Gary Vitti confirms ruptured achilles, Kobe out 6-9 months

[AngelEyes]

Arash Markazi ‏@ArashMarkazi 9m

Lakers trainer Gary Vitti confirms its a ruptured Achilles tendon and Kobe Bryant will be sidelined 6-9 months.

Ken Berger ‏@KBergCBS 7m

Kobe Bryant's surgery is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT. "It's a third-degree tear. It's gone. Completely torn," said trainer Gary Vitti.

[Beatlezz]

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[IncarceratedBob]

The world is unfair.

[MJ(Mean John)]

Wow
I can't stomach this yet.
I can't process it yet. It hasn't hit me

[Scholar]

Sad news but I expected as much.

[nathanjizzle]

:facepalm

[The_Yearning]

6-9 months.

Rose 8-12 months

Rose is a bitch.

[kennethgriffin]

"It's a third-degree tear. It's gone. Completely torn," said trainer Gary Vitti.


R.I.P

[Young X]

Noooo :(

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Unbelievable.

[Scholar]

It's funny how during the game time thread, haters were insisting Kobe was faking it. :facepalm

[kennethgriffin]

6-9 months.

Rose 8-12 months

Rose is a bitch.



and i'd take a torn acl over a completely torn achillies any day of the week

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

6-9 months.

Rose 8-12 months

Rose is a bitch.
This is the same injury Rose is coming off?

[Genaro]

So sad. Be well soon, Mamba.

[LLK21]

F*** you D'antoni

[Rysio]

so mamba will be back for season opener? :bowdown:

[AngelEyes]

Los Angeles Lakers ‏@Lakers 19m

Vitti says its a 6-9 month timetable for @kobebryant

[IncarceratedBob]

This is the same injury Rose is coming off?
nope. rose suffered a common injury that usually takes 2-3 months for a full recovery.

29 athletes in the 4 major US sports have suffered a COMPLETELY+RUPTURED torn achilles tendon, 27 never played again, and 2 have been nothing similar to what they originally were, Ken Griffey in the late 80s and Bill Samson for the Bucks in the late 90s

[nathanjizzle]

lol at kobe coming back anytime before 10 months. :roll:

[Genaro]

so mamba will be back for season opener? :bowdown:
I think the most real scenario is december.

[Rubio2Gasol]

The only question is....will he be on the all-star ballot :coleman:

[guy]

What the hell happened to at least a year? With that timeframe, he'll be back at least before all-star break, possibly before the season. I guess that ends the amnesty talk.

[IncarceratedBob]

lol at kobe coming back anytime before 10 months. :roll:
what will you say when kobe comes back before rose

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

nope. rose suffered a common injury that usually takes 2-3 months for a full recovery.

29 athletes in the 4 major US sports have suffered a COMPLETELY+RUPTURED torn achilles tendon, 27 never played again, and 2 have been nothing similar to what they originally were, Ken Griffey in the late 80s and Bill Samson for the Bucks in the late 90s
Domnique Wilkins wasn't a full tear?

[Chrono90]

When is Dantoni getting fired?

[lebeast666]

Well that sucks



http://www.damianray.com/images/posts/030213/feelingbad.jpg

[TheMarkMadsen]

wow **** this, he was NOWHERE near done career wise, but yet this may be the one that does him in :( :(

I'm counting on Mamba coming back next, hopefully stronger than ever, but at 35 it feels like ship most likely has sailed :cry:

But we should NEVER count Kobe out, and should always remember one thing

"PREY FOR THE BEAR"

[IncarceratedBob]

Domnique Wilkins wasn't a full tear?
nope. common misconception. Nique has a partially torn achilles tendon

http://a-thousand-thrills.blogspot.com/

[Ancient Legend]

Reminds of me of the Bad Luck Brian Meme:

April 11: before the GS game :“‘There’s no secret,’ Bryant said. ‘There’s no magic formula. I watch what I eat and I train my ass off. I’m in the type of condition right now that, a lot of my predecessors at this age probably couldn’t do it.’

April 12: Tears Achilles.

[Deuce Bigalow]

Looking at this from a postive side, if that is even possible, but 6 months means he can be back to start next season.

[ProfessorMurder]

6-9 months.

Rose 8-12 months

Rose is a bitch.

Rose hasn't been out 12 months.


nope. rose suffered a common injury that usually takes 2-3 months for a full recovery.

Yeah guys come back from torn acls in 2 months all the time.

[AngelEyes]

http://distilleryimage4.ak.instagram.com/be72ae22a47011e2895222000aaa0568_7.jpg

Kobe Bryant ‏@kobebryant 6m

MRI time! http://instagram.com/p/YDobvERNi4/

[chosen_one6]

The question isn't whether Kobe will play again or not. It's whether he's going to be able to compete at an all-star level again or not.

My money is on the latter.

[gengiskhan]

Looking at this from a postive side, if that is even possible, but 6 months means he can be back to start next season.


gosh.

the full retards on this forum

In 9 months, Kobe will learn to WALK again. There is no tendon there. its gone. its COMPLETE tear.

He'll be lucky if he makes it to next year post-season!

complete tear of achilles is WORSE injury than ACL tear.

[Rubio2Gasol]

Looking at this from a postive side, if that is even possible, but 6 months means he can be back to start next season.

No

Don't build up that expectation - 35 year old don't do that shit.It will be better for him to completely use maximize his recovery period.

[Crafty]

I was never a fan of Kobe but this is sad, never liked the dude but I didn't want him to go out this way ...

[Ancient Legend]

The question isn't whether Kobe will play again or not. It's whether he's going to be able to compete at an all-star level again or not.

My money is on the latter.

After Dominique ruptured his Achilles, he averaged 29 ppg, 24 ppg and 26 ppg the next 3 seasons. Difference is 'Nique injured himself in his 10th season, Kobe in his 17th.

[SilkkTheShocker]

**** him and his fans.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

After Dominique ruptured his Achilles, he averaged 29 ppg, 24 ppg and 26 ppg the next 3 seasons. Difference is 'Nique injured himself in his 10th season, Kobe in his 17th.
nique's was partial.

[gengiskhan]

After Dominique ruptured his Achilles, he averaged 29 ppg, 24 ppg and 26 ppg the next 3 seasons. Difference is 'Nique injured himself in his 10th season, Kobe in his 17th.

Nique was 31 when he had PARTIAL rupture i believe.

Kobe is pushing 35 yrs here with COMPLETE TOTAL TENDON GONE.

Kobe is finished. He is a 10 ppg player off the bench after 18 months of full rehab.

His explosiveness which he had minimum to begin with at age 34 will be reduced even further.

[Deuce Bigalow]

No

Don't build up that expectation - 35 year old don't do that shit.It will be better for him to completely use maximize his recovery period.
I'm trying to look at it in a positive light!!

[Genaro]

**** him and his fans.
What a great post from a great poster. Keep them coming.

[gengiskhan]

I'm trying to look at it in a positive light!!

You are trying hard to live in fantasy dream world!

snap out of it. Kobe will learn to WALK with newly formed tendon in 9 months without crutches!

thats the reality. LAL fans better pray he somehow makes it to 2014 post-season if LAL makes it to post season.

[pegasus]

The only thing that's confirmed with this injury is that Kobe is a demigod. Nothing, no player, not even father time was able stop him until his only vulnerable spot was hit. His mom shouldn't have dipped him in River Styx by holding him by his heel when he was a baby. She should have just dropped him in. Black mambas know how to swim.

[D.J.]

Not good at all I'm afraid. 29 athletes in the 4 major sports completely ruptured their achilles, all but 2 never played again. 1 of the 2 was Griffey.

[AngelEyes]

http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/5668b090a47211e29a8222000a1f8ccf_7.jpg

Kobe Bryant ‏@kobebryant 7m

Surgery prep time. Lookin like Mrs Doubtfire with a jerri curl cap lol Anesthesia next #highasakite… http://instagram.com/p/YDpvSYRNlS/

[Soundwave]

If it's a complete tear, then that's basically the worst case scenario and I think Vitti is being really optimistic with that 6-9 month time table. Maybe he's saying that to keep Kobe's spirit up.

But a complete tear from my understanding is that the person will barely be able to walk at 9 months.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

If it's a complete tear, then that's basically the worst case scenario and I think Vitti is being really optimistic with that 6-9 month time table. Maybe he's saying that to keep Kobe's spirit up.

But a complete tear from my understanding is that the person will barely be able to walk at 9 months.
or he's saying it so dwight dont walk.

