Surgery: Yay or nay?
As every Laker fan that hasn't been living under a rock is fully aware (and for the benefit of those stone dwellers, Chucky Atkins no longer starts at the point), Kobe Bryant is dealing with a torn ligament along his right pinkie. The doctor involved recommended surgery, which would shelve Kobe around six weeks (about March 30th to the calender enthusiast crowd). For now, Kobe has opted to hold off on any knives and play through the pain. The front office, while supporting its star, seems to wish he'd go ahead with the operation.
I'm gonna have to come off like company man on this one.
Let me just start by acknowledging that this question is seriously dicey, one I honestly don't think contains a "right" answer. Both sides of the coin are very easy to see. In any other season, even one reasonably competitive, I imagine Kobe would have the surgery. Playing in this condition is terribly impractical, for all intents and purposes. But 2008 features a Western conference tighter than a pair of toddler pants on Shaquille O'Neal. Only 4.5 games separate the first place Hornets and seventh-ninth place Warriors, Rockets and Nuggets. Portland's sitting in tenth at 28-24. No shpillkis, life in the Pacific, Northwest and Southwest ain't no walk in the lillies. If you're a playoff hopeful, the margin for error remains fairly small . And with Laker momentum having steadily grown all season, I honestly understand Kobe's perspective in wanting to gut this thing out. Some will claim this is Kobe's ego or competitiveness getting the best of him, but I don't agree. The stakes are truly high at the moment and every game counts. I get why he feels the need to stay on the floor and I don't think his take is unreasonable.
That being said, I'd still prefer he drop by the hospital (preferably this weekend in New Orleans, allowing him both an ASAP start to healing and a iron clad excuse to miss the All-Star game). And here's why.
I don't doubt Kobe's ability to play hurt, nor his threshold for what will undoubtedly be some intense pain. I consider Kobe the NBA's best when it comes to either challenge. Dude is both seriously tough and ridiculously resourceful. But that's not the issue, in my opinion. Continuing to play guarantees his pinkie (and by extension, his shooting hand) won't be at full strength come playoff time. Even more worrisome, the pinkie will inevitably take regular beatings from now until (hopefully) June, meaning how much it affects him will be touch and go and quite possibly more negative than neutral. Should Kobe takes a bad hit in late April, the digit could reach the "most pain/least effectiveness" point during the postseason. That would be a very bad thing. People will say that Kobe "knows his body and what he can handle," which is probably true. But what he doesn't know is the future. He can't possibly forsee and prevent any contact that potentially takes his condition from "tenable" to "excruciating hindrance." The best way for Lakers to capitalize on their newfound strengths is with Kobe at full strength. Unfortunately, that requires him to take immediate time off. That Kobe's tended to heal quicker over his career than, say, Kwame Brown, even makes me optimistic that he could even return ahead of schedule. Call me "glass half full," to use the blog jargon.
Obviously, I'm aware six weeks without Kobe could lead to a losses that prevent the same playoffs I'm looking to enhance. No doubt that's a risk. But call me crazy, I actually think Pau, LO, Fish and the boys can hold down the fort at a reasonable clip. Plus, they should hopefully have Andrew Bynum and/or Trevor Ariza back during the tail end of Kobe's recovery, which should help to some degree. All in all, Kobe's supporting cast is clicking at a high level, one that makes me think they're capable and confident enough to keep things from getting ugly without The Mamba. The Lakers have also already pocketed a wicked stretch of their schedule. Of the 23 teams they'd theoretically be playing sans The New Jack Bauer, eleven sport losing records. That's nearly half. They're not likely to win every one of those cupcake-ier contests, but at the same time, it's not impossible to envision them sneaking out a quality win against a Dallas or Portland while shorthanded. Save one Hornets-Rockets-Mavs-Jazz roadie, there aren't any long stretches where they face rough team after rough team. I really think they can keep the wheels from coming off the rails. Obviously, if the crew withers in Bryant's absence, you can kiss the postseason goodbye. But if they don't, and I honestly don't think they will, can you think of anything better for convincing a roster that they're capable of great things than a long, respectable go without the NBA's best player? That could make boys 2-15 deadly come Kobe lacing them up again.
But what of the standings, you ask? The Lakers' playoff seed? Home court? All elements that could be damaged while playing without Kobe. Don't matter a lick to me. Assuming they don't play themselves out of the postseason, I couldn't care less if these Lakers wrap up as a one or an eight seed. Obviously, the higher, the better, but in the end, I really just don't think it matters. When healthy, the Lakers have proven capable of beating anybody and matching up against everybody. They've won on the road. Just about everyone's been in the playoffs at least once. There ain't a player in the "L" besting Kobe Bryant or Derek Fisher when it comes to "been there, done that." I don't see this squad being intimidated or thrown by having to kick off a series, two, or even all of them on the road. I firmly believe they're hurt more by Kobe at less than 100% than losing an extra game at Staples. All in all, I just see more benefits, however tenuous, to Kobe getting the surgery than trying to hang tough.
