Coming into this season, Kobe Bryant has his fair share of doubters and he will be looking to prove all of them wrong. As he heads into his 19th season, Kobe will have his fair share of challenges on the court.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Mamba Strikes Back” T-Shirts? —
While many would assume that Kobe’s biggest challenge would be something having to do with carrying this team to the playoffs, Bryant had something different in mind according to Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding:
@KevinDing: The challenge, according to @kobebryant: "Trying to prove to myself I can be myself."
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) September 30, 2014
In his latter years, Kobe has really begun to focus on the mental aspect of his game. As his athleticism fades, he will have to rely on his basketball IQ to maintain his effectiveness.
Coming off of two major injuries, doubt is bound to creep in, even on someone like Kobe Bryant, and he has admitted as much this off-season. Very few players have been able to return at the same level after a torn Achille, and with Kobe having so many miles on his body already, it makes the challenge even more daunting.
— Lakers Nation BLOWOUT SALE! Shirts Start At $12.50 + Free Shipping! Use Code: REDEMPTION —
But if anyone can overcome the odds it is Bryant, who has made a career out of proving doubters wrong. Kobe knows he must first prove to himself that he can do everything he wants before he can prove it to anyone else. If that happens, Bryant may have no more doubters to prove wrong.
[divide]Lakers GM Kupchak On Kobe, Steve Nash And Championship Expecations