[gengiskhan]

If it's a complete tear, then that's basically the worst case scenario and I think Vitti is being really optimistic with that 6-9 month time table. Maybe he's saying that to keep Kobe's spirit up.

But a complete tear from my understanding is that the person will barely be able to walk at 9 months.

THIS!

In 9 months, kobe will LEARN TO WALK Without crutches & get use to newly formed tendon.

It could even be 12 months.

If kobe rushes himself or doctors rush him for 2014 post season, expect re-injury or partial tear or severe bruising that can hinder the healing process permanently.

He can rupture it again.

Kobe should just forget about B'ball for 18 months to 2 yrs period from here on out.

& kobe once he comes back after 2 yrs, he should be a bench player contributing 10 ppg & this is the only way he can play NBA at peak level.

[clayton]

Nobody is gonna watch NBA now They just lost 90%+ fans, including oversea fans. :cry:

[Kingwillball]

Nobody is gonna watch NBA now They just lost 90%+ fans, including oversea fans. :cry:

Lebron just needs to string together a couple more titles in a row to crment his legendary status and be new age Jordan aka face of the nba for next 6 or 7 years..

[Rondo]

Got to laugh at the people blaming D'Antoni. If he'd taken Kobe out of games you'd complain. When Kobe makes the decision to stay in games you go on about how much "courage" he's showing and how nobody is "tougher" in the NBA than Kobe.

[SamuraiSWISH]

[QUOTE=AngelEyes]http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/5668b090a47211e29a8222000a1f8ccf_7.jpg

Kobe Bryant ‏@kobebryant 7m

Surgery prep time. Lookin like Mrs Doubtfire with a jerri curl cap lol Anesthesia next #highasakite

[Reverend Hoops]

The question isn't whether Kobe will play again or not. It's whether he's going to be able to compete at an all-star level again or not.

My money is on the latter.

If he keeps on chucking he can get his points.

[Nash]

Hopefully he'll be back at sometime before christmas.

[elementally morale]

IF he is somehow able to come back from this being no worse than he was when he went down, this is his ticket to the top 5 on the GOAT list.

At this point, I say:

15% he never plays again
60% he plays and realizes soon enough it's the end and retires in 2014
20% he plays for a few more years but is nowhere near 1st or 2nd team all nba
5% he comes back as good as he was

IF it is the latter, he is going to be a threat to everyone's legacy that played before him. Slim chance, but we're talking about Kobe here.

[Levity]

Hopefully he'll be back at sometime before christmas.

Would be awesome, but imagine if kobe's first game back was on Christmas Day. Probably the most watched NBA Christmas game ever.

[gengiskhan]

Hopefully he'll be back at sometime before christmas.

January 2014, Kobe will LEARN TO WALK.

He aint realistically coming back till Christmas 2014 in extreme contact sport sense.

[24r2]

well there goes the asterisk

[Fudge]

Lebron just needs to string together a couple more titles in a row to crment his legendary status and be new age Jordan aka face of the nba for next 6 or 7 years..
Brings LeBron into it. :wtf: :oldlol:

[Rondo]

Brings LeBron into it. :wtf: :oldlol:

Insecure fanboy's tend to do that :oldlol:

I'd forgotten who LeBron James was, to be fair, so I'm glad he brought him up in this thread.

[Mr. Jabbar]

so mamba will be back for season opener? :bowdown:

#CountonThatBe :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

I feel blessed with the chance to see him lace em up again!! Thought it was career ending for the most part...

[dh144498]

You are trying hard to live in fantasy dream world!

snap out of it. Kobe will learn to WALK with newly formed tendon in 9 months without crutches!

thats the reality. LAL fans better pray he somehow makes it to 2014 post-season if LAL makes it to post season.

i wonder what would happen if kobe somehow can play next regular season. will you commit suicide?

[Levity]

i wonder what would happen if kobe somehow can play next regular season. will you commit suicide?

lets hope so

[dh144498]

Lebron just needs to string together a couple more titles in a row to crment his legendary status and be new age Jordan aka face of the nba for next 6 or 7 years..

:biggums:

how is this related to the thread. :roll: :lol

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

January 2014, Kobe will LEARN TO WALK.

He aint realistically coming back till Christmas 2014 in extreme contact sport sense.
You've stated your opinion like 20 times already. Give it a rest and get lost.

[Levity]

Lebron just needs to string together a couple more titles in a row to crment his legendary status and be new age Jordan aka face of the nba for next 6 or 7 years..

it amazes me that youre able to sit down and post so often, cause your ass has to be amazingly sore from all the lebron dick riding youve been doing since 06

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

it amazes me that youre able to sit down and post so often, cause your ass has to be amazingly sore from all the lebron dick riding youve been doing since 06
LOL, he wasn't even much of a LeBron fan when he started posting here from what little I can remember. He became a LeBron fan the min the Heat won their second championship.

[brantonli]

Man, it's such a shame to see a legend go down like this. Make no mistake, Kobe is a legend (81 point game, 5 rings, MVP, 15 all star games), and one of the toughest competitors in the league. You always want a legend to end his career on a high note, not limping off the court.

[Kingwillball]

it amazes me that youre able to sit down and post so often, cause your ass has to be amazingly sore from all the lebron dick riding youve been doing since 06

I have paid homage to kobe in this and other threads i was responding to the doomsday idiot who said now nba is unwatchable and know-body will care. Lebron is face of the league and heat are like the Bulls of old so nba will be in good hands.

[GreatGreg]

what will you say when kobe comes back before rose
He won't, you **********.
You= retard.

[Dragonyeuw]

This don't feel right man. I mean, Im not a big fan of his but Ive always respected his game and enjoyed watching him play. I hope he comes back, even if he's no longer the player we've known him as the last 15 years. His career deserves better than to end this way....

[Pointguard]

6-9 months.

Rose 8-12 months

Rose is a bitch.

Seriously you all. Stop cursing guys with injuries. What you wish and curse on one, can be worse on the next guy. Surgery means you are at risk. Risk that you may not recover to the same level ever again. A guy jamming the ball in his 11th month is always in better shape than a guy a day after surgery regardless of how you try to spin it.

You can't give a prognosis on a recovery time until a day after the surgery and sometimes longer than that. So what you hear now is crap. But Kobe has healed well in the past and we hope he has a great healing on this one. If it was his weaker leg it would be a lot better. You put all your weight on your left heal for any type of explosion. Take whatever you hear conservatively and hope that the right healing takes place.

[Rondo]

it amazes me that youre able to sit down and post so often, cause your ass has to be amazingly sore from all the lebron dick riding youve been doing since 06

Having seen that pic LBJ uploaded the other day I doubt an ass-blasting from him would be all that painful. It'd just feel like a small prick. Literally.

[Doranku]

If he is indeed able to come back after 6-9 months, that would be incredible. I for sure thought he would be missing the entire season next year.

#PrayForKobe

[Doranku]

Not good at all I'm afraid. 29 athletes in the 4 major sports completely ruptured their achilles, all but 2 never played again. 1 of the 2 was Griffey.

Griffey was always my favorite baseball player growing up. Now it's time for my favorite basketball player to come back strong from the same injury. :bowdown:

[wang4three]

He should retire. This game is destroying his body.

[Euroleague]

so mamba will be back for season opener? :bowdown:

They are just saying that to make the Lakers fans think it's not so bad. His career is seriously in jeopardy.

[Euroleague]

After Dominique ruptured his Achilles, he averaged 29 ppg, 24 ppg and 26 ppg the next 3 seasons. Difference is 'Nique injured himself in his 10th season, Kobe in his 17th.

Two different injuries. In that other thread I was trying to explain this. The partial tear.guys can come back, maybe not as good as they were, but can come back.

The full tear is a career ending injury in almost all cases. 'Nique didn't have the same injury Kobe has.

[AussieG]

Is this the worst possible injury he could have had?

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Someone posted a thing about an Asian guy in the instagram
I guess he happens to be this guy: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Soon-Shiong Although I know he's not the one doing the surgery, he's part owner of the Lakers, a board cert. surgeon with access to all the latest and greatest treatments and owns hospitals through out LA. I find this somewhat comforting. I will be praying for a speedy recovery.

Got that from another message board. He was the Asian guy that walked Kobe to the locker room last night.

[QUOTE]Patrick Soon-Shiong (Chinese: 黄馨祥; pinyin: Hu

[Soundwave]

Billups had a complete Achilles tear too right? He was back in about 10 months, but definitely not the same player.

2011-12 Season - 15 ppg, 4 apg

2012-13 Season - 8.2 ppg, 2.2 apg

[Euroleague]

Is this the worst possible injury he could have had?