Of course, there will be may fans that don't agree with me. And more than likely, the reasons y'all cite will be completely valid. Like I said, I truly see both sides of this debate. I'm not pretending for a second that this is the "right" opinion, because I don't really think one exists. It's simply "my" opinion and I thought I'd share it.
Let's hear yours.
AK
Roll the dice....Surgey
Go Lakers
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | February 15, 2008 at 06:50 PM
I think Kobe needs to be very close to 100% for the Lakers to win the title. He is not going to be at that point if he doesn't get the surgery now.
If he gets the surgery done, there is a pretty good chance he will be 100% before the end of the season, which (assuming Bynum and Ariza come back OK) at least makes them a significant threat.
On the down side, they definitely wouldn't be as good a team without Kobe for the next six weeks.
They need to go approximatley 16-14 for the rest of the season to make the playoffs. (That would give them 51 wins, which would put them just ahead of that group of three.)
I think it comes down to this:
If he has the surgery, the team has a lower chance of making the playoffs, but a greater chance of winning it all. If he doesn't have the surgery, the team has a greater chance of making the playoffs, but a lower chance of winning it all.
No matter what anyone says, it will be better for Kobe's health to let the finger heal properly, rather than play like it as is for 2-3 more months.
I say have the surgery.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 15, 2008 at 06:54 PM
I certainly agree that the seed isn't nearly as important as making it into the playoffs healthy.
The problem is, with the West so tight, six weeks without your primary player (ie, Nash, LBJ, Wade, and yes Kobe) would pretty much put the playoffs into jeopardy. If things go downhill fast (likely) you're stuck until the six week window is up... and the six weeks was minimum from my understanding.
While Kobe certainly had horrible play in NJ & ATL, once he removed the splint, his game returned. Even in the second half on Wed he looked spectacular (and his finger had been re-injured)... so it's fairly well established that he CAN play at a high level with the injury.
It's a gamble both ways.
If we played in the Leastern conference, getting surgery would be a no brainer.
Since we're in the dog fight west, I think not getting the surgery is likely the best choice...
but that doesn't mean I like it. I don't like ANY of the choices, which is precisely why it's a dilemma.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 15, 2008 at 07:02 PM
I totally agree. I think if Kobe has surgey say tomorrow...he can come back in 5 weeks just because he can heal. The month of march features games that they can definitely win with Pau, Lamar, Sasha, Fisher. Remember, Pau won games by himself in Memphis. The Lakers could even trick Lamar by saying that Sasha will be the number 2 option.
The idea that Kobe 100% by playoff time is more valuable is definitely the smart one. I mean its not like Kobe will need to play himself into bball shape or into form. The day he comes back he'll drop 40 points. If he makes it back by March 30, essentially the Lakers will still have about 8 games where they can go 6-2.
From now until March 30 the Lakers have an easy schedule compared to what they already faced.
winnable games without Kobe
2/19 ATL
2/23 LAC
2/24 @ Sea
2/28 Mia
3/4 @ Sac
3/7 LAC
3/9 SAC
3/21 Sea
3/23 GS
3/26 Cha
3/28 Mem
Those dont include games against Portland who we havent played yet and dont know how we match up. Now they are starting to play back to earth so who knows. Sacramento might pull a game off us...but we can probably pull a game off them. That also doesnt include games against the Hornets, a game at GS and a home one against Washington or Toronto at home.
Plus I feel like the Lakers could pull a win off a Dallas or SA at home without Kobe.
So basically thats a .500 record without Kobe. That puts the Lakers at 46-28 going into April. With Kobe back and rested, plus Bynum and Ariza, the Lakers can go 6-2.
The one question I have is 50 wins enough to get the Lakers in the playoff? I have no doubt that the Lakers can win both games on the road in the playoffs when at full strength and no Dallas, Phoenix or Utah will want to see the Lakers in the first round.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 15, 2008 at 07:07 PM
No game thread for Jordan Farmar???
By the way...NO must hate Byron Scott. His loyalties to the Lakers and Kobe supercede what's wise. Wouldnt it be his best interest to run plays for Kobe every time and play him 30 minutes?? Haha its great that Scott doesnt want a hurt Kobe so that his true love Lakers can win the title haha.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 15, 2008 at 07:10 PM
i think we didn't have to make the decision now...
it's a pinkie nevertheless...although it is in his shooting hand.
