Lakers Gambling on Kobe Bryant's Toughness To Carry Them

Kobe Bryant is considered by many to be the person that ran Shaquille O'Neal out of Los Angeles. He is considered by many to be selfish on the court and isolating to his teammates off the court.

One thing that can never be questioned of Bryant is his toughness. He once again is ready to show his critics that he can play through pain.

Bryant has a tear in one of his fingers. Doctors have recommended surgery, which would keep Bryant out for at least six weeks. Kobe's response. My team needs me.

He did not say that in particular, but what else can be taken from his saying that with the way the team is playing right now, he must put off surgery and move along with the team progress.

Make no mistake about it, Bryant is the best player in the NBA. Not taking anything away from Lebron James or Steve Nash, but nobody has seen the overall game skills Kobe brings night after night since Michael Jordan.

That is not to say that Bryant is in Jordan's class. He is not. He is, however, the best player on a Lakers team that might be good enough to win a title this year.

For Bryant, winning titles is more important than any other of his motivations. He made that clear over the off season when he practically forced his own trade away from a team he did not think was ready to get back to the leagues elite.

He turned out to be wrong. That is why he is the player and not the GM. Either way, Bryant and his finger will be the key to whether Los Angeles can return another championship to the city.

Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is clear. Bryant is tough in both mind and body, and he will need to draw on that toughness while he plays injured, and does what is best for the team.

February 16, 2008
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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