Will Kobe Bryant ever be Kobe Bryant again?

Kobe Bean Bryant. He is arguably the second-greatest player ever to step foot onto a basketball court behind Michael Jordan. He also tried to make a comeback from a major Achilles injury during the 2013-2014 season, but was limited to only six games due to a knee injury. Throughout the rehab process, I’ve wondered whether or not Kobe will return to his legendary player status due to the high number of miles of his 35 year old body and now adding in the numerous injuries.

Kobe will look to regain his superstar status come next season. By Keith Allison from Kinston, USA (RO9A3336) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

#24 or the early years of #8?

In the early stages of his career, Kobe showed promise but never could break through. Eventually, he found Shaq and Phil, they figured it out, and the rest is history.

In the six games Kobe played this past season, he looked decent for a guy coming off a major injury. He showed some quickness and jumping ability, just enough to have Laker fans excited about his full return in the 2014-2015 season.

During the 2012-2013 before Kobe suffered his injury at the end of the year, he was having one of his best seasons of his career at age 34 averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. He carried the Lakers as far as he could before suffering the injury, resulting in them making the playoffs only to be swept out in the first round by the Spurs.

Don’t doubt the Mamba

After basically sitting out and entire season, I expect Kobe Bryant to make a full recovery and return to his superstar status in the NBA for his final few seasons. While he might not be the same type of player with his explosiveness, his shooting ability and basketball IQ will serve him very well as his body continues to break-down. While his effectiveness may not be like it was five years ago, he’ll still find a way.

After all, he is the Black Mamba and many people have doubted him before. I, for one, will not start now.

Kobe is a fierce competitor who realizes that he only has a few years left and he will do anything and everything in his power to try and win that sixth ring he has been searching for. For Laker fans and basketball fans all around, just having Kobe back on the court next season will be a grand sight.