Pretty much.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Billups had a complete Achilles tear too right? He was back in about 10 months, but definitely not the same player.
somebody said like only 2 players out of 27 players in all 4 major sports came back from complete tears. billups wasnt one of those 2 names, you sure it was a complete tear?

[Collie]

It's actually not as bad as I thought it would be. He'd probably be able to play sometime next season, probably by February.

[daily]

somebody said like only 2 players out of 27 players in all 4 major sports came back from complete tears. billups wasnt one of those 2 names, you sure it was a complete tear?

Read a report this morning that in the NFL they have a 64% return rate. Size of the athlete seems to be more of a determining factor than age or severity of the rupture. Basically it's harder for 300 pounders to come back than it is for men that weigh 100 pounds less. Which makes sense.

[Soundwave]

Read a report this morning that in the NFL they have a 64% return rate. Size of the athlete seems to be more of a determining factor than age or severity of the rupture. Basically it's harder for 300 pounders to come back than it is for men that weigh 100 pounds less. Which makes sense.

Yeah I read that too. The only big downside is apparently performance for returning players took a big hit, as in they were never quite the same afterwards.

Maybe Kobe can come back and be a 19-21 ppg player.

Apparently this happened to Kobe's stronger foot too, which is bad because that's the foot he uses to explode off of.

[daily]

Yeah I read that too. The only big downside is apparently performance for returning players took a big hit, as in they were never quite the same afterwards.

Maybe Kobe can come back and be a 19-21 ppg player.

Different sport too. the demands on an NFL player are different, usually involves not just moving your weight but that of a man of similar size who doesn't want to be moved.

We'll see Kobe has surprised us all for years now. Doubters had said he'd be washed up by now and that was far from true.

Fact is even a Kobe Bryant playing at 85% is still better than most the league will ever dream of being. He's also smart and will adapt his game to fill in the gaps

[chazzy]

Apparently this happened to Kobe's stronger foot too, which is bad because that's the foot he uses to explode off of.
Yup

[All Net]

Billups had a complete Achilles tear too right? He was back in about 10 months, but definitely not the same player.

2011-12 Season - 15 ppg, 4 apg

2012-13 Season - 8.2 ppg, 2.2 apg

Will be tough for him to come back the same no doubt...

[stevieming]

Personally I think it's going to be a stretch for Kobe to come back and be a role player, because that what he's going to be.

He will have aged another year, the rest of his body will have weakened and won't have the same feel for the game after being away from so long, and more importantly he will have to play the game with effectively a different speed and agility to which he has become accustomed to.

Quite possible he make the one game come back like Charles Barkely did.

Takes a couple of jumpers in that game, and than retire.

[Soundwave]

I'm pretty sure he could come back and be an effective player, just his days of 25+ ppg are quite probably over.

He will probably have to learn to retool his game to be the second banana to Dwight.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

I'm pretty sure he could come back and be an effective player, just his days of 25+ ppg are quite probably over.

He will probably have to learn to retool his game to be the second banana to Dwight.
hopefully third banana by the 2014-15 season.

[Euroleague]

Yeah I read that too. The only big downside is apparently performance for returning players took a big hit, as in they were never quite the same afterwards.

Maybe Kobe can come back and be a 19-21 ppg player.

Apparently this happened to Kobe's stronger foot too, which is bad because that's the foot he uses to explode off of.

From what I can see it's the terminology being used. "Complete tear", etc. is randomly used to describe different injuries.

What Kobe had was the injury wear the tendon is severed and the foot is basically dead. That's why it did not hurt, because the foot goes numb and you can't even feel it.

What these other guys had was a "complete tear"........but the tendon is still alive and not dead. Two totally different injuries. Kobe's injury is much much more severe.

[Knoe Itawl]

Personally I think it's going to be a stretch for Kobe to come back and be a role player, because that what he's going to be.

He will have aged another year, the rest of his body will have weakened and won't have the same feel for the game after being away from so long, and more importantly he will have to play the game with effectively a different speed and agility to which he has become accustomed to.

Quite possible he make the one game come back like Charles Barkely did.

Takes a couple of jumpers in that game, and than retire.

This, and it's unforunate. I wanted Kobe to go out at full strength losing the playoffs, not this.

Its weird. As someone who coudn't stand Bryant all these years I feel a strang kinship with him since I had the same injury, done pretty much the same way.

Sorry to tell you this but I don't think a lot of people understand how devestating this injury is, especially to get it at his age. He will not be the same and it's a grueling recovery proces. I have a scar that goes from mid calf to my heel.

[Doranku]

This, and it's unforunate. I wanted Kobe to go out at full strength losing the playoffs, not this.

Its weird. As someone who coudn't stand Bryant all these years I feel a strang kinship with him since I had the same injury, done pretty much the same way.

Sorry to tell you this but I don't think a lot of people understand how devestating this injury is, especially to get it at his age. He will not be the same and it's a grueling recovery proces. I have a scar that goes from mid calf to my heel.
:( Do you think he'll even be able to come back at all? Or do you think that he's going to hang up the laces?

[Knoe Itawl]

:( Do you think he'll even be able to come back at all? Or do you think that he's going to hang up the laces?

Well, I didnt have the same kind of medical staff Kobe does of course but I had my surgery and rehab at Lenox Hill hospital here in NYC which is one of the best in the city. I didn't play again for about two and a half years, and a lot of it is mental because the injury happens so freakishly that you're scared that the slightest thing you do will cause it to happen again. But my leg has never and will never be the same. I still feel the tightess and it's weaker than my other. He can get back but won't be nearly the same player and given his pride I'd expect him to come back to go out on his terms, not to be a major impact player.

[elementally morale]

He can get back but won't be nearly the same player and given his pride I'd expect him to come back to go out on his terms, not to be a major impact player.


Same here. 95% chance he will be nowhere near as good as he was up to 2 days ago, and a reasonable chance not playing a meaningful game ver again. He will come back, for a game or for half a season, he will realize he is not what he once was and given his pride he will retire soon after, this is my best guess.

Sad.

[Soundwave]

My personal feeling is he can still be a 18-22 ppg player for another year and be the second banana to Dwight in the offense, if his ego will allow for that.

There's nothing really wrong with that and a fat $30 million dollars to collect. Why not.

[SamuraiSWISH]

This, and it's unforunate. I wanted Kobe to go out at full strength losing the playoffs, not this.

Its weird. As someone who coudn't stand Bryant all these years I feel a strang kinship with him since I had the same injury, done pretty much the same way.

Sorry to tell you this but I don't think a lot of people understand how devestating this injury is, especially to get it at his age. He will not be the same and it's a grueling recovery proces. I have a scar that goes from mid calf to my heel.
Irony.

The most psycho Kobe hater of all-time, gains sympathy and kinship in what might be Bryant's final moments in the league as we know him.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Irony.

The most psycho Kobe hater of all-time, gains sympathy and kinship in what might be Bryant's final moments in the league as we know him.

Sh!t, I guess I'm on that list too :confusedshrug: :oldlol:

[elementally morale]

My personal feeling is he can still be a 18-22 ppg player for another year and be the second banana to Dwight in the offense, if his ego will allow for that.

There's nothing really wrong with that and a fat $30 million dollars to collect. Why not.

I seriously doubt he will be in a position to play competitive basketball next year. If he does come back next season it will probably be for his farewell game, like Barkley did. I'd put my money on him coming back in the 2014-2015 season, play mediocre for half a year, sit out most of the season with a few minor injuries and hang it up.

A fully torn Achilles at age 35 is too much. I know he is a warrior but he is human.

In a sense, he went out on top. He had a couple of great games, had that superb performance vs. Portland just 2 games prior to his injury. He was playing great basketball, he didn't become a shell of his former self. Watching him play in his (potentially) last season was great. You didn't have to feel sorry for him until the very end. He made his last two three point shots, he made his last two free throws. He scored his teams last 8 points, brought them back from a 6 point deficit with 3 minutes left. Swished his free throws knowing it is the end of his season and had the balls to discuss it with the media right away. To me, that is going out on top.

Wizards Jordan was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened. A 14/3/5 Kobe on 28 mpg would be a mistake that shoudln't happen either. He has very little chance of being close to the same player he was until yesterday. If he can, he should play. If he cannot, he shouldn't.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Sh!t, I guess I'm on that list too :confusedshrug: :oldlol:
Nah, Niva ...