IMO, we should wait...see if he could play with this injury...(see how he plays in the atlanta game)
a week time difference won't matter much, since what will hurt us most is his absence before bynum and ariza returns
i agree that he might aggravated the injury even more by playing hurt, but i am sure if there's a big possibility it could happened. kobe or lakers FO won't try to play this through.
With that in mind, i think we don't have to make the decision now...
and the decision we should make will pretty much depend on the possibility for kobe aggravating the injury beyond this season AND at what level, he will be able to play/
if it's a high possibility, he should get the surgery
if not or not likely but we could maintain his performance level, he could continue play and sit out games when it's swollen pretty bad (game time decision)
if not or not likely but his performance will suffer over time, he should get the surgery
personally, i don't see this situation as a black and white...like AK said it's dilemma.
I am sure what we all agree is whatever the decision should be for the best of kobe and lakers.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: 1331 | February 15, 2008 at 07:13 PM
I am so tossed up.... My Physical Therapist says Nay!
Posted by: Charles | February 15, 2008 at 07:14 PM
AK,
I see what you're saying, and obviously Kobe could further damage his hand at the worst possible time (the playoffs), but he seemed to adjust to the injury very well after the Atlanta game.
This is a very worrisome situation, but I think I agree with Kobe's decision. As we saw after the Atlanta game, Kobe at 80-85% is still better than almost everyone in the league.
Posted by: Xodus | February 15, 2008 at 07:15 PM
And I'm not positive we can make the playoffs without Kobe. We become a much easier team to defend without him and we lose another one of our top defenders with two of them already going to be out (Ariza, Bynum) for another month.
Kobe may not have a playoff to come back to if he gets the surgery.
Posted by: Xodus | February 15, 2008 at 07:19 PM
sorry forgot to say this:
please don't make this injury situation as a legitimate reason to back up kobe MVP quest.
i've been hearing kobe should get MVP if we could still play and Lakers win the pacific. Well, he should win the MVP if Lakers win the pacific regardless he's continue playing injured or not. it's just that plain and simple.
i've also been hearing that kobe should not get MVP if his selfishness by playing injured, hurt the lakers in the long term (for this year playoff run and not the season after because MVP is for the current season)
so arguing that kobe should get MVP if he could play injured is not helping him get MVP votes (he really need to be more respected - it's too bad not a lot of people realize how brilliant he is).
to conclude, i really hope people stop using his injury as an argument to backup his MVP quest.
he is my MVP regardless what people say/said (he's my MVP for two years running too)
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: 1331 | February 15, 2008 at 07:20 PM
As a rec league player, i have had an injury like Kobe's. It will be painful, but if it is taped he should be able to play with it. It may take him some time to get used to the feel of the ball, and it may affect his extreme ball handling skills (it wouldn't affect miine, because I don't have any), but he can adjust. He may be 95-97% of what he is now. Given the short window for a championship, I think he needs to keep playing.
HOWEVER, if there is a possibility he would only be out for 4 weeks, i would suggest getting the operation.He mioght be able to do it, although any doctor will say the longer time to be safe. He would in essence only be out only 3 weeks if he does it now. There would still be a danger that the finger is too stiff (not flexible enough to bend) after 4 weeks, however. Any longer than that and I don't think the Lakers can stay afloat without him.
Posted by: Jeff | February 15, 2008 at 07:22 PM
AK,
Excellent points regarding Kobe and the need for surgery. Like you said, it's one of those situations where it's really hard to pick a side. I'm on the no-surgery side, and here's why:
Surgery is always risky. We always say 6 weeks, but really, joint surgery is always a risk, and a player should probably take a whole off season to heal from even the "little" surgeries. Look at Larry Hughes. He kept coming back from hand operations too soon and now he's a shadow of what he was in Washington. This is not like Bynum or Ariza...injuries that just need rest and immobilization to heal can be dealt with in the allotted time. If he has surgery, his hand won't be the same even by playoff time.
Anyways, I think the Lakers need a better than .500 record to get the the playoffs this year. As you said, it's a tight WC. But once in the playoffs, the Lakers have a real good chance to win it all. I think Kobe will be too pumped to let his finger affect him by that time. And I don't think he wants to waste the first realistic chance at a title that he's had in years.
All that said, I can't argue that strongly with you; I could definitely understand going under the knife...hell, get a few beers in me and I'm probably agreeing that it's for the best.
Wish he was doing the 3-Point Shootout though. I was thinking a ballboy could come chest bump him while he shoots, since he would probably suck at wide open threes lol. Have a good one.
Go Lakers.
