Kobe Bryant: Too Old, Too Hurt, Too Good

Written by: Ryan Regan

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (R) shoots over Sacramento Kings' Luther Head (L) during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Sacramento, California November 3, 2010. REUTERS/Max Whittaker (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)


Okay, this is the year. For real this time.

I mean, he’s 32 years old, going into his 15th season in the NBA with 5 championship rings in 7 Finals appearances. That’s 1,219 games for you keep track at home and that’s not including the nice chunk of gold he won with the Olympic team in Beijing. Dude’s got some major mileage.

Kobe Bryant is old. He’s tired. He’s too banged up. He definitely doesn’t have that same lift. He’s slower. This will be the year he falls off. Sure, he hasn’t averaged less than 26.8 points since 2004. But, it just has to happen. With possibly the most talented and deepest team he has ever played for, Kobe has to take a backseat and assume a more opportunistic role, right?

This will be the year Kobe passes the torch (if he hasn’t already). Forget his back-to-back championships. Don’t pay attention to his consistent 27, 5 & 5 seasons. Ignore his unmatched workout regimen. Because all of a sudden, the NBA is a league of drama complete with hour-long egotistical productions and marketing objectives. And all Kobe wants to do is win. All Kobe does is win.

Next: Making His Own Luck

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