The Lakers have struggled with injuries all season and have found themselves at the bottom end of the Western Conference standings. Laker superstar Kobe Bryant has only appeared in six games in the 2013-2014 campaign. Bryant first missed time while recovering from a torn Achilles last April. In a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 19, Bryant then suffered a fractured tibia. The initial diagnosis reported Bryant could be out for six weeks, but since then, word of longer recovery time surfaced.
This has led to debate whether Bryant should even come back at all this season. ESPN’s First Take met up with rapper Lil Wayne who shared his thoughts on the argument.
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Lil Wayne compares Bryant’s situation to another superstar, Derrick Rose. The Chicago Bulls point guard infamously sat out the entire 2012-2013 whole recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during the 2012 Playoffs. Many people felt Rose was headed for a bounce back season this year, only for him to be sidelined again with a torn meniscus. Injuries are always a risk when trying to come from an ailment, and there is no immediate concern for the Lakers to bring Bryant this season.
The Lakers seem destined towards a top pick in this year’s draft, and it is currently unknown who on the current Lakers roster will be back next season. Lil Wayne feels Bryant should not be rushing himself to play this year since there is nothing to really play for. Bryant could use the extra time sidelined to make sure he is over his injuries. Throughout his career, Bryant has been known to be one to always fight through the pain and play at any cost.
With Bryant acknowledging the end of his career is coming relatively soon, the future Hall of Famer is already looking forward to see what he can do once he returns to the court.
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