Last week, Kobe Bryant underwent surgery on his torn rotator cuff that is expected to keep him out for nine months. After his third consecutive season-ending injury, there were questions if Kobe would consider retiring, but all signs point to him returning for his 20th NBA season.
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NBA TV asked the five-time champion what motivates him to keep going despite all the obstacles he has faced during this last stage of his future Hall of Fame career:
What motivates Kobe Bryant to keep going? pic.twitter.com/rDSeIYw2LU
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 5, 2015
While the Spurs are the defending champions, most had written the franchise off as the core group of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili continued to age without winning championships for a seven-year stretch. However, the Spurs kept their core while continuing to add young pieces like Kawhi Leonard, who is expected to help continue their success.
After three season-ending injuries at age 36, there will continue to be questions from the outside surrounding the five-time champion. While Kobe showed that he was capable of scoring with the best of them still, he adjusted his game and became more of a facilitator for the Lakers.
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