Happydaze
Posted by: Happydaze | February 15, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Yay if the following are true:
1. Kobe feels he can do it.
2. The trainers can find a way to secure the digit.
3. Not career-threatening.
4. Stern makes any contact with Kobe's right hand a Flagrant II foul.
Posted by: mel | February 15, 2008 at 07:35 PM
AK,
Just like you to take the company side, you Kobe hater! JK. Great take on Kobe. I think you addressed the issues fairly as almost always and made the logical decision, the one that nine out of ten athletes would make. Of course, the doubters will probably be all over your case once the comments begin. My hats off to you for your always professional demeanor while never giving an inch. Ok, maybe a foot in fairness. haha.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Kobe is not just nine out of ten athletes. He is the greatest competitor in the game since MJ. Hell, just not being able to play for 6 weeks alone might be enough for Kobe forgo the operation. lol. I know that not seeing Kobe play for 6 weeks is enough for me to want to see him play through it.
I think it is pretty obvious that there is no real risk of permanent injury. Hell, our own resident health expert Faith has already confirmed that. And the Lakers would not let Kobe play if that were the case. Your point about the danger of re-injuring the pinkie right before going into the playoffs is obviously the biggest danger.
Another good point you made was that Kobe could essentially cut a week off the recovery time by operating immediately to take advantage of the All-Star Game break. Since that is obviously not going to happen, I think we all just have to hold our breath and hope that Kobe can weather the rest of the season without re-injuring the pinkie and be ready to go when the playoffs start. With a little rest and a little restraint once he starts playing, I think Kobe will be just fine. Hell, he already has played with it.
I also both agree and disagree with you on the importance of home court advantage. Of the teams in the hunt in the West, unbelievably only the Lakers, Suns, and Hornets have winning road records, which supports your point. Winning the West, however, has an importance beyond the schedule. It sends as big a statement as you could possibly send to the rest of the league. It validates with performance that the Lakers are the best team in the West and will give them swagger and confidence going into the playoffs.
Another silver lining in this cloud is that Kobe’s injury may lead to even better team play as Kobe will undoubtedly play a little more of a facilitator role. As you aptly pointed out in your article, Kobe’s teammates are definitely far more capable than last year’s crew. I think we will Kobe’s decision inspire his teammates to take their game to the next level and to take pressure off Kobe having to do everything. I think it will lead to better play with the definite possibility considering the remaining schedule for the Lakers to win 60 games and earn the top seed and home court advantage for the playoffs in the West.
Finally, this is the year of the Perfect Storm for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. Kobe playing through this injury and leading the Lakers to the seed in the West will most assuredly win Bryant his first MVP. And I think that top seed in the West will give the Lakers the confidence and edge they need to make it to the NBA Finals, where I fully expect them to defeat the Boston Celtics for the NBA championship. No GHE here.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 15, 2008 at 07:35 PM
I agree with everything Ak's said and would add that the surgery won't prevent him from running or staying in great game shape. And you know he'd come back even more ambidextrous than he is now (see: left handed running skyhook against charlotte or minnesota).
So he hopefully comes back without too much disruption.
Posted by: j. d. hastings | February 15, 2008 at 07:36 PM
I HAVE A DREAM
LUKE WILL LEAD US TO THE PROMISED LAND
GIVE HIM 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS WITHOUT KOBE
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | February 15, 2008 at 07:37 PM
PRANK
i'm not questioning the injury, but knowing the FO politics, Phil and Kobe, i believe there is some "mystery" regarding the surgery part
as i mentioned before, after the Funs game on wednesday, the fresh Funs - Lakers rivalry, and the old Shaq - Kobe annoyance, a decision will be made after.
Thursday, February 21, 2008.
Posted by: Zin Master | February 15, 2008 at 07:43 PM
I think Kobe should have surgery ASAP.. Drew should take as long as he needs to FULLY recover and Pau should seek out the best Back Specialist in So Cal.. Yupperz... I'm basically saying.. Let DFish teach everyone else, how to become battle tested for NEXT SEASON... It sounds crazy I know, but I'd much rather let THIS ensemble of Laker players, Heal, Gel and Learn, the next 8 months in anticipation of the Return of The Purple Monster ( not no damn Barney either) then to watch our BEST player, gut it out and our 2nd and 3rd All Stars.. trying to get by.. Some might call this approach " giving up" on the 08 season.. I call it "School" Time to learn how to win Sasha, Jordan, Vlad, DJ and Ronny.. Time to Teach DFish and LO.. Patience Laker fans, Patience.. when we Go... lets go ALL IN !!!!!
Posted by: complex brotha | February 15, 2008 at 07:49 PM
1331,
Good point that Kobe missing games after Drew and Trevor return would be better than missing them now when we are shorthanded. I think it adds to the side of the decision which is to see how it goes. If Kobe can step back a little and let his teammates carry a bigger load, then I think we will be fine. We may even grow as a team as a result.
If after a few games, Kobe is hurting too much or his play suffers too much, then we pull the trigger and opt for the operation, with Kobe scheduled to return right before the playoffs start. This way give us a better chance to make the playoffs.