You always gave him credit when it was due. Knoe never did that, why would you even compare yourself to such a nut bag? Guy would go on rants or gloat about Kobe's struggles, and then disappeared for TWO WHOLE YEARS when Kobe was successful in 2009 and 2010. Reappears when he fails.

I saw you give Kobe kudos just the other day for his 2 straight epic performances, playing THE RIGHT way. Don't put yourself in his category. You didn't like Kobe, sure. You weren't a psycho about it. And you were objective enough to give him props when deserved.

[Knoe Itawl]

Irony.

The most psycho Kobe hater of all-time, gains sympathy and kinship in what might be Bryant's final moments in the league as we know him.

The funny thing is, only Bryant stans over the years have ever used a term like "psycho hater" to describe me. I've acutally had pretty cordial relationships with non psycho Bean fans over the years, and many have agreed with what a lot that I've written about him. At any rate, I'm not going to use this situation to argue about my feelings on Bryant as I don't find it appropriate so if you respond you'll be talking to yourself from this point on.

Oh, and a true "psycho hater" would revel in this injury, not feel compassion towards it.

[Soundwave]

I seriously doubt he will be in a position to play competitive basketball next year. If he does come back next season it will probably be for his farewell game, like Barkley did. I'd put my money on him coming back in the 2014-2015 season, play mediocre for half a year, sit out most of the season with a few minor injuries and hang it up.

A fully torn Achilles at age 35 is too much. I know he is a warrior but he is human.

In a sense, he went out on top. He had a couple of great games, had that superb performance vs. Portland just 2 games prior to his injury. He was playing great basketball, he didn't become a shell of his former self. Watching him play in his (potentially) last season was great. You didn't have to feel sorry for him until the very end. He made his last two three point shots, he made his last two free throws. He scored his teams last 8 points, brought them back from a 6 point deficit with 3 minutes left. Swished his free throws knowing it is the end of his season and had the balls to discuss it with the media right away. To me, that is going out on top.

Wizards Jordan was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened. A 14/3/5 Kobe on 28 mpg would be a mistake that shoudln't happen either. He has very little chance of being close to the same player he was until yesterday. If he can, he should play. If he cannot, he shouldn't.

If Billups can make it back I'm sure Kobe will too.

He just won't be the same player. Wizards-era Jordan might be a good comparable actually.

[elementally morale]

Sh!t, I guess I'm on that list too :confusedshrug: :oldlol:

Come on. It is to be expected. All intelligent 'haters' happen to gain respect for players after they are gone (or are at the very end of their careers). An intelligent hater spends so much of his time on players only if the player is worth to spend time on. And when he is gone for whatever reason, the hater will realize a few things. It is an ongiong process, it lasts years, decades.

I should know, I was a Jordan hater between 85-98.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Knoe Itawl gaining sympathy for Kobe in his final moments as the player we will ultimately remember him to be ...

Is like that BTAS episode when Batman "dies" and the Joker feels depressed about basically losing his reason to exist.

Or Superman dying, and Lex Luthor feeling sad because he wasn't the one to be the orchestrator of his death.

Ridiculous haha ... guy never gave him props when deserved, hated on him at times for absurd reasons, psychotic rage towards him and would use the most ridiculous and extreme analogies to justify his hate for a BASKETBALL player and now gains sympathy.

Oh, the irony.

[elementally morale]

If Billups can make it back I think Kobe will too.
He just won't be the same player.

And that is sad to see. Like when Houston traded Hakeem or the Knicks traded Ewing.

Yes, Kobe can come back. I for one hope he will come back 18 months from now, being just as good as he was yesterday. But the chances of this happening are slim to none. He most probably will return early 2014, be a mediocre player for the remainder of the season and call it quits. Sadly, that is what I think will happen.

[Soundwave]

I don't think being a 18-21 ppg player is "mediocre", lol. It will be a step down for Kobe though.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

I hope Kobe will be back, but, I truly fear that his days of being a top tier superstar may be over.


Nah, Niva ...

You always gave him credit when it was due. Knoe never did that, why would you even compare yourself to such a nut bag? Guy would go on rants or gloat about Kobe's struggles, and then disappeared for TWO WHOLE YEARS when Kobe was successful in 2009 and 2010. Reappears when he fails.


I saw you give Kobe kudos just the other day for his 2 straight epic performances, playing THE RIGHT way. Don't put yourself in his category. You didn't like Kobe, sure. You weren't a psycho about it. And you were objective enough to give him props when deserved.

I appreciate that, Swish. :cheers:

About "Knowitawl"- haven't seen anything from him that would indicate psychotic behavior, but I've heard stories. Posters that knew him from the EZ boards swear this dude was/is bat-shit insane. :lol

[SamuraiSWISH]

I should know, I was a Jordan hater between 85-98.
That would make you a dumb ass homer, though. Probably for the Lakers, I assume? Or just really immature.

Anyone who loves and appreciates the game first and foremost, roots for greatness or at the very least appreciates transcendent talent when it's in front of them

There is plenty of players I didn't like, but appreciated and respected their abilities on the court. There has never been a great player I "hated" or didn't appreciate their game until they were gone.

That's just silly. I really disliked LeBron in 2011, and through most of 2012. I never sat there once he kicked it to a new level in the 2012 playoffs where I didn't sit there and appreciate the legend that was unfolding in front of my eyes.

[Euroleague]

If Billups can make it back I'm sure Kobe will too.

He just won't be the same player. Wizards-era Jordan might be a good comparable actually.

Again, Billups did not have the same injury Kobe has. Kobe's injury is worse.

[Knoe Itawl]

Knoe Itawl gaining sympathy for Kobe in his final moments as the player we will ultimately remember him to be ...

Is like that BTAS episode when Batman "dies" and the Joker feels depressed about basically losing his reason to exist.

Or Superman dying, and Lex Luthor feeling sad because he wasn't the one to be the orchestrator of his death.

Ridiculous haha ... guy never gave him props when deserved, hated on him at times for absurd reasons, psychotic rage towards him and would use the most ridiculous and extreme analogies to justify his hate for a BASKETBALL player and now gains sympathy.

Oh, the irony.

You're a clown. I actually gave him props plenty of times over the years, never displayed a "psychotic rage" towards him or any of the other bs you're saying. In fact, I frequently stated that while I didn't care for Bryant personally, it was his hype and more extreme fans that I was speaking about about more than anything else. It's funny when someone is such a dikkrider that they dont' get that not liking a player, feeling he's overrated, etc. has nothing to do with whether you can feel compassion towards them if they hae a devestating injury. Especially one you personally know a lot about. Go f&ck yourself, in short.

The realy irony also is the "pshcyotic rage" dikkriding clowns like yourself have had toward me over the years. So much so that even when I'm expressing sympathy for him you can't hold it in. Clown.

[elementally morale]

I've acutally had pretty cordial relationships with non psycho Bean fans over the years, and many have agreed with what a lot that I've written about him.

True.

I agreed with many of your points. Argued some others, but I know it's just points of views. I decided to like the guy and you decided to not like the guy. It's as simple as that. You can justify your feelings/decisions all the time if you are intelligent enough.

I happened to like him not because I didin't see his faults but because his weaknesses entertained me. I loved the fact he could be a prick the way he was and is a prick. He is by no means a role model to me, but he was a very entertaining character, especially on the court, some of the time even off it.

[Haymaker]

Come on. It is to be expected. All intelligent 'haters' happen to gain respect for players after they are gone (or are at the very end of their careers). An intelligent hater spends so much of his time on players only if the player is worth to spend time on. And when he is gone for whatever reason, the hater will realize a few things. It is an ongiong process, it lasts years, decades.

I should know, I was a Jordan hater between 85-98.

Same here, I hated MJ and when he left I started collecting his cards and then looked back and realized he was amazing. Same thing is happening to me with Kobe. I'm appreciating him more at the end of his career.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Same here, I hated MJ and when he left I started collecting his cards and then looked back and realized he was amazing. Same thing is happening to me with Kobe. I'm appreciating him more at the end of his career.
Yeah, I hated Jordan when he was a player. When he retired, I learned to appreciate being able to witness the greatest ever.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Come on. It is to be expected. All intelligent 'haters' happen to gain respect for players after they are gone (or are at the very end of their careers). An intelligent hater spends so much of his time on players only if the player is worth to spend time on. And when he is gone for whatever reason, the hater will realize a few things. It is an ongiong process, it lasts years, decades.

I should know, I was a Jordan hater between 85-98.

Good point.

The thing is, I don't think I would even classify myself as a 'hater'. Ya, sure..I cant stand some aspects of Kobe's personality. The guy can be a HUGE twit, but I don't "hate" him....never did.

