even resting ,he is a big time worker that never takes a day off

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 no one thought Kobe was "done" they just think he is declining .

Also Kobe probably isnt even resting ,he is a big time worker that never takes a day off

[BasketballGuru24Participant]

 i still believe he gotta a MVP caliber type season left in him, if not 2..

[BasketballGuru24Participant]

 i still believe he gotta a MVP caliber type season left in him, if not 2..

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

I agree with what kobe said when they lost. They still have a great chance to come back and win the championship this next year. I think kobe will come back strong but I dont think he will be mvp again though. 25,4,4 on the best team in the league isnt really good enough it seems. I see him being all first team a few more times though.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

I agree with what kobe said when they lost. They still have a great chance to come back and win the championship this next year. I think kobe will come back strong but I dont think he will be mvp again though. 25,4,4 on the best team in the league isnt really good enough it seems. I see him being all first team a few more times though.

[iguapops420Participant]

 Man, I was so ready to give you a negative until I read your post. Nah, Kobe’s still great, just like you said the man had nagging injuries yet he STILL managed to keep his numbers around the same even at playing his lowest minutes per game since his 2nd or 3rd year in the L. Didn’t help that Artest and Fish couldn’t shoot to save their lives and PAu and Odom were both No Shows. Absolutely no bench at that point either as Blake was just coming back from chicken pox and Barnes from a knee injury that he still hasnt fully healed from. Shannon Brown was a a no defense playing chucker who honestly played worse than Vujacic or Farmar ever did save for an occasional dunk or two.

After a full offseason to heal and get into game shape, the Bean we all know and love/hate will be back.

[iguapops420Participant]

 Man, I was so ready to give you a negative until I read your post. Nah, Kobe’s still great, just like you said the man had nagging injuries yet he STILL managed to keep his numbers around the same even at playing his lowest minutes per game since his 2nd or 3rd year in the L. Didn’t help that Artest and Fish couldn’t shoot to save their lives and PAu and Odom were both No Shows. Absolutely no bench at that point either as Blake was just coming back from chicken pox and Barnes from a knee injury that he still hasnt fully healed from. Shannon Brown was a a no defense playing chucker who honestly played worse than Vujacic or Farmar ever did save for an occasional dunk or two.

After a full offseason to heal and get into game shape, the Bean we all know and love/hate will be back.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

How can anyone say he’s Done when 85% of the coaches and players in the league say he’s the player they Fear most with the ball in his hands the in the final seconds of a game?

Kobe is still among the top 3 players in the league…But he’s going older and losing some quickness and athleticism,so now he must out think his opponents….

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

How can anyone say he’s Done when 85% of the coaches and players in the league say he’s the player they Fear most with the ball in his hands the in the final seconds of a game?

Kobe is still among the top 3 players in the league…But he’s going older and losing some quickness and athleticism,so now he must out think his opponents….

[HaleParticipant]

It depends on your definition of being done. Is he done contending for the best player in the NBA? Most likely because I think he has fallen to top 6-7 in the league instead of top 2. But at the end of the day he is still a mid to upper twenties ppg guy and can go off on any given night. He has at least a few more all star top 10-15 guy years left in him.

[HaleParticipant]

It depends on your definition of being done. Is he done contending for the best player in the NBA? Most likely because I think he has fallen to top 6-7 in the league instead of top 2. But at the end of the day he is still a mid to upper twenties ppg guy and can go off on any given night. He has at least a few more all star top 10-15 guy years left in him.

[ivoeeninkParticipant]

kobe is the best player in the league until he retires he will be. He is a warrior and won’t quit untill he surpast michael jordon on the scoring list and have 6 titles so nobody can hate on him. See last season as motivation for kobe, he will bring lakers back to title next season!

[ivoeeninkParticipant]

kobe is the best player in the league until he retires he will be. He is a warrior and won’t quit untill he surpast michael jordon on the scoring list and have 6 titles so nobody can hate on him. See last season as motivation for kobe, he will bring lakers back to title next season!

[LBJKDParticipant]

But at this point will he be all first team cause of his production of because he is just simply kobe bryant. I think wade will put up higher numbers and still get snubbed to second team which is a shame. Its the same with kobe being all defensive first team I think that side of the floor he no longer is all defensive caliber as he once was.

