Kobe's battle with reality

What is it about this man that keeps him going? Is it all the doubters? Being ranked 40th? Carrying a bad team? Is it catching MJ with that illustrious 6th ring? Or maybe it's going head to head with Father Time, in what seems to be a twelve round title fight to the death. You would think after all the success on and off the court he would find solace in his accomplishments. A 36 year old man in his 19th season, with 54,000+ minutes on his body and battling back from a torn Achilles and broken left knee should be slowing down. It's a constant battle with a beast or monster that lies within, refusing to go into that good night.

Since the start of preseason, critics were making their negative predictions. Mostly all of them placing the Kobe we used to know as a thing of the past; However, up until recently Kobe was showing that he is still the player of old. He was second in the NBA in overall minutes played, while leading the league in scoring. It was clear that a person at this stage of their career would not be able to keep this up. After the first month of the season, the super hero or immortal like player we have been accustomed to seeing was finally slowing down. He was succumbing to his body and father time. You could see towards the end of games his legs were not there, shots were not falling, and his defense was awful. In post game interviews Kobe was finally sending out his subtle admissions of fatigue. Anyone would tell you that Kobe admitting to any type of defeat or him not being the guy he's always been is a major warning sign.

Head Coach Byron Scott has finally got the message. Whic in all honesty should have been done all along. Minimize the minutes and occasional days off, where he is benched for a game due to rest. Kobe and Byron seem to be getting on the same page recently. Hopefully this much needed rest can preserve his high level of play that he showed he still had through the first 6 or 7 weeks of the season. He is still showing the hunger to compete and win championships. Minimizing his minutes will preserve Kobe's energy and make him more efficient throughout the game. Even after all that this season is basically a wash, the Lakers will not make the playoffs. With some luck next year and a whole lot of cap space, they can finally bring in some pieces that can really help Kobe make a legitimate run to a title.

In every stage of his career Kobe has continued to amaze me. From his first seasons in the NBA, showing his potential and what he could be. To his prime, where he showed his greatness and dominance. Lastly, the final act. Where after all he has accomplished, being regarded as a top 10 player all time, his fire is still burning bright for that next title. I can't wait to see what he does next.