[Rubio2Gasol]

Same here, I hated MJ and when he left I started collecting his cards and then looked back and realized he was amazing. Same thing is happening to me with Kobe. I'm appreciating him more at the end of his career.

Do you respect him though? There are some dudes I could probably be conceived as being a "hater" of....but I've always appreciated their talent. It's just I don''t respect their approach to the game - or at times their approach to life in general (the latter is probably a reach - but it's reality).

[SamuraiSWISH]

I hope Kobe will be back, but, I truly fear that his days of being a top tier superstar may be over.
They probably will be over. He's up there in age for NBA ball, tons of mileage, a devastating injury that in actuality takes like a year of recovery just to be physically able to move around, let alone compete in the most elite basketball league.

If he does go out on this note, it's kind of fitting. 3 straight great games to lead his team into the playoffs. Playing every minute of the games.

He balled to his wheels fell off. I respect that. I don't want to see him come back and blow something else out at an even more advanced age 35 or 36 years old. It will basically be a rough equivalent to what we saw of "Wizards Mike" after he messed up his knee half way into that 2002 season.

MJ gave us glimpses of the past, showed just how great he was at times dominating players half his age. But it wasn't consistent. I rather remember a guy they way they were when at their best. I don't want to see Kobe make the same mistake, with an even worse injury. Especially if he holds himself to a standard.

I never wanted to see MJ dip below 20 ppg. He ALMOST did that ... I can't see Kobe accepting something like that either. I'd like to see him come back, for a game or maybe half a season just to show he made it back. Then bow out on HIS terms. He won't be the same though, that's for certain.


I appreciate that, Swish. :cheers:
You're my dude, I got your back.


About "Knowitawl"- haven't seen anything from him that would indicate psychotic behavior, but I've heard stories. Posters that knew him from the EZ boards swear this dude was/is bat-shit insane. :lol
You've never seen some of his rants? His frightening analogies used to justify his disdain for a ball player he's never even met? LOL ...

You've been here a long while, I know you have had to have seen instances of his psychotic behavior. I mean his whole reason for existing on these boards was to hate on Bryant with a passion. That alone is disturbing. He was like ripthekik with even more screws loose. What seemed like a violent personality underneath his gimmick.

[elementally morale]

That would make you a dumb ass homer, though. Probably for the Lakers, I assume? Or just really immature.

A combination of the above. :oldlol:

I was 12 and a Laker fan when I started disliking MJ. It was due to his style of play. I was already playing organized basketball at the time. In Europe. I played PG-SG, and I heard team-team-team-team... nonstop from my coaches. Then came this MJ guy with his indvidualistic shit. (It's 85-86-87... remember that.) And he lost. And he lost again.

I started to dislike him at a young age, tried everything to justify me dislike later on and it remained that way until I became 25. It's not uncommon at all.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

[QUOTE]Ramona Shelburne ‏@ramonashelburne 47m
Kobe Bryant's longtime trainer Tim Grover tells ESPNLA: "If he's in that frame of mind, it's going to get done."

Grover: "This is going to be a mental battle of whether he wants to go through this or he doesn't want to go through this."

Grover on Kobe: "If he gets in that single mind and says, ''I want to do this. I'm going to do this, then we've won the battle.' "

Grover on Kobe: "I'd be shocked if the minutes had anything to do with it. An Achilles can happen stepping off a sidewalk.

Grover: "This is not Kobe's fault, because he pushed himself. This is not coaches' fault. An Achilles just happens."

Grover: "I can't see him not wanting to do this and to come back as Kobe Bryant, the way we know Kobe."


via Los Angeles Lakers

Athletic trainer Gary Vitti:

[elementally morale]

Good point.

The thing is, I don't think I would even classify myself as a 'hater'. Ya, sure..I cant stand some aspects of Kobe's personality. The guy can be a HUGE twit, but I don't "hate" him....never did.

It's just a word. In fact, I don't 'hate' anybody. Not even people I know personally. I don't know these players. I'm not on the same continent, even. How could I hate them? I just dislike some of them.

But I learned not to talk much about the guys I dislike. Few people could guess which NBA players I don't like, despite my rather long posting career on this site.

[Euroleague]

stole those from gts.

Isn't Grover the same guy that guaranteed T-Mac would be back at his prime level after he trained him following his micro-fracture surgery?

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Isn't Grover the same guy that guaranteed T-Mac would be back at his prime level after he trained him following his micro-fracture surgery?
T-Mac didn't look too bad when the Pistons gave him mins. What is he up to now-a-days anyways?

[Euroleague]

T-Mac didn't look too bad when the Pistons gave him mins. What is he up to now-a-days anyways?

But was he the same as "prime T-Mac"? He's a free agent.

[DonDadda59]

Isn't Grover the same guy that guaranteed T-Mac would be back at his prime level after he trained him following his micro-fracture surgery?

To be fair, I think the job of a trainer comes with the unwritten understanding that you have to be as positive and optimistic as possible for your client, the fan base, etc. What do you expect him to say "That dude is done, stick a fork in him. Might as well have the funeral now"?

[BlackVVaves]

Ended the season with: 27 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG, on 46.4% FG.

Leads the league in points scored in the 4th quarter.

[elementally morale]

Ended the season with: 27 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG, on 46.4% FG.
Leads the league in points scored in the 4th quarter.


To me, he went out on top of his game. Even if he won't play a single meaningful minute the rest of his life, I won't feel bad for him at all. He had a long and successful career, he is a top 10 player of all time. He has a family, enough money and looks perfectly healthy (the foot notwitstanding, pun not intended).

Most people say how sorry they feel for him... well, I'm his fan and I don't feel sorry one bit. I feel sorry for myself, because I can't watch him play. But for him? No, he'll be fine.

He went out on top, not having become a shell of his former self.

[dazzer87]

So Kobe going miss the last two games of this season and make come back by Christmas. Not bad.

[Droid101]

Ended the season with: 27 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG, on 46.4% FG.

Leads the league in points scored in the 4th quarter.
:applause:

[BlackVVaves]

To me, he went out on top of his game. Even if he won't play a single meaningful minute the rest of his life, I won't feel bad for him at all. He had a long and successful career, he is a top 10 player of all time. He has a family, enough money and looks perfectly healthy (the foot notwitstanding, pun not intended).

Most people say how sorry they feel for him... well, I'm his fan and I don't feel sorry one bit. I feel sorry for myself, because I can't watch him play. But for him? No, he'll be fine.

He went out on top, not having become a shell of his former self.

Still sad to see though. He's also has the highest PPG for anyone in their 17 season, 4 points higher than Kareem's 23 per.

Impressive for someone with 17 years of wear and tear on those knees, but to me it's his 6 rebounds per game playing next to a prolific rebounder in Dwight, and 6 assists per game that really illustrates his ability this season.

Let's say July 1st comes, almost 3 months into his rehab, and the prognosis is Kobe wont be available until January. Do you think the Lakers should amnesty Kobe in July before the deadline to use the amnesty provision, and look to re-sign him the following off-season? Allow him to rehab, give his possible last year a real strong shot, and take $30 Million off the cap (would the Lakers find themselves with some freed cap space with this move?)?

[elementally morale]

Let's say July 1st comes, almost 3 months into his rehab, and the prognosis is Kobe wont be available until January. Do you think the Lakers should amnesty Kobe in July before the deadline to use the amnesty provision, and look to re-sign him the following off-season? Allow him to rehab, give his possible last year a real strong shot, and take $30 Million off the cap (would the Lakers find themselves with some freed cap space with this move?)?

Yes.
In fact, if I was Kobe I'd say let's forget about next season altogether. Here is my 30 million, I kinda give it back (amnesty). Sign me for a year and 10 million for the 2014-2015 season, we shall see and take it from there.

Weeks before the injury I was of the opinion he should miss a season or two. He has played way too much, and I thought something bad would happen. Not physically though, I was afraid of a total mental breakdown. Resting your body and especially your nervous system is important. Some of the time, less is more.

Knowing Kobe, I think he will try coming back next year though and he won't get amnestied. On the one hand it is the competitive thing to do, on the other hand I'd be glad if he waited 18 months.

[The Choken One]

If Howard walks, amnesty Pau & commence tank mode.

[The Choken One]

Yes.
In fact, if I was Kobe I'd say let's forget about next season altogether. Here is my 30 million, I kinda give it back (amnesty). Sign me for a year and 10 million for the 2014-2015 season, we shall see and take it from there.

