Kobe Bryant Semi-blasphemy: Thoughts, Hopes, and Apprehensions

I read an article earlier concerning the subject of Pau Gasol being the real Lakers' MVP. Robi s refuted it so well, and here's another good point to consider: http://20secondtimeout.blogspot.com/ (first article)... There's no doubt that Gasol is a cerebral and skillful player. But I don't think it takes a genius to see certain problems with his mentality at certain points.

After finally resting this summer, Kobe started this season establishing that he was still the best and the alpha-nba player. Practically nobody could stop him, nobody could neutralize him - he was basically blowing everyone away on both ends. It just seemed so easy for him, and it was amazing from my point-of-view as a Laker fan because in my eyes, he has just reached the pinnacle of his basketball career, and the pinnacle of what a basketball player could be. After winning the championship, and getting some rest, he had become "the big kid in the alley"(Mark Jackson). I know he'd been the "big kid in the alley" for the past 5 or so years, but never was it more glaring than at the start of this season. Everything was soooo easy, and in all honesty, he was head, shoulders, and waist above even Lebron James...

Then I don't know. God probably said that he was too IMBA and decided to flick a fragment of his bone into a place it shouldn't be to make life a little bit more interesting. First few games, it seemed Kobe was indeed able to adjust (as we expected) but recently, it seems that the finger is wearing down (and duh...) Unlike the pinkie avulsion fracture (which he is still nursing by the way), this is a more "relevant" finger so it does make sense that it affects him more. Even Bryant said it. "Right now, it's make or miss with this"

I am in no way proposing that he should get surgery - because there go the Lakers championship aspirations. I thought about whether he should sit out some games to rest, but now thinking about it, I don't think he should. Hear me out. The avulsion fracture is not going to heal on its own. Surgery is needed. If he rests, sure the finger will be rested, but inevitably it's gonna wear down again. So nothing will really change.

I am also not proposing that because of Kobe Bryant's inefficiencies as of late, the Lakers are better off without him. Consider this, the only thing that the finger has really done to Kobe in terms of his scoring is render him less effective going against multiple defenders. With the healthy finger, he is effective against, 1, 2, or 5 defenders. Commonality: one-on-one, he'd still own (probably with less dominance with the injuries but still). So take out Kobe, teams will double Gasol and Bynum, and aye... there's the rub. I'm sure you've all noticed this. Gasol and Bynum cannot handle double teams period. If they'd have to go against multiple defenders all the time as Kobe does, they'll be neutralized. Even with 8 fingers, Kobe is still facing multiple defenders, and that is an asset, because that gives breathing room for other players who are supposed to step up. 

Bottomline. Even with eight fingers, Kobe Bryant is still the best player of the Lakers because it still takes a barrage of defenders from other teams to neutralized an eight-fingered basketball player.

But I just had to write about it because I'm frustrated, not at Kobe, not really at anyone, but at the turn of events. Kobe Bryant was easily on his way to his best season (and that says a lot because he's made a career out of spectacular seasons), then this had to happen and now he's being limited. And he's going to have to deal with this until June (hopefully). And there's really nothing that can be done. He's continued playing, if you think about it, is really the most reasonable decision he can come up with.

But I haven't "lost the faith" so to speak. I merely expressed how frustrated I was that things had to be this way. Nonetheless, I wouldn't put it past Kobe to suddenly get going somehow - he's a mythical creature after all. This team will probably step it up in the playoffs too, so a loss to the Cavs or even to Boston (if we do lose) should not cause panic. 

And whatever happens this season, whether the Lakers win the Finals with Bryant as the Finals MVP, or God forbid not, I just can't wait for Kobe next season. If he does have his 2 broken fingers repaired, watch out everyone. You guys familiar with Strike Freedom of Gundam Seed, or of Gogeta from Dragon Ball Z? That's how it's gonna be.

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