Kobe surprises by saying no to surgery
Well, after months of waiting, speculation, and wondering, Kobe Bryant has announced the date for his pinkie surgery: A week from "Not Happening."
On his official website, Kobe provides the following explanation:
"I have always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries. Thatss (sic) really just part of the game. When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery. What it really came down to for me is that I just didn't want to miss any time 'punching the clock' for the Lakers, given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season. I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks. That is a real bonding process and if I can avoid being on the sidelines for that, God willing, I will."
I must say, this particular turn of events threw me for a loop. I can't say I'm wild about the decision.
I get why Kobe doesn't want to miss any camp and I actually think it's terrific that he values so deeply that time on and off the court. But from a purely practical standpoint that recognizes an uncertain future, I'd much rather him be "on the sidelines," as he puts it, during October basketball than a stretch when the games actually count toward the 2008-2009 season. It's certainly not a stretch to worry that Kobe could take a hit to the finger that forces him to go under the knife. I voted for Kobe to have the operation back in February and as it turned out, my fears along these lines weren't realized. But I still think there's only so far you can go trying to push this particular brand of luck.
I don't question Kobe's threshold for playing through pain (a very solid argument can be made that he's the NBA's toughest player), but he's still human and fresh aggravation to the digit could be a lot to deal with. It's also in Kobe's nature to become motivated by the garden variety "It could be really tough to pull this off" challenge and if that's the case, this would be one unnecessarily met.
I appreciate the dedication to all parts of the upcoming season, but I would personally rather him take the safest possible route, even if it means missing a camp where he can still make his presence felt in a leadership capacity.
Which brings us to the Question of the Day: Do you now wish that Kobe had declined to participate with Team USA?
Had the trip to China been bypassed, Kobe would have been able to have the surgery and recuperate in plenty of time for the season. Playing for America cut down the recovery time available before camp, which prompted his surprise decision. Personally, I don't have a problem with Kobe having gone for the gold. For starters, it's a huge honor and often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as you never know when injuries could make you unable to participate. Plus, I see the issues as separate. Kobe could have played and gotten the surgery, since I think it's wisest for him to, if need be, miss camp. But if you see it as an either/or scenario, do you think Kobe picked the wrong "either?" Or the wrong "or," depending on which side of the slash symbol you honor?
AK
Gold was cool but I would much rather have the Lakers win it all. Lakers come WAY before USA basketball. I'm not mad at Kobe for going and getting gold but I would have rather had him be a 100% for the Lakers going in to camp.
I just hope this doesn't turn in to a nightmare a la Tom Brady. I'm also a Chargers fan and I'll be the first to tell you that injuries suck. Maybe Kobe and Merriman are friends. I know Kobe can play through the pain and the injury because it didn't seem to slow him down at all last year but the Lakers have a legit shot for a dynasty and I don't want a serious Kobe injury to get in the way.
Lets just keep our fingers crossed.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 09, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Oh my God Kobe, look what you did ... LGC is back on the blog
Posted by: kene_slow | September 09, 2008 at 02:17 PM
I agree with Jon K. and I said it here yesterday - best case scenario would have been for Kobe to make the surgery appointment ASAP after the Olympics were done. Like within 3 days of it ending.
That would have meant August 26th, and if recovery was 8-12 weeks it would have put his full recovery date between October 21st and November 18th. That means he would have missed, absolute worst case scenerio, what, 10 games?
If it's to the point now where surgery simply makes it worse, then he should have come out and said that this is the best his finger is ever going to get.
There's my 2 cents.
Posted by: puddle | September 09, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Personally, I think him foregoing the surgery may be a good thing.
For one, it's very likely that the "hand doctor" thing is true, as a co-worker also heard a similar thing on the radio (currently, I'm unsure as to the source... but possibly AM570 KLAC?).
Secondly, I forget who posted it in the comments, but it seems as if the statistics show not much of a shooting difference when it comes to his field goal percentage before and after the injury to his pinkie.
So what I'm hoping for this Lakers season is for us fans to see a Kobe that is primarily focused on defense. I, along with several other fans, believe Kobe is a bit lazy when it comes to his defense in the NBA. He's a good help defender, but focuses on that too much instead of sticking in front of his man. If he can play the type of defense we know he can (as evident in the FIBA games and the Olympics), then a championship is almost guaranteed... given that there are no major injuries and that the players (specifically Bynum and Gasol) can mesh well.