Weeks before the injury I was of the opinion he should miss a season or two. He has played way too much, and I thought something bad would happen. Not physically though, I was afraid of a total mental breakdown. Resting your body and especially your nervous system is important. Some of the time, less is more.

Knowing Kobe, I think he will try coming back next year though and he won't get amnestied. On the one hand it is the competitive thing to do, on the other hand I'd be glad if he waited 18 months.
I think it really depends what Dwight does now, but all other things aside, Kobe needs to forget about next season all together imo.

[AirTupac]

Yes.
In fact, if I was Kobe I'd say let's forget about next season altogether. Here is my 30 million, I kinda give it back (amnesty). Sign me for a year and 10 million for the 2014-2015 season, we shall see and take it from there.

Weeks before the injury I was of the opinion he should miss a season or two. He has played way too much, and I thought something bad would happen. Not physically though, I was afraid of a total mental breakdown. Resting your body and especially your nervous system is important. Some of the time, less is more.

Knowing Kobe, I think he will try coming back next year though and he won't get amnestied. On the one hand it is the competitive thing to do, on the other hand I'd be glad if he waited 18 months.

Except OOPS HERE COME THE BOBCATS AND SIGN HIM :roll:

He'll be picked up before he can get back on L.A.

[elementally morale]

Except OOPS HERE COME THE BOBCATS AND SIGN HIM :roll:
He'll be picked up before he can get back on L.A.

Against his will? Doubt it. He is a Laker for life. Won't play anywhere else, if at all.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Against his will? Doubt it. He is a Laker for life. Won't play anywhere else, if at all.
Stop. He's flirted playing elsewhere multiple times in his career.

[Ronaldinho]

Stop. He's flirted playing elsewhere multiple times in his career.
Doesnt make sense for him to play elsewhere. If so, he would just retire.

[longtime lurker]

I hope Kobe will be back, but, I truly fear that his days of being a top tier superstar may be over.



I appreciate that, Swish. :cheers:

About "Knowitawl"- haven't seen anything from him that would indicate psychotic behavior, but I've heard stories. Posters that knew him from the EZ boards swear this dude was/is bat-shit insane. :lol

I remember him from the other boards. The guy has been ranting about Kobe for 10 years! 10 years! He's like a veteran troll plus he just straight up disappeared when the Lakers won in 09. But if Knoeitawl can see a kindred spirit in Kobe then maybe there's hope for Israel and Palestine after all

[elementally morale]

Stop. He's flirted playing elsewhere multiple times in his career.

He was much younger then. We all change as we get older. At 35 he is not going anywhere else, nor will he be traded. Him leaving LA is a lose-lose for both sides involved. It won't happen.

[SamuraiSWISH]

He was much younger then.
@ 25 in 2004 (flirted with LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls and one other team)
@ 29 in 2007 (basically demanding to be traded to Chicago)


We all change as we get older.
No shit. Why do you always insist on talking on the boards like other people don't understand life? You're not our pops, stop talking down to us.


At 35 he is not going anywhere else, nor will he be traded. Him leaving LA is a lose-lose for both sides involved. It won't happen.
He's not going anywhere because he's 35 and almost done, exactly. It wouldn't make sense for him to leave. I'm question your stupid comment that Kobe was a loyal born and bred Laker for life.

He's flirted with leaving multiple times. He was for sure going elsewhere if LA resigned Shaq at the height of their feud. Like it was a done deal he'd be gone. He was going to go to the rival LA Clippers. Or Chicago. Even scouted schools for his kids in the area. He likes the location of LA. That's all.

[Celtic_Pride]

Doesnt make sense for him to play elsewhere. If so, he would just retire.

He is like 700 points short of MJ's total. No way he retires..

[knickscity]

He wants that sixth title, the Lakers and Kobe wins if they went the amnesty route.

I know I'm biased as a Knicks fan, but i could definitely see him coming to NY if they actually did the amnesty.

For one he has a mutal respect and great friendship with Melo.

[ripthekik]

Lol at this point of his career he's going nowhere. LA Lakers it is.

[Levity]

Except OOPS HERE COME THE BOBCATS AND SIGN HIM :roll:

He'll be picked up before he can get back on L.A.

pretty much. I cant see any team being a saving grace to LA by not picking up kobe off amnesty. Even if he made threats of retiring like chauncy did.

[BlackVVaves]

@ 25 in 2004 (flirted with LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls and one other team)
@ 29 in 2007 (basically demanding to be traded to Chicago)


No shit. Why do you always insist on talking on the boards like other people don't understand life? You're not our pops, stop talking down to us.


He's not going anywhere because he's 35 and almost done, exactly. It wouldn't make sense for him to leave. I'm question your stupid comment that Kobe was a loyal born and bred Laker for life.

He's flirted with leaving multiple times. He was for sure going elsewhere if LA resigned Shaq at the height of their feud. Like it was a done deal he'd be gone. He was going to go to the rival LA Clippers. Or Chicago. Even scouted schools for his kids in the area. He likes the location of LA. That's all.

Laker for life means he will finish his career playing for one franchise. Correct?

So, how is elementary wrong for saying he's a "Laker for life"? Where does elementary say he's a "loyal born and bred Laker for life"?

Oh, okay.

[elementally morale]

I'm question your stupid comment that Kobe was a loyal born and bred Laker for life.

I didn't say he was loyal. I said he is a Laker for life and he won't leave now, nor will be traded. It just doesn't make sense for either side.



He's flirted with leaving multiple times. He was for sure going elsewhere if LA resigned Shaq at the height of their feud.

Absolutely. But that was then and we are in the here and now.



No shit. Why do you always insist on talking on the boards like other people don't understand life? You're not our pops, stop talking down to us.

Everyone understands real life, regardless of age, experience and IQ. Even you do. You understand as much as you can -- it is always true for everyone involved. Bringing a different perspective isn't necessarily talking down to anyone. Albeit someone acting as impatient and ignorant as you just have deserves to be talked down to.

[The Choken One]

No way Bean is done, but I'm not totally convinced Kobe will be a Laker when he returns... :cry:

The other thing is, I know he'll have to take a serious paycut, but will Kobe's ego get in the way of accepting a 5 mil a year contract? He might even get offered less, I'm not totally positive as that's quite a ways away.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

Everyone needs to remember Kobe is on the wrong side of 34 years old.

He won't heal like he used to. His recovery time is going to be different than a young 24 year old.

[The_Yearning]

Rose hasn't been out 12 months.



Yeah guys come back from torn acls in 2 months all the time.

Rose is going to be out 20+ months when it's all said and done.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

Absolutely. But that was then and we are in the here and now.

Not just then.

He also was going to leave to Chicago when he demanded a trade. If not for the Grizzlies donation (Kobe's words) of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown..... he would have left.

[elementally morale]

Not just then.

He also was going to leave to Chicago when he demanded a trade. If not for the Grizzlies donation (Kobe's words) of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown..... he would have left.

Being 29 and having won only as a 2nd banana to Shaq is not the same as being 35 and flirting with greatest Laker of all time with two more championships as the undisputed leader. He is not going anywhere, it's rather obvious.

Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXkehOjNBtE

[knicksman]

I have paid homage to kobe in this and other threads i was responding to the doomsday idiot who said now nba is unwatchable and know-body will care. Lebron is face of the league and heat are like the Bulls of old so nba will be in good hands.

if lebron is the face. We wouldnt have a lockout

[longtime lurker]

Being 29 and having won only as a 2nd banana to Shaq is not the same as being 35 and flirting with greatest Laker of all time with two more championships as the undisputed leader. He is not going anywhere, it's rather obvious.

Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXkehOjNBtE

This. He's going no where to be honest

[Levity]

Not just then.

He also was going to leave to Chicago when he demanded a trade. If not for the Grizzlies donation (Kobe's words) of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown..... he would have left.

not exactly true. Mitch K took kobe off the trading block right before the beginning of the season. From november to january, bynum was finally showing his potentiail, averaging something around 20/10 the past 5+ games before going down at memphis with his first major knee injury. At that time, the lakers were already or fighting for first place (cant remember correctly) It was only after that injury, that the pau trade was made. Point of this rambling, it looked like kobe was happy and watned to stay in LA before pau came, thanks to a progressively developing bynum.

[SamuraiSWISH]

not exactly true. Mitch K took kobe off the trading block right before the beginning of the season.
To not disrupt team chemistry, the way say the Nuggets let the Melo fiasco take precedence over their entire season. Mitch was smart for that, however it doesn't mean Kobe wasn't content with where the Lakers were headed. Getting Gasol really changed the dynamic.