Finally, I still think winning the West is very important. It will not only give the Lakers home court advantage through the West finals but will also give the Lakers great swagger and confidence heading into the playoffs, an intangible that could be the critical missing piece in the Lakers Perfect Storm of a season ending with an NBA championship.
I predict that Kobe’s decision will inspire the entire Lakers team to up their game and match Kobe’s desire and dedication to making this a championship season. It is the stuff of legends and will guarantee Kobe the MVP he so richly deserves.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 15, 2008 at 07:51 PM
farmar had a great game in the rookie/soph game
Posted by: j. d. hastings | February 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM
everyone fails to assess that without kobe on the floor, we are not a 500 team in the west.
Sorry . . .
Kobe's mere presence accounts for 50-75% of the opposing defensive schemes and plans. He has whole teams learning his tendencies, just so they can shut him down. You take away Kobe, and everyone else becomes pretty average, because other teams can plan for them a lot easier.
The difference between Kobe and a mere mortal NBA player are tantamount to the difference between Mount Everest and Death Valley. If you take the statistics of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol (we arent gonna include incompetent Kwame Brown) but those two with Kobe are shooting at a 60%+ clip. THATS INCREDIBLE. and quite frankly we know how gasol was doing in memphis before mr. bryant.
2.5 defenders are always on Kobe's jock, meaning that 2.5 cover the other FOUR players. Say what you want about the triangle offense being great, but its only worked in systems where you needed to triple team a player to shut them down (see, MJ, bulls; Shaq, Lakers; Kobe; Lakers)
As much as i love this team, they are definitely not gonna keep up with the torrid pace required to stay in playoff contention out west. SORRY. and quite frankly what is the use of Kobe getting surgery if not for the playoffs?
Posted by: SA | February 15, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I don't think a championship is likely this year, even with 100% Kobe. I think the most important thing is to get this new team into the playoffs and get some experience. If we get into the playoffs in good standing, we likely can go pretty deep too (I'd say wed win the west with kobe 100%).
I don't wanna risk my boy's career (only thing I'm worried about), but I'm gonna say that he should play it out if he feels he can. Get your team ready to run train on everyone next year.
Posted by: Justin N | February 15, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Another thing to consider is that this type of surgery can be a little dicey... six weeks is not a guarantee at all. I'd be interested in knowing exactly what the doctors said and how many opinions he got. There's different schools of thought in dealing with finger ligament/tendon damage. One the one hand, there isn't much danger in splinting and giving it a change to heal. naturally On the other hand, 5 or 6 days won't really be enough time.
Posted by: dave m | February 15, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Nay. At this point we are clearly among the elite teams in the West. If Kobe were to come back at the end of march, the team would have to reintegrate him, he'd have to get his timing back, and they may be playing to get INTO the playoffs. That's a whole lot to comeback against, not to mention reintegrating with Bynum and Ariza when Kobe comes back too.
Basically, with Kobe as he is right now, we know what to expect. Even if he were to work in a diminished capacity, it would more valuable to us and to his psyche for him to get confident in what he could do with the pinky. If he were to have the surgery, there are too many unknowns and interdependent factors that would have to be positive for us to make concerted run at it.
As long as kobe and this doctors feel its okay, and if there is a way for him protect and adjust to the pinky, just play Kobe. Just play.
Posted by: #4 | February 15, 2008 at 08:13 PM
I agree that its impossible to know what the best decision is with pros and cons for both...
One thing though...given the aquisition of Gasol;Kobe might be thinking that missing that amount of time and therefore fielding a laker team with very little experience playing together is as good as throwing the season away (given the experience of San Antonio for example)
Its not just about making the playoffs but actually being able to win when you get there...The 1995 rockets not withstanding, there is example after example of teams with major midseason changes failing to reach their potential in the playoffs.My guess is this is a jackson /Bryant decision and despite the risks of his playing they know that fielding a team that has played together so little knocks you out of the running automatically.
Posted by: Kiwi | February 15, 2008 at 08:21 PM
THE NEXT FEW GAMES WILL TELL THE STORY…
The more I think about Kobe opting to continue to play rather than undergo surgery, the more I think it was the right decision by KB24. I think it may even end up helping the Lakers to become a better team by the time the playoffs start. And if they can win top seed in the West, they will enter the playoffs with more swagger and confidence.
Watch the next few games closely. I think what we will see is Kobe’s teammates rallying and upping their play to take the pressure off of him having score in bundles. I think you will see Kobe’s coach reduce his minutes and give other players more responsibility to pick up their game. And I expect Kobe to be sitting out a lot of 4th quarter blowouts.