[LBJKDParticipant]

But at this point will he be all first team cause of his production of because he is just simply kobe bryant. I think wade will put up higher numbers and still get snubbed to second team which is a shame. Its the same with kobe being all defensive first team I think that side of the floor he no longer is all defensive caliber as he once was.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

 Kobe is on the decline. That is partly why Phil retired, he knows there isn’t another real run in the Lakers. It is just age, he can’t help. It takes the hops, it takes the speed, it makes you more injury prone, and, though not quite as noticeable, it takes the jump shot as well. By the time he gets back on the court in front of us, he is going to be six months older than last we saw him. Sure he might be healthier, but is he going to make it through the season and stay fully healthy? No not at his age. 

It ain’t hate. I’ve always liked Kobe (except for the rape thing). He works hard and I don’t mind my superstars having attitude. But he is just old now and there have been a lot of miles put on that body. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

 Kobe is on the decline. That is partly why Phil retired, he knows there isn’t another real run in the Lakers. It is just age, he can’t help. It takes the hops, it takes the speed, it makes you more injury prone, and, though not quite as noticeable, it takes the jump shot as well. By the time he gets back on the court in front of us, he is going to be six months older than last we saw him. Sure he might be healthier, but is he going to make it through the season and stay fully healthy? No not at his age. 

It ain’t hate. I’ve always liked Kobe (except for the rape thing). He works hard and I don’t mind my superstars having attitude. But he is just old now and there have been a lot of miles put on that body. 

[surveParticipant]

Kobe is on the decline…but it depends on your definition of "done" if you mean done as far as competing at a high level and contending for/winning championships, not by a long shot, the only way he will be done is when he decides to be unless injuries force him out. 

Depending on if Kobe is willing to take a lesser role with the Lakers or another team as far as maybe being a 2nd option or option 1B then he can play and win for a very long time….but even now, he still isnt done as a 1st option player, he probably has 2 or 3 more years of that level of play….before he even has to consider a lesser role.

[surveParticipant]

Kobe is on the decline…but it depends on your definition of "done" if you mean done as far as competing at a high level and contending for/winning championships, not by a long shot, the only way he will be done is when he decides to be unless injuries force him out. 

Depending on if Kobe is willing to take a lesser role with the Lakers or another team as far as maybe being a 2nd option or option 1B then he can play and win for a very long time….but even now, he still isnt done as a 1st option player, he probably has 2 or 3 more years of that level of play….before he even has to consider a lesser role.

[theTKOshowParticipant]

Kobe is far from being done due to the fact he absolutely hates to lose and continues to work hard to be the best. I think it is true that he is beginning his decline in terms of athleticism tho. I know there was a recent video of him doing a 360 or between the legs dunk but I don’t think his body can do that on the regular while avoiding injury. He’s a smart guy who will continually adjust his game to make up for any shortcomings. It was last year or 2 yrs ago he spent a summer with Hakeem Alojuwan in order to add a post up game. Kobe’s been the best player for so long that people are saying he’s done since he may not be THE best player anymore but you gotta realize hes still an easy top 5 player and will continue to be for a few more years. as he gets older he’ll probably keep improving his shooting, post up game, playmaking skills or whatever else he sees he needs to do.

If there is one thing I think he’s done as, its that player who can just hoist up 25+ shots a game and still expect to win most of those games. He’s an all around talent thats as competitive as it gets so you know any skills that decline due to his athleticism slowly declining, he will more than make up for it in other categories.

even 4 years from now if his body is broken down from all the miles he put on and injuries hes endured, id still probably want the ball in his hands at the end of the game.

[theTKOshowParticipant]

Kobe is far from being done due to the fact he absolutely hates to lose and continues to work hard to be the best. I think it is true that he is beginning his decline in terms of athleticism tho. I know there was a recent video of him doing a 360 or between the legs dunk but I don’t think his body can do that on the regular while avoiding injury. He’s a smart guy who will continually adjust his game to make up for any shortcomings. It was last year or 2 yrs ago he spent a summer with Hakeem Alojuwan in order to add a post up game. Kobe’s been the best player for so long that people are saying he’s done since he may not be THE best player anymore but you gotta realize hes still an easy top 5 player and will continue to be for a few more years. as he gets older he’ll probably keep improving his shooting, post up game, playmaking skills or whatever else he sees he needs to do.