Kobe isn't going anywhere, but the point still stands. He pouted and or threatened to leave the Lakers at least a few times. This isn't a Jordan situation where Kobe has major beef with the front office, and vice a versa and he will be forced to go elsewhere to finish his career on his own terms. The Lakers will make a place for Kobe to stay in house, even when he comes back from this achilles injury, even if he's a shell of the player he used to be. No bridges were burned.

[Rubio2Gasol]

To not disrupt team chemistry, the way say the Nuggets let the Melo fiasco take precedence over their entire season. Mitch was smart for that, however it doesn't mean Kobe wasn't content with where the Lakers were headed. Getting Gasol really changed the dynamic.

Kobe isn't going anywhere, but the point still stands. He pouted and or threatened to leave the Lakers at least a few times. This isn't a Jordan situation where Kobe has major beef with the front office, and vice a versa and he will be forced to go elsewhere to finish his career on his own terms. The Lakers will make a place for Kobe to stay in house, even when he comes back from this achilles injury, even if he's a shell of the player he used to be. No bridges were burned.

Jim Buss and Kobe have never been on good terms. He used a contract situation to force team improvement but his commitment to the franchise has never really wained.

He never sat out games or stopped giving 100% - like many others have done as they ran away.

[LA_Showtime]

I almost would rather just see Kobe hang 'em up and retire, or pull a Barkley and come back for one game to go out on his own terms. What I don't want to see is Kobe come back, be a shell of his former self, but continue to play like the number one option and screw up the team. For better or for worse, the Lakers are now Dwight's. Let's see what he does.

[D.J.]

not exactly true. Mitch K took kobe off the trading block right before the beginning of the season. From november to january, bynum was finally showing his potentiail, averaging something around 20/10 the past 5+ games before going down at memphis with his first major knee injury. At that time, the lakers were already or fighting for first place (cant remember correctly) It was only after that injury, that the pau trade was made. Point of this rambling, it looked like kobe was happy and watned to stay in LA before pau came, thanks to a progressively developing bynum.


They were 30-15. The Lakers were looking good, even before Pau arrived.

[LA_Showtime]

What's funny is Dwight gets screwed in this whole ordeal. If he leaves LA the public backlash is going to be awful. If he stays, chances are Kobe will try to come back and no one knows how that's going to turn out, but given Kobe's history I doubt he'll be happy with being a second or third option. Then again, if Dwight stays in LA chances are the team won't be competing for another year or two at best. Wow.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

What's funny is Dwight gets screwed in this whole ordeal. If he leaves LA the public backlash is going to be awful. If he stays, chances are Kobe will try to come back and no one knows how that's going to turn out, but given Kobe's history I doubt he'll be happy with being a second or third option. Then again, if Dwight stays in LA chances are the team won't be competing for another year or two at best. Wow.

Dwight would be crazy to stay in LA. That team is in cap hell, and now have a washed up 30 million dollar hole in a Never Will Be the Same 34 year old Kobe.

That team is years away from fixing their mess.

If he's smart, he goes to Atlanta or Houston. Atlanta would instantly become the best defensive team in the NBA. Scary.

[chazzy]

Dwight would be crazy to stay in LA. That team is in cap hell, and now have a washed up 30 million dollar hole in a Never Will Be the Same 34 year old Kobe.

That team is years away from fixing their mess.

If he's smart, he goes to Atlanta or Houston. Atlanta would instantly become the best defensive team in the NBA. Scary.
Uh, in a year they only have Dwight and Nash on the books.

[DMAVS41]

Dwight would be crazy to stay in LA. That team is in cap hell, and now have a washed up 30 million dollar hole in a Never Will Be the Same 34 year old Kobe.

That team is years away from fixing their mess.

If he's smart, he goes to Atlanta or Houston. Atlanta would instantly become the best defensive team in the NBA. Scary.

After next year the Lakers would only have Nash and Howard on the books. He's playing in the best market for not only basketball, but exposure...and it's the best destination for free agents.

What more does a player want? He gets to play with Nash and Gasol next year..and perhaps Kobe...which is way better than most help superstars get...and then the following summer the Lakers will have the flexibility to do anything and everything to build around him.

Wake up.

[guy]

I think some of you are downplaying the possibility of Kobe playing elsewhere after 2014. It obviously depends on what level he can play at next year, and he obviously won't come back next year like this past year, but if he comes back lets say playing at Wizards Jordan level, I could see him wanting to play more after next year and even thinking to himself that he can play better 2 years from now after he's adjusted.

Now, even if Kobe would be willing to come back for like the veterans minimum, I could easily see Jim Buss saying no to resigning him just because his style of play has such an impact on the way the team does and Kobe just won't be good enough anymore for the Lakers to justify that and not playing more through Dwight Howard.

With that being the case, if Kobe still wants to play, he'll go somewhere else. He's not going to let someone else dictate when he ends his career even if it means he won't retire as a Laker. And lets not forget, just because he says he wants to end his career as a Laker, doesn't mean thats what is going to happen. Most all-time greats say they want to end their career with their team, and it doesn't end up that way for a variety of reasons.

[dunksby]

Too optimistic, if he was not an elite athlete he would have a hard time being able to walk again. I really feel bad for Kobe that he had to go out like that but at least the injury came late in his all time great career.

[Harison]

Bad news :(

[Nevaeh]

The funny thing is, only Bryant stans over the years have ever used a term like "psycho hater" to describe me. I've acutally had pretty cordial relationships with non psycho Bean fans over the years, and many have agreed with what a lot that I've written about him. At any rate, I'm not going to use this situation to argue about my feelings on Bryant as I don't find it appropriate so if you respond you'll be talking to yourself from this point on.

Oh, and a true "psycho hater" would revel in this injury, not feel compassion towards it.

Good points. Whenever there were debates, or "trolling" from peeps like me, Knoe, Kuniva, Pauk, Gino, etc., it was always within the context of the game itself, and what was happening on those terms. I can't recall any of these guys wishing injury on Kobe, because hey, talking smack about a player while he's playing and playing well is what keeps the board lively.

However, a part of me can't help but think that "Somebody" out there in the Universe got fed up with the " Godbe" bullsh!t and decided to do something about it. Maybe a lesson for the youngsters perhaps? Dude, it's grown men getting paid to play a kid's games to keep themselves in shape, at the end of the day.

Meybe we should keep that in perspective.

[melih69]

nope. rose suffered a common injury that usually takes 2-3 months for a full recovery.

29 athletes in the 4 major US sports have suffered a COMPLETELY+RUPTURED torn achilles tendon, 27 never played again, and 2 have been nothing similar to what they originally were, Ken Griffey in the late 80s and Bill Samson for the Bucks in the late 90s
2-3 months for full recovery for an ACL tear? get the **** out of here

[Cross30]

Daniel Marino and Chauncey Billups spring to mind. Kobe will be fine, he's a warrior afterall.

[TheGreatDeraj]

I think some of you are downplaying the possibility of Kobe playing elsewhere after 2014. It obviously depends on what level he can play at next year, and he obviously won't come back next year like this past year, but if he comes back lets say playing at Wizards Jordan level, I could see him wanting to play more after next year and even thinking to himself that he can play better 2 years from now after he's adjusted.

Now, even if Kobe would be willing to come back for like the veterans minimum, I could easily see Jim Buss saying no to resigning him just because his style of play has such an impact on the way the team does and Kobe just won't be good enough anymore for the Lakers to justify that and not playing more through Dwight Howard.

With that being the case, if Kobe still wants to play, he'll go somewhere else. He's not going to let someone else dictate when he ends his career even if it means he won't retire as a Laker. And lets not forget, just because he says he wants to end his career as a Laker, doesn't mean thats what is going to happen. Most all-time greats say they want to end their career with their team, and it doesn't end up that way for a variety of reasons.

You've got to be kidding me. Jim Buss is already getting shit for passing up the logical coaching choice of Shaw for Mike Brown only to fire him a year later. Then he passes up Phil ****ing Jackson for Mike "we practiced defense for THIRTY MINUTES" D'Antoni because Phil's boning his sister. If he were to not resign Laker legend Kobe Bryant, especially for the veteran minimum, there would be riots in LA.

[Rojogaqu11]

There will be less basking in reflected glory in this site huh?
I'd like to see traffic stats for the site for the upcoming months. I bet they will plummet in absence of the legions of Kobe fans.
ISH is probably over as we know it, but then again..

[oh the horror]

Good points. Whenever there were debates, or "trolling" from peeps like me, Knoe, Kuniva, Pauk, Gino, etc., it was always within the context of the game itself, and what was happening on those terms. I can't recall any of these guys wishing injury on Kobe, because hey, talking smack about a player while he's playing and playing well is what keeps the board lively.