I also think you will see Kobe focus more on facilitating and less on dominating by scoring. And once we get Bynum back, the team will even be less reliant on Bryant putting up big points. And Ariza’s return will help the team balance, too. Kobe knows that this is the perfect storm season when the Lakers can return to dominance and he can start again winning championships and MVPs.
So watch the next few games closely and expect the Lakers to continue to play superbly allowing Kobe to step back and giving him lots of rest to get the finger in better shape t go once the playoffs start. Kobe smells championship. No way he is going to sit down.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 15, 2008 at 08:22 PM
i say kobe has already gone over all the options and has choosen the best possible one for the team....hes one tough cookie!...............go kobe and go lakers.
Posted by: parween | February 15, 2008 at 08:22 PM
I think he has a different plan in mind. I think he is going to try play like 2-3 weeks and then do the surgery. That way they can continue on tear for while and gain a little cushion. Also more importantly this would allow for significant portion of kobe's absence to be helped by the return of Ariza and bynum. I think him going out 6 weeks with 4-5weeks of it with team with bynum and ariza is better then 6 weeks with possibly 1-2 weeks with bynum and ariza.
Posted by: jefits | February 15, 2008 at 08:24 PM
As I said in an earlier comment, I think that this is too big a decision to be made unilaterally. I think that the orginazation has to sit down with the medical staff, and with Kobe, hash out all the pros and cons, come to a consensus and then live with it. No doubt, it is a very difficult decision.
What I am a bit wary of are stories, like the one linked above with Mark Heisler's byline, that imply that Laker management is advising Kobe to have the surgery and that Kobe is resisting that advice. Unless one is a fly on the wall in Dr. Buss' office, I don't see how this information can be relied upon. Laker management is notoriously close mouthed and is not likely to divulge such info.
The Lakers have already weathered a potential season ruining injury to Andrew Bynum. They were extremely fortunate to acquire Gasol just when they needed him most. After the ASG, the NBA season really intensifies as teams battle for playoff position and start to fine tune their games in anticipation of the postseason. I would be a lot more pro-surgery if the Lakers had a little more depth in the backcourt. A three man rotation of Fisher, Farmar and Sasha? Even though you would expect Karl to be recalled, it is still not awe inspiring. Kobe makes all those guys better. I can see teams pushing all the way up on Sasha, forcing him to put the ball on the floor. Without the open looks that Kobe creates, the Laker backcourt becomes very ordinary.
AK...as you said, there is no easy answer to this problem. I have to respect the judgement of the Laker braintrust and Kobe on this. 30 games with a bullseye on his finger is a long time to avoid some further injury. On paper, it looks like the team would be able to maintain a playoff spot albeit a much lower seed. Unlike you, AK, I do believe that the homecourt will matter tremendously to the Lakers. This will be Baby's first run as a key component on a playoff team. Ditto Jordan and Sasha. Young players are always better in their building.
If I had a gun to my head on this, I would go with Kobe having the surgery. Bynum's return is not guaranteed and without him, I don't think the Lakers can win it all. The Lakers would be counting on 3 major players returning as well as the supporting cast treading water until their return. If by some perfect storm, everything falls into place, having a rested and injury-free Kobe in the playoffs will be huge. If things don't go as planned, Kobe will have a gold medal around his neck when he leads the Lakers to next year's C'ship.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 15, 2008 at 08:25 PM
I ask myself this - if I were Kobe, what would I do?
I would play. No two ways about it.
Posted by: hoping | February 15, 2008 at 08:29 PM
AK/BK bro's,
"center Chris Mihm is expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery Wednesday to remove a screw in his surgically repaired right foot."
HOW THE HELL A SCREW GOT INSIDE OF THIS FOOT?
CAN YOU PLEASE SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS... I AM SOO CURIOUS..
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | February 15, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Kobe will play at least as well as he played the last 3 games. He can't tear it anymore than "complete". Playing hurt benefits Pau's acclimation to the system and the playoffs would be secured.
He should have the surgery anyway. Tomorrow.
He'll heal in 5 weeks, rested and ready with some cool new left hand moves.
Posted by: | February 15, 2008 at 08:42 PM
I posted something similar in another thread, but to repeat myself: Plaxico Burress played the entire season with a torn tendon and a torn ligament in his ankle.
btw, I have torn a ligament in my pinkie and broken my middle finger. of course, I have no idea how someone might deal with a torn ligament in the NBA but I do know that playing high school basketball in LA, it wasn't that much of a problem. An injury to any other finger and surgery would probably be a no-brainer.
Posted by: giantsquid | February 15, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Exhelodrvr
I completely agree. If the ultimate goal is to win a ring, then Kobe really needs to be close to a 100% for that to happen.
It is a risk with the west as tight as it is but I have confidence in this team, with D-Fishes leadership. And one thing that Lamar has done since coming to the Lakers is stepping up when Kobe has went down.
