photo via Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
Black Mamba down.
That collective gasp heard around the basketball world were from NBA fans reacting to seeing or hearing about Kobe Bryant suffering a probable torn Achilles tendon. An MRI has yet to confirm the injury, but it’s largely believed that the injury will end Bryant’s season and push toward the playoffs, sidelining him for at least the next eight months.
Regardless of whether Bryant is loved or hated, anytime a player suffers a season-ending injury, it’s tough. And when that player is someone of Kobe’s caliber, one of the greatest of all time, the possibility of him not making a complete comeback is even more disheartening. Kobe’s competitive spirit, will to win, and ability to lead by example is undeniably unmatched by anyone in the game right now. Yes, including LeBron. Over the past couple of months, Kobe has single-handedly done everything in his power to make good on his playoff guarantee and carry a struggling Lakers team into the postseason. However, in hindsight, maybe his aging 34-year old body couldn’t sustain the demanding minutes. In April, he was averaging 45.2 minutes per game. While everyone will blame Mike D’Antonio for relying on Kobe so much, I guarantee you, Kobe wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
After suffering the injury with 3:08 minutes to go against the Golden State Warriors, Kobe limped to the free throw line and knocked down both shots. The Lakers subsequently won the game by two points, 118-116. The win helped the Lakers maintain the eighth seed and a one game lead over the Utah Jazz. Both teams have two games remaining on the season.
If you missed the injury, here it is:
And here’s a teary-eyed Kobe discussing his injury after the game:
Also, here’s his tweet after the game:
Random tears of devastation and doubt mixed with inner determination and will #countonfamily #countonprayer THANKU #vicodintweets comin ha!
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 13, 2013
*UPDATE*
Kobe went on a bit of a Facebook rant earlier this morning.
This is such BS! All the training and 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”. Ive always loved that quote. Thats “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
Prayers up for Kobe. I hope he’s able to fully recover and comeback strong.
