The Future Could Lie in Kobe’s Index Finger
I will admit from the start: I am not a Kobe fan. That said, I can recognize greatness when I see it (yes, I did grit my teeth as I typed that). The Los Angeles Lakers won their back-to-back NBA championship this year, reaching the summit on Kobe’s back. But remember, this was one banged up superhero, and details of Bryant’s injured index finger reminds us just how much Kobe sacrificed to get to the top again.
Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in two places near the tip of the finger on his shooting hand on December 11. Bryant kept playing despite the recommendation of six weeks rest to let the injury heal. To keep playing Bryant had to redesign his shooting stroke to put more pressure on the ball with his thumb and middle finger — using the index finger only as a guide. If you’ve ever shot a basketball before with any consistency, try what Bryant did and see what happens.
Bryant played out the rest of the season and playoffs with grueling treatments to the finger, which could only be described as squeezing a tube of toothpaste with maximum force. And while the bone fragments did heal, the finger is so debilitated by arthritis, misuse and overuse, that there may be no real way to fix it.
With the championship out of the way, Kobe has to focus on the rest of his career. Bryant will consult with specialists in July to figure out his options. This means no World Championships in August. Bryant stated that “this summer is about him getting healthy.”
For the competitive streak in Kobe, and millions of ‘”Black Mamba” fans, I hope the doctors find a solution.
Erikka is the newest member of the BSO staff and resident female voice. You can follow her on Twitter at @Flannypants.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Hassan, Kobe Bryant's finger. Kobe Bryant's finger said: The Future Could Lie in Kobe's Index Finger | Robert Littal … http://bit.ly/bhudwI [...]
I recognize greatness too (I gritedededed my teeth too) but to hell with Kobe.
As a player, I have the utmost respect for him & his game. But off the court, he is one of the moistest dudes to ever walk this earth.
Now I may be a lil biased cause I am a Shaq fan 4 life, but………………..
Do you know him off the court? 'cause last time I checked, we all know him as a basketball player. And when it comes to basketball and the sacrifices to be a great, and improve yada yada…..how can you like Shaq more than Kobe? That makes no sense.
Hey….maybe you know the two. But I find it a form of delusion for fans to think they somehow know or are apart of the players lives and have a right to care what they are like at home.
Worry about politicians and your kids grades…and the effort your team's players put into presenting you with a good product. I think once you do that, you'll never admire Shaq more than Kobe again.