It was interesting for me yesterday as I watched the all-star game and took in the festivities, to see what the game was like without Kobe Bryant on the court. Perhaps in some weird way I was just trying to see how it would be when Kobe finally does call it quits and I have to be honest. The game was different without him. Can’t put my finger on what exactly it was, but overall the night felt like it missed Kobe.
But that brings me to my next point, on just how relevant Kobe was on a night in which he wasn’t suiting up to play. From interviews, to joining the TNT cast on the call for the game, to the camera always finding its’ way back to Kobe, he was still one of the biggest stars of the night. And when one of the game’s biggest stars speaks on his career winding down, everybody pays attention.
Which is why these comments from Kobe have caused a lot of chatter this morning.
It’s really the biggest challenge. Maybe this is the end, but then again, maybe it’s not. And it’s my responsibility to do all that I can to make sure that it’s not.”
When asked about returning this season to the woeful Lakers, Kobe was less than forth coming.
“Stick to the script, just try to get better and then go from there,” Bryant said. “I just try to focus, keep my blinders on and just do what I have to do.”
It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Kobe comes back this season, as I personally think it’s in his best interest to take as much time as he needs with his leg injuries. But one thing appears to be clear from Kobe’s comments regarding his future.
The end is near. The thing I’m most interested in though, is whether or not the Lakers do enough to give him another shot at a title before the end becomes a reality.