It is sort of sad, sort of inspiring to see Kobe just refusing to give in to the reality that the Kobe of old is no more.
To have that type of mentality that no matter what, you believe you can overcome the obstacles and get back to an elite level is what makes Kobe so great. So while it is unlikely to happen, because it is Kobe we all have a little bit of hope that it does.
Here is what the Mamba had to say to Lakers.com.
How does this recovery from your shoulder injury compare to the ones that you suffered the last two seasons with the legs? […] Kobe Bryant: “The Achilles one was horrible. This one’s much, much better. I can move around a lot more and it feels strong.”
Only four players in NBA history have played more regular-season and playoff minutes than you. So what do you have left in your legs, and what can you expect from yourself next season? […] Bryant: “To be ready. I’ll train just like I normally do and do everything possible to be ready and come back with a vengeance.”
Is this an advantage in that you have your legs available to do stuff in this summer, whereas the last two injuries were a little bit different? […] Bryant: “Yeah, it’s definitely an advantage. I can start running pretty soon and start lifting weights and getting my legs strong, whereas the last few injuries I haven’t been able to do that.”