If there is one thing I think he’s done as, its that player who can just hoist up 25+ shots a game and still expect to win most of those games. He’s an all around talent thats as competitive as it gets so you know any skills that decline due to his athleticism slowly declining, he will more than make up for it in other categories.

even 4 years from now if his body is broken down from all the miles he put on and injuries hes endured, id still probably want the ball in his hands at the end of the game.

[nba00Participant]

i think he will stay in the league longer than we expect, Im not sure if he is willing to let jordan to walk away with all of those scoring records at the age of 40.

[nba00Participant]

i think he will stay in the league longer than we expect, Im not sure if he is willing to let jordan to walk away with all of those scoring records at the age of 40.

[Jlv2011]

but he still has value has a role player preferably a 6th man.  Of course, it would be intriguing to see him as a TV analyst perhaps on TNT with Shaq and Barkley.

[Jlv2011]

but he still has value has a role player preferably a 6th man.  Of course, it would be intriguing to see him as a TV analyst perhaps on TNT with Shaq and Barkley.

[kanyedabestParticipant]

kobes my 2nd favorite athlete but im dissapointed in him, he needs to be resting this offseason…. his body has so much wear and tear like damn kobe, just rest for a few months and heal up!

[kanyedabestParticipant]

kobes my 2nd favorite athlete but im dissapointed in him, he needs to be resting this offseason…. his body has so much wear and tear like damn kobe, just rest for a few months and heal up!

[doubledribblerParticipant]

He’s on the downside, but not done. He might have one more high level year left. I think if he wants to get the most out of what is left, he’s going to have to start letting the offense run through the bigs at least through the season. Let the coaches scale back your minutes and no matter what you can still be the closer.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

He’s on the downside, but not done. He might have one more high level year left. I think if he wants to get the most out of what is left, he’s going to have to start letting the offense run through the bigs at least through the season. Let the coaches scale back your minutes and no matter what you can still be the closer.

[iguapops420Participant]

 Jlv2011, you must be joking right? 6th man? Analyst? STFU!

[iguapops420Participant]

 Jlv2011, you must be joking right? 6th man? Analyst? STFU!

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Some time off will help Kobe like MJ’s short minor league baseball career helped the best player ever.  Kobe is past his peak physically, but so was Jordan in 1996, 1997, and 1998 but he still won championships.  I think that Kobe needs to just keep working hard and thinking things through.  He can no longer go one on five, he just needs to let the offense come to him and rely on post-ups, turnarounds, mid-range jumpers, and free throws. 

The entire Lakers team melted down against the Mavs last year — not just Kobe.  If Pau, Odom, and Bynum can bounce back then the Lakers will be one of the favorites to come out of the West (along with Dallas and OKC).  I think the new coach will help shake things up.  But, Kobe is still one of the best players in the league even though he can’t single handedly take over entire playoff series — but neither can Wade, LeBron, or even Dirk.

The Lakers’ offense works best when they run it through the post (Pau and Bynum), not when Kobe is jacking up bad shots.  If the Lakers stick to their game plan and get an upgrade at point guard then the entire team will look better — including Kobe. 

Kobe has five rings.  Jordan has six.  I am not sure if Kobe can pass Jordan, but I can see Kobe at least tying him with another title in the next 2 or 3 years.  If you compare Kobe today where Jordan was in his career, Kobe is probably close to where Jordan was in 1997-1998 where MJ and the Bulls had just enough left to get past the Pacers (4th quarter comeback in Game 7 in the ECF) and the Jazz (in 6 games). 

Kobe’s not done yet.  There’s still something left in the tank.

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Some time off will help Kobe like MJ’s short minor league baseball career helped the best player ever.  Kobe is past his peak physically, but so was Jordan in 1996, 1997, and 1998 but he still won championships.  I think that Kobe needs to just keep working hard and thinking things through.  He can no longer go one on five, he just needs to let the offense come to him and rely on post-ups, turnarounds, mid-range jumpers, and free throws. 

The entire Lakers team melted down against the Mavs last year — not just Kobe.  If Pau, Odom, and Bynum can bounce back then the Lakers will be one of the favorites to come out of the West (along with Dallas and OKC).  I think the new coach will help shake things up.  But, Kobe is still one of the best players in the league even though he can’t single handedly take over entire playoff series — but neither can Wade, LeBron, or even Dirk.