However, a part of me can't help but think that "Somebody" out there in the Universe got fed up with the " Godbe" bullsh!t and decided to do something about it. Maybe a lesson for the youngsters perhaps? Dude, it's grown men getting paid to play a kid's games to keep themselves in shape, at the end of the day.

Meybe we should keep that in perspective.



If that were the case "LeGod" is next?


I highly doubt the universe is concerned with something like that. We have wars, starvation, and severe evil out there in the abyss.

[Is He Ill]

Good points. Whenever there were debates, or "trolling" from peeps like me, Knoe, Kuniva, Pauk, Gino, etc., it was always within the context of the game itself, and what was happening on those terms. I can't recall any of these guys wishing injury on Kobe, because hey, talking smack about a player while he's playing and playing well is what keeps the board lively.

However, a part of me can't help but think that "Somebody" out there in the Universe got fed up with the " Godbe" bullsh!t and decided to do something about it. Maybe a lesson for the youngsters perhaps? Dude, it's grown men getting paid to play a kid's games to keep themselves in shape, at the end of the day.

Meybe we should keep that in perspective.

Yeah, I'm sure that was it. :facepalm

[red1]

Kobe will never be kb24 again. Saw his entire career, it was damn fun while it lasted.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/2009/0622_large.jpg

[Doranku]

kobebryant
This is what my friend/agent sends me this am. Shiesh! #kobe #motivationsunday I'm keeping track of all doubters and haters #mambamentality

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[snipes12]

[QUOTE=AngelEyes]http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/5668b090a47211e29a8222000a1f8ccf_7.jpg
Kobe will be out for 9 months due to pregnancy.. will retire next season to become a full time mom

[G-Funk]

Kobe will never be kb24 again. Saw his entire career, it was damn fun while it lasted.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/2009/0622_large.jpg


http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkpfp0whP71qamumko1_500.gifhttp://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkpfp0whP71qamumko1_500.gifhttp://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkpfp0whP71qamumko1_500.gif

[Ancient Legend]

Is Kareem's point record now out of reach for Kobe?

[nightprowler10]

Horrible news. Love him or hate him, you gotta respect a guy who will play, play, and play for his team until something catastrophic like that brings him down. I really enjoyed the Lakers struggling in such a comedic fashion, but Kobe playing his heart out night in and night out regardless of the team's chances really made me respect him as a player more.

[Nevaeh]

Horrible news. Love him or hate him, you gotta respect a guy who will play, play, and play for his team until something catastrophic like that brings him down. I really enjoyed the Lakers struggling in such a comedic fashion, but Kobe playing his heart out night in and night out regardless of the team's chances really made me respect him as a player more.

There's a fine between playing your heart out, and playing beyond your age, and any player stupid enough to play 40 plus minutes in game after game like that is just being careless. There's a reason coaches start resting up aging players toward the end of the season, and this is one of the reasons why.

The human body takes longer to recover from wear and tear as it ages, and that's not even taking into consideration the already existing wear and tear that players have already racked up during the course of their careers. It's a dangerous combination to have in a sport that's so predicated on constant motion, speed and agility like basketball is.

Even when playing "rec ball" I know my limitations when I find myself on a team opposite guys almost, and sometimes literally, half my age, and there's no way in hell I'm gonna be able to play "balls out" like I did in my 20s.

But I can still be effective in the post, and as a passer, pretty much like every great player in the history of the game has. What does every top 10 player have in common above anything else? They all by and large had great post games to cut down on wear and to prevent injuries, and played limited minutes when necessary.

Kobe's now learning the painful lesson that your body doesn't give a **** about "pride, heart, courage" and all of those other cliches, when you start abusing the hell out of it just to prove a point. Eventually it says"I can't take this sh!t anymore" and does the inevitable; break down.

[longtime lurker]

Good points. Whenever there were debates, or "trolling" from peeps like me, Knoe, Kuniva, Pauk, Gino, etc., it was always within the context of the game itself, and what was happening on those terms. I can't recall any of these guys wishing injury on Kobe, because hey, talking smack about a player while he's playing and playing well is what keeps the board lively.

However, a part of me can't help but think that "Somebody" out there in the Universe got fed up with the " Godbe" bullsh!t and decided to do something about it. Maybe a lesson for the youngsters perhaps? Dude, it's grown men getting paid to play a kid's games to keep themselves in shape, at the end of the day.

Meybe we should keep that in perspective.

Yes that's a perfectly reasonable and unbiased perspective :rolleyes:

[Ancient Legend]

Kobe's now learning the painful lesson that your body doesn't give a **** about "pride, heart, courage" and all of those other cliches, when you start abusing the hell out of it just to prove a point. Eventually it says"I can't take this sh!t anymore" and does the inevitable; break down.

Even though it was a freak injury, nobody can cheat father time.

[Ronaldinho]

There's a fine between playing your heart out, and playing beyond your age, and any player stupid enough to play 40 plus minutes in game after game like that is just being careless. There's a reason coaches start resting up aging players toward the end of the season, and this is one of the reasons why.

The human body takes longer to recover from wear and tear as it ages, and that's not even taking into consideration the already existing wear and tear that players have already racked up during the course of their careers. It's a dangerous combination to have in a sport that's so predicated on constant motion, speed and agility like basketball is.

Even when playing "rec ball" I know my limitations when I find myself on a team opposite guys almost, and sometimes literally, half my age, and there's no way in hell I'm gonna be able to play "balls out" like I did in my 20s.

But I can still be effective in the post, and as a passer, pretty much like every great player in the history of the game has. What does every top 10 player have in common above anything else? They all by and large had great post games to cut down on wear and to prevent injuries, and played limited minutes when necessary.

Kobe's now learning the painful lesson that your body doesn't give a **** about "pride, heart, courage" and all of those other cliches, when you start abusing the hell out of it just to prove a point. Eventually it says"I can't take this sh!t anymore" and does the inevitable; break down.

You have no ****ing balls

[Rubio2Gasol]

Cliche's are cliches...many talk that talk. Few walk it.

Pushing beyond your limits is not stupidity, it's literally the single most important ideal that has advanced the human race over the centuries.

They said it wasn't that - I don't know if to believe them - but to me you doing something out of absolute necessity trying to carry your team through, is not a valid criteria upon which you can blame a player for an injury.

[Nevaeh]

You have no ****ing balls

And you obviously haven't even hit age 25 yet, son. Get at me in another 20 years, and then tell me how your body's reacting day to day.

[Nevaeh]

Even though it was a freak injury, nobody can cheat father time.

Thanks. That's the only point that I was making.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/images/smilies/cheers.gif

[elementally morale]

Thanks. That's the only point that I was making.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/images/smilies/cheers.gif

What Kobe did wasn't the smart thing to do, but it was the right thing to do. He is a player, not a coach or a GM. You have the coach and the GM to the the smart things, i.e.: pull him the fu(k out of the game. As a plyer, he has to do the right thing, which is to play until the wheels fall off.

You are playing armchair GM here and you are right. You are talking about the smart thing. He was on the court though and not as a GM but as a player. And he did the right thing. The thing you want a player to do. You want a much better coach though.

[ripthekik]

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/483213_10151569307710419_964702518_n.jpg
:applause: :cry:

[3LiftHeatCurse]

http://i.imgur.com/CmMsdka.jpg?1

Just wanted to put a stop to all this "kobe's a warrior for walking out there and shooting 2 ft's" talk.

[chazzy]

Lebron stans rushing to WebMD because a meme pissed them off :lol

[Mr. Jabbar]

http://i.imgur.com/CmMsdka.jpg?1

Just wanted to put a stop to all this "kobe's a warrior for walking out there and shooting 2 ft's" talk.

How insecure are you? Oh my god, does kobe being the ultimate warrior bothers you :oldlol:

stay mad

#mambawarrior

[tazb]

Cramps > Crappy Achilles injury, get mad.

[flipogb]

However, a part of me can't help but think that "Somebody" out there in the Universe got fed up with the " Godbe" bullsh!t and decided to do something about it. Maybe a lesson for the youngsters perhaps? Dude, it's grown men getting paid to play a kid's games to keep themselves in shape, at the end of the day.

Meybe we should keep that in perspective.

so is this the same somebody that thought I should get laid off from my job? if so then f him and Kobe will come back to win another championship and I will go visit his statue at Staples in the future every Sunday.






see how stupid that is? the gawdbe thing is just fun and games, its the internet