Prior to the game, Kobe Bryant was battled flu-like symptoms, but he fought through the illness and played extremely well. Bryant is known to not just play through setbacks, but excel even when faced with injuries or sicknesses. The 17-season veteran did all he could to help the Lakers win the game, but his teammates could not match his level of play.
Coach Mike D’Antoni saw the level of intensity Bryant played with while on the court and talked about his captain’s determination with ESPN Los Angeles.
“The one thing you have to say about Kobe is his intensity, and that goes a long way,” D’Antoni said. “As your body gets older, you lose it mentally. You don’t want to train. You’re just tired. You got a lot of money, and you know what, it’s hard. Kobe is not going to let that happen to him. He’s too intense and too much of a champion.”
Even though Kobe Bryant is 34 years old, there are not many young stars that can play like him. Bryant may be nearing the end of his career, but he is still considered one of the best players we have it the game today.
Mike D’Antoni has faced Kobe Bryant many times in the past with the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks, and the future Hall-of-Famer constantly torched D’Antoni and his teams. Now in Los Angeles, D’Antoni finally has the Black Mamba on his side.