All joking aside, Kobe Bryant’s shoulder injury is serious.
After just 36 games this season and only six last year, the 36-year-old Lakers star is done for the season.
THIS JUST IN: Lakers expect Kobe Bryant to miss rest of the season with torn rotator cuff. (via @ramonashelburne) pic.twitter.com/ILplqYy81b
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 23, 2015
At Kobe’s age, any injury of this magnitude could be career-ending. It’s a wonder the Lakers let him play all season with his shoulder bothering him, let alone with the heavy workload they gave him.
Kobe admitted he has considering retiring after this season. We’ll see whether this latest setback is the straw that breaks the camel’s back or whether it just strengthens Kobe’s resolve. He can be lovably stubborn, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to go out like this. But his body, chicken bone broth soup aside, might not give him any other choice – though the same speculation came following his last two major injuries.
If Kobe doesn’t return, he’ll finish in discussion for being the greatest Laker of all time and a certain Hall of Famer. He’s a five-time NBA champion and third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
For the Lakers, it’s time to do the forgivable and responsible thing and tank to keep the top-five-protected pick they owe the Suns. Kobe was the Lakers’ only draw. Now, there’s nothing left for them this season but to figure out just how bad they want to be.
Kobe was scheduled to start the All-Star game, so someone – likely James Harden – will replace him in the Western Conference’s lineup. This will also open a reserve spot, and there are no shortage of worthy candidates.