The Lakers’ offense works best when they run it through the post (Pau and Bynum), not when Kobe is jacking up bad shots.  If the Lakers stick to their game plan and get an upgrade at point guard then the entire team will look better — including Kobe. 

Kobe has five rings.  Jordan has six.  I am not sure if Kobe can pass Jordan, but I can see Kobe at least tying him with another title in the next 2 or 3 years.  If you compare Kobe today where Jordan was in his career, Kobe is probably close to where Jordan was in 1997-1998 where MJ and the Bulls had just enough left to get past the Pacers (4th quarter comeback in Game 7 in the ECF) and the Jazz (in 6 games). 

Kobe’s not done yet.  There’s still something left in the tank.

 

[iguapops420Participant]

 Kobe taking those kinds of shots are easier said than done. Kinda hard to get those shots when you’re basically expected to be the primary playmaker and scorer. Kobe plays best when he’s given the post. He’s BY FAR a moreefficient player and more of a killer. Problem is, that Kobe can’t so much get those easy shots until they take the playmaking duties out of his hands. They tried this in 06 and part of 07 with Odom, but he failed miserably at getting the job done. Kobe will never be able to take full advantage of his skills until LA finds a guy good enough to become the playmaker and take the ball out of Kobe’s hands. Partly why I’m willing to give up either Pau, or Odom for a player who may not be as good but can fill a role better. IMO, get rid of LO for a Devin Harris, Iguodala, Andre Miller/Kenyon Martin package,  or perhaps trading L.O. for a guy package something like LO for Rush, George Hill. Not sure what L.A. can realistically do, but based on what is needed and what is available, the only way to get better is with addition by subtraction in Gasol or Odom for ballhandler.

One thought I’ve had that may work for both teams potentially is Ron Artest for Jameer Nelson. Orlando puts Gilbert in as the starting PG(something Dwight has been pushing for), and get the defender that they keep raving about. Artest with less standing in the corner can still be a decnt player with above average defensive potential. Not to mention his defense would more than likely get back at an all NBA level knowing he’s got Dwight behind him to cover his back.

Dwight/Allen/Orton

Anderson/Bass

Ron/Turks/Clark

Richardson/Redick/Q

Arenas/Duhon

 

Bynum/(F/A say jeff foster)

Pau/LO/Caracter

Barnes/Ebanks/Luke

Kobe/Fisher/Goudelock

Jameer/Blake/Morris

[iguapops420Participant]

 Kobe taking those kinds of shots are easier said than done. Kinda hard to get those shots when you’re basically expected to be the primary playmaker and scorer. Kobe plays best when he’s given the post. He’s BY FAR a moreefficient player and more of a killer. Problem is, that Kobe can’t so much get those easy shots until they take the playmaking duties out of his hands. They tried this in 06 and part of 07 with Odom, but he failed miserably at getting the job done. Kobe will never be able to take full advantage of his skills until LA finds a guy good enough to become the playmaker and take the ball out of Kobe’s hands. Partly why I’m willing to give up either Pau, or Odom for a player who may not be as good but can fill a role better. IMO, get rid of LO for a Devin Harris, Iguodala, Andre Miller/Kenyon Martin package,  or perhaps trading L.O. for a guy package something like LO for Rush, George Hill. Not sure what L.A. can realistically do, but based on what is needed and what is available, the only way to get better is with addition by subtraction in Gasol or Odom for ballhandler.

One thought I’ve had that may work for both teams potentially is Ron Artest for Jameer Nelson. Orlando puts Gilbert in as the starting PG(something Dwight has been pushing for), and get the defender that they keep raving about. Artest with less standing in the corner can still be a decnt player with above average defensive potential. Not to mention his defense would more than likely get back at an all NBA level knowing he’s got Dwight behind him to cover his back.

Dwight/Allen/Orton

Anderson/Bass

Ron/Turks/Clark

Richardson/Redick/Q

Arenas/Duhon

 

Bynum/(F/A say jeff foster)

Pau/LO/Caracter

Barnes/Ebanks/Luke

Kobe/Fisher/Goudelock

Jameer/Blake/Morris

[boxn1Participant]

He is still capable of being the best player in the NBA,just for short stretches. he can take over for 5 or 6 mins during any game,but not control and dominate an entire game. Thats true for all declining superstars. His strength now is his B-on court i.q. and his will to win,he will have to take step back and facilitate more and use the bigs more often. L.A. can win the title,the room and space for error is so small because Kobe is turning into a mere mortal at this point.