He tends to be the scorer we all want him to be when Kobe has missed games, only this time he has Gasol to help him carry the load. We also tend to really run the offense well when Kobe is out. Start Sasha at the 2 and work the ball inside out. Let Lamar penetrate and kick. I feel we would at least make the playoffs.
MH
Posted by: michael h | February 15, 2008 at 08:44 PM
how bad do you need a pinky to shoot anyway? what's the recovery time for an amputation?
nah, I say surgery. The supporting cast can find out what they're made of, and two weeks ago most of us would have been thrilled to settle for the seven or eight. plus it probably doesn't matter as much to the lakers fans, but the Olympics are coming up this summer, and playing for team USA seems to make Kobe happy. So even if it kills my fantasy team, which is already down bynum, it will be worth it to be healthy for the playoffs.
Posted by: phred | February 15, 2008 at 08:45 PM
If Kobe goes for surgery and not available for 6 weeks, it doesn't mean he is completely healed, plus the 6 weeks of lay-off not playing basketball, you need rythmn & NBA-ready. Kobe is aware of those risks if he chooses surgery. Of course, the other risk is total fracture of the hand which sidelines him throughout the year.
Let kobe decide for his body, he is more attuned to any of the psuedo-doctors here in the blog. (Just to give you an example, my mother-in-law @ age 80 in the Philippines fell down and suffered a hairline fracture on her hip in 2000 and the recommendation then was surgery, she rejected the idea and today maybe the fracture is still there but she's doing OK. For young people like Kobe, ligaments heals faster than older people and the body heal by itself. I said in my other posts all ball players undergo skeletal displacement in their playing career. I played basketball in high school inter league and up to this date, I have a protruding bone just right under my knee. It bothers me only when I'm kneeling other than that it's OK. In 3rd world countries, there is less dependence on othopedic surgeons but there are these bone setters and faith healers, you know what, there situations when they are more effective than a MD with a degree. They are called in hospitals when Western Medicine Man cannot handle the tasks.)
Therefore, going back to the subject of Kobe, he is a gambling Superstar just like those fade away shots, he knows when it's time to go to hospital or play basketball.
For some bloggers here, either you're a so fanatic or really concern of the player - Why do you blame Kobe for deciding not to go for surgery? Sometimes, we overdo ourselves in this blog, dam if he does and dam if he doesn't. You can express an opinion but there is no need to be angry if he wants to play "hurt" for the sake of the team. That should be the role of his wife, Vanessa not a dissatisfied Laker fan.
Now this is LEADERSHIP at its finest, doing it by example. This is way above MVP title. I hope the role players like: Vlad, Luke, Sasha, Farmar, Ronnie, DJ, Trevor as well as the stars like: Pau, Fish, Lamar, Drew realize what is at stake, the Lakers OBJECTIVE and why Kobe choose to play rather than be operated. These are the times to reciprocate that courage and resilience by giving their best and ready to take Kobe's production if in case he falls down at the heat of the battles. When they reach the the playoffs, it is a total WAR, nobody is INDISPENSABLE, everyone knows their objectives. If a player falls down, somebody has to resume the fight to the finish. There is no such thing as surrender or retreat just because the Captain is gone. These are also the times when unsung heroes are born, when we separate the men from the boys.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 15, 2008 at 09:02 PM
exhelodrvr,
How the frick did you get on the front page of latimes.com?
I'm a bit jealous. I must admit.
However, I disagree with you. Not strongly. But I disagree with you.
The Western Conference is too tight. Without Kobe and Bynum we fall to a seventh or eight seed. With Kobe, Ariza, AND BYNUM all falling back into the mix, a couple weeks is not a lot of time to create a fluidity to our play.
Kobe knows what he's doing. Support the Kobe.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 15, 2008 at 09:15 PM
ill back kobe up on whatever he does(most likely playing with pain). kobes not an idiot and know exactly what hes doing. im going to trust him and if he says he can play then i believe him.
however, i wouldnt mind being 100% for the playoffs. but nothing is for certain. i think as long as his pinky doesnt fall off kobe and the lakers will be just fine. will they win th title this year without everyone healthy, maybe maybe not, well have to wait and see.
on another note, farmar looked really good in tonights rookie/sophmore game. he lead the game with 12 assists and had 17 points. he looked very aggressive and hit the 3. hopefully he will get out of his "slump" and start being a key factor for the lakers.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 15, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Xodus,
"Kobe may not have a playoff to come back to if he gets the surgery."
Then so be it. I believe our team as currently built can become a dynasty ... add in possible future improvements (e.g artest for lamar or w/e other good trades people think are out there) and we're sitting pretty good in the long term.
