Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

2010-2011 - He played 82 regular season games plus playoffs. So that's 5 seasons ago.

So yeah, it's been awhile.

Also, it was the last season Phil coached him. Phil had a better idea of how to play him and keep him healthy. MB, D'Antoni, and Byron have been awful in that regard.

 

I think it all comes down to ring potential. If we look like we're only 2 years away or so (for whatever reason) I think he stays, but takes it easy and takes on more of a Ray Allen/Reggie Miller role. If there's no hope of winning it all any time in the next 2 years or so (following the current contract that is) then he leaves after this season.

 

In his HBO special he made it very clear he is going to retire as a Laker. On Jimmy Kimmel said the same and also said he does not want the Derek Jeter treatment his final year so he will not announce he's retiring until he's done. In his final year he want's to be treated the same as he always has on the road, it motivates him to be the guy in the black hat and want's that as his final memories.
But..... is it his last year? No one knows including Mitch. That's the feeling now. Fast forward to game 50 with him healthy, putting up big numbers like before the Achilles and a fresh, young, competitive team. New CBA, tons of cap space.....could be he just stays quiet, let's the Lakers go after Durant or another big fish, then they all feel it out seeing if another year would be a good thing for him and the Lakers.

 

That's how I see it playing out. If he keeps reasonable health and gets juiced by the shiny, new talented roster around him he may stay.

 

Kobe is looking at this year as a challenge. While he won't say it, I think he has it prioritized as follows

1. Get through the season without injury
2. Get into the playoffs
3. Attempt to carry team (turn on the jets)
4. Win Championship in year where no one thought you could play (against all odds mentality)
5. Retire

Kobe has zero motivation (assuming he proves he can still play) to risk being carried off the floor in a year he is chasing a ring. (i.e 2017) I think this is truly the 'swan song' season.

 

Kobe saw his mortality for the first time. He admits that he can not carry a team anymore. That said, I think secretly and with his competitiveness, he secretly believes that if he can stay healthy, he has enough to do just that - carry a team and win a championship - over a period of 16 -20 games - just not 100.

Which if I am even close is what I love about Mamba. Ego, Competitive Desire to be the Best even when your body, mind, and outsiders say you can't do it...and his own (in his elder years) ability to self-reflect and know yourself and yet keep something a mystery - enjoy the journey and be special. Kobe and Jerry West are kindred spirits.

 

It will be interesting to hear the comments at the end of the summer from Randle (and I would bet Clarkson, maybe others?) who work out with Kobe wherever Kobe works out.




Oooops I guess we can scratch JC from that group according to this just up:

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/...an-clarkson-volunteering-philipines-nba-cares

 

kobe definitely is the type who will hang them up before taking a lesser role

but if things start looking up after this upcoming season and he's healthy and still playing at a high level, i highly doubt he retires

 

Kobe on twitter:

 

You're kidding right? I am sure that Kobe in his mind is going for the championship next year. he dosent care who is on his team in his first, second or third year in the league. he looks at them expecting the best. so yes, on an outside look, this is kobe's last dance with those youngsters, but in his mind, he sees himself at the playoffs and beyond.

He is gonna train like hell in the next 5 months. he is not quitting yet.
and there is a reason why he dosent make it official. if he's gonna make through the year with no injuries, I'm sure he will sign another year with a potential championship team.

I am not saying it because I heard something. I say it because everyone who anaylize kobe's charachter can know he wants that 6 championship for as much as his body can sustain.

so I wouldn't write his ending so soon.

 

IMO I think it's more important to him that he finishes his career as a Laker for life, then he wins his 6th ring. I really don't think he'll ever entertain the idea of joining another team.