[boxn1Participant]

He is still capable of being the best player in the NBA,just for short stretches. he can take over for 5 or 6 mins during any game,but not control and dominate an entire game. Thats true for all declining superstars. His strength now is his B-on court i.q. and his will to win,he will have to take step back and facilitate more and use the bigs more often. L.A. can win the title,the room and space for error is so small because Kobe is turning into a mere mortal at this point.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

I think that in fairness the jury is still out.

If you’re asking whether physically he’s the guy that could put up 9 straight 40+ games with ease, then obviously he isn’t. But the question of whether he can return even to the MVP form of 2008 remains to bee seen because this is the first long summer he’s had in years. He was so banged up the last two summers that he couldn’t even undergo his olympic-level training program that made him arguably the hardest worker who’s ever played.

Several months of intense training as opposed to not (which is what we’ve witnessed the last 2 years) could give him a major boost. You also have to add in the added motivation of getting swept out of the playoffs, the fact that he’s being doubted, and the plasma therapy he underwent on his knee.

I’ll reserve full judgement until I see him in the next season.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

I think that in fairness the jury is still out.

If you’re asking whether physically he’s the guy that could put up 9 straight 40+ games with ease, then obviously he isn’t. But the question of whether he can return even to the MVP form of 2008 remains to bee seen because this is the first long summer he’s had in years. He was so banged up the last two summers that he couldn’t even undergo his olympic-level training program that made him arguably the hardest worker who’s ever played.

Several months of intense training as opposed to not (which is what we’ve witnessed the last 2 years) could give him a major boost. You also have to add in the added motivation of getting swept out of the playoffs, the fact that he’s being doubted, and the plasma therapy he underwent on his knee.

I’ll reserve full judgement until I see him in the next season.

[RafterParticipant]

Kobe will be back, and the Lakers will for that matter. Kobe is less athletic now but that’s the only thing that’s changed, he’s still has that freakishly high basketball IQ, very skilled and he’s clutch, no one is more feared then Kobe when the game is on the line. His physical traits may be declining, but his mental and technical attributes haven’t changed, i’d say eventhough his physical ability is declining, but his mental ability is increasing because he’s not the same athlete he was, he’s playing more strategic and i always felt he’s underrated in that aspect, Kobe is letal in the half-court now, he has rounded out his skill-set  throughout his career and he’ll continue to adjust.

Kobe is a winner, he has the experience and the ability to lead this current Laker team to the Finals again. It won’t be easy considering how strong the West is now..

[RafterParticipant]

Kobe will be back, and the Lakers will for that matter. Kobe is less athletic now but that’s the only thing that’s changed, he’s still has that freakishly high basketball IQ, very skilled and he’s clutch, no one is more feared then Kobe when the game is on the line. His physical traits may be declining, but his mental and technical attributes haven’t changed, i’d say eventhough his physical ability is declining, but his mental ability is increasing because he’s not the same athlete he was, he’s playing more strategic and i always felt he’s underrated in that aspect, Kobe is letal in the half-court now, he has rounded out his skill-set  throughout his career and he’ll continue to adjust.

Kobe is a winner, he has the experience and the ability to lead this current Laker team to the Finals again. It won’t be easy considering how strong the West is now..

[SteroidParticipant]

Kobe just averaged 25/4/4 on 45%, shooting on a championship caliber team while playing the 34 minutes a game, which is his 3rd lowest minutes per game in his career. For reasons some of you said, I think he’s going to come back much stronger because of the early rest from playoffs and lockout. My prediction for MVP for next season is Dwight, but I’d have to go Kobe for a second choice. Kobe has the perfect storm brewing for him to win another MVP considering the storyline.

[SteroidParticipant]

Kobe just averaged 25/4/4 on 45%, shooting on a championship caliber team while playing the 34 minutes a game, which is his 3rd lowest minutes per game in his career. For reasons some of you said, I think he’s going to come back much stronger because of the early rest from playoffs and lockout. My prediction for MVP for next season is Dwight, but I’d have to go Kobe for a second choice. Kobe has the perfect storm brewing for him to win another MVP considering the storyline.

[Author]

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