Why risk that future for short term glory and also there's still a chance we make the playoffs.
kobe playing hurt for half the season is beyond moronic ... i am a member of the 55 win band waggon and i approve this message
Posted by: Taliq | February 15, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Ok, let's say Kobe has the surgery and he is out for 5-6 weeks. All of a sudden, we have a plethora of big men, but a shortage of shooting guards. After Sasha, who??
Fish is streaky, but he could become the shooting guard. Either Walton or Lamar could run the offense when Farmar is getting a rest under those circumstances.
That would give us lineups of
Farmar
Fish
Vlad
Lamar
Gasol
or
Walton
Sasha
Coby2 (recalled from D-Fenders)
Ronny
Mbenga
I'm not liking any of these line-ups.
Too many injured under these circumstances: Kobe,
Andrew, Trevor, Mihm
Seems the Lakers would have to fill that 15th slot but no one comes to mind.
So, fellow bloggers, what would your line-ups and rotations be if Kobe goes under the knife?
All I can say is, OUCH!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 15, 2008 at 09:18 PM
AK,
Thank you for the vote of confidence ... apologies for putting you on blast on the last thread ( I opened a fresh can in case u ain't seen it )
Seriously kobe is getting out of control ... the dude is not superman ... and he most certainly a doctor ... if lakers medical staff is saying he should get the surgery done then he should ...
this is worse than shaq rehabbing on company time ... this is kobe continually aggravating an injury on company time
again if the medical staff will even put something out to the effect of advisable to get surgery but consequences of not getting it are not so bad then i'll back down ... until then anyone that sides with him is just as self-deluded
Posted by: Taliq | February 15, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Without Kobe, Lakers are the Memphis Grizzlies!
Odom is Gay, Sasha is Miller, Farmar is Conley, Turiaf is Warrick!! with a Pau Gasol.
Kobe still has two hands and 9 fingers. That should be good enough.
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 15, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Farmar got a lot of props from Kenny and Charles during the game. They both agreed he is the best sophomore point guard in the league and is the Lakers future PG. 17 pts for the FARM!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 15, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Aloha A/K & B/K
Just a thought, if Kobe does get the surgery, I think we would almost have to bring in another guard. I was thinking we might buy out Cris Mihm, since he will be out another 6-8 weeks. Who is out there that might be able to contibute? Jalen Rose and Gary Payton come to mind but I dont know if Payton would want to come back to L.A. Any other vets? Any hot D league prospects? Euros? Just curious.
MH
Posted by: michael h | February 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Boobie Gibson got the MVP because he hit all the 3's. But
guess who was feeding him for most of those 3's?
Jordan Farmar
17 points, 12 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals.
Ernie and Kenny and Charles called him the best PG of the
sophomore class and gushed about him several times during
the show.
Kobe got a lot of props when they were chatting with
LeBron James.
Gasol got lots of mention as well, and though they didn't
name him, there was reference to Kwame Brown as well.
And a surprise Laker got a lot of mention...
Slava Medvedenko.
They were talking about Boobie Gibson shooting without
conscience or something like that.
Kobe should pass on the surgery for this week. If they
can beat the Suns with him playing at 80%, then he
should ride it out for the rest of the season. If they get
beat by the Suns, especially if Kobe is ineffective in the
game because of his pinkie, then he should have the
surgery done then.
I think as long as he proves he can play competitively
with the top teams in the league with the injured hand,
he should keep playing. He did so in Orlando. Phoenix
is a bigger test.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
and 12 assits from Farmar!!
Posted by: Staples 24 | February 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
I saw Kobe being interviewed on ESPN and he was asked about playing on Sunday. His response was something like, talking with the Lakers and his responsibility to the Lakers organization. It gave me the chills, he's happy with his team. Next year should be our season I truly believe.
Farmar 17 points in the freshman/sophomore game. Purple and Gold representing out yonder in the dirty-dirty.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 15, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Several of the early comments focus on how well Kobe adjusted in the Atlanta game.
One fact about that game though......the severity of the injury was not known. It was only thought to be a dislocation at the time. Now that the rest of the world knows of the ligament damage, every cheap shot artist in the league will be taking dead aim at that digit.
I have to agree with the surgery option. Kobe, let this years' MVP title go to someone else (again) and get the digit fixed properly. Trust your teammates to sneak into the playoffs and then focus your energy and talent on winning the Finals MVP and the title.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | February 15, 2008 at 09:49 PM
snip snip!
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 15, 2008 at 09:53 PM
hoping,
"I ask myself this - if I were Kobe, what would I do?"
I would too ... d*mn u ... argh
ok new rules ... kobe is no longer retarded ... just loyal i guess ...
sigh how about lamar and co insist he get the surgery ... idk ... it's w/e i guess ... dude is grown, he can make his own choices
Posted by: Taliq | February 15, 2008 at 09:58 PM