The "Resting" of Kobe Bryant

[The Skyhook]

I'm really surprised by how open he is about the pain he's in. Normally Kobe would brush it off and say he's going to fight through it. At this point it seems like he has finally come to terms with his body breaking down. Never thought I'd see the day.

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[Marionettetc]

After reading this thread a few times and taking in all the opinions, I've come to this conclusion.

Kobe went into the season trying to play like he has before the injuries without missing a beat, and had the backing of management to play through the inefficiencies - with it being tolerated under the belief that he would shoot out of it and work through his physical limitations.

His conditioning catches up with him, he takes blows to his ego until finally he agrees with management that he simply cannot play 40 minutes a night.

The time off issued by Scott, someone he trusts was on the surface under the guise of rest, but also served to give him time to reflect and come to terms with his weaknesses fully.

Sound about right?

[ChokeFasncists]

Three options:

1. Retirement
2. On and off, shut it down
3. Off the bench

His choice.

[Sofa King]

Im calling this now. Check back this post in 3.5 years from now. Kobe will end his contract and retire. After half a season or more, he will return to the Lakers for another run. Kobe is old but still has more playing time left until he is 39 years old. He will want to play again after tasting retirement. They all do.

[laduane1]

Kobe now has 10 months to rest and get his body back. But he had months off before this season. He will be another year older. Will next year be the same. Playing 30-40 games and making 25 million. Maybe he should call it a career and walk away. He walks away and the 25 million does not count vs the cap.

Lakers need to be in full rebuild mode. Trade Hill for another #1 pick. Lin needs to go. Try to find other assets to get and hope for a better year next year. All starts with Kobe calling it.

[TyCobb]

Three options:

1. Retirement
2. On and off, shut it down
3. Off the bench

His choice.

Cool, I'll let him know.

[crazyeights]

Im calling this now. Check back this post in 3.5 years from now. Kobe will end his contract and retire. After half a season or more, he will return to the Lakers for another run. Kobe is old but still has more playing time left until he is 39 years old. He will want to play again after tasting retirement. They all do.

Man, I hope not. Kobe's gonna get so fat so fast

[Mamba Venom]

Im calling this now. Check back this post in 3.5 years from now. Kobe will end his contract and retire. After half a season or more, he will return to the Lakers for another run. Kobe is old but still has more playing time left until he is 39 years old. He will want to play again after tasting retirement. They all do.

I'm calling it. Kobe mentors top 5 and Randle. Later when Lakers win a ship Randle and top 5 say that they learned how to be elite from Kobe. Kobe was their muse.