Apr 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) is looked at by a medical staff member against the Golden State Warriors during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Friday night against the Golden State Warriors, Kobe Bryant tore his achilles tendon late in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers were in the midst of making a comeback. Kobe had taken some ugly hits throughout the game, and with three minutes to go, his body couldn’t hold up and it gave out on him. When he found out that the prognosis wasn’t good, he took to social media to vent his frustration.
"“This is such BS! All the training & sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I’ve done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I’m supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??“I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me…Then again maybe not! It’s 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I’m wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what’s the purpose of social media if I won’t bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn Achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.“One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day.“If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear”. I’ve always loved that quote. That’s “mamba mentality” we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer.“I know it’s a long post but I’m Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge. Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru.“Thank you for all your prayers and support. Much Love Always.”Mamba Out”"
Just from reading the emotions that he’s going through, you can’t help but feel for Kobe. Speaking on behalf of many Celtics fans, with the career that he has had up to this point, he deserves respect for what he’s done as a player, even if we hate the uniform he wears every night.
What Kobe has displayed, especially later in his career, is what every young athlete should try modeling themselves after. He gave every ounce of heart on a nightly basis. It didn’t matter what injury or illness hampered him, he played every game as if it was his last. There was no complaining from Kobe, if his teammates didn’t give 100% he called them out. If the Lakers were down late in a game, Kobe fought and most of the time overcame and persevered through any obstacle. As a fan of the game, these are the types of players you hate to see having their season, and maybe even their careers end because of an injury like a torn achilles.
For a 34 year old, returning from an injury that requires surgery, rehabilitation, and practice in the gym to return to the level he was at this season would require a lot of dedication. With it being so late in his career, and having won five championship rings, Kobe doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. It’s going to take time for it to sink in, but for Kobe to make a decision, whether it be retirement or returning for one more season, would be premature, especially since the injury occurred only two nights ago.
Kobe is one of, if not the toughest player in the game today. It’s going to require a lot of will power, but I expect him to give it one more shot and attempt to make a return. He’s the only player in basketball that can be compared to Michael Jordan, and with all the pride that he possesses, he won’t allow his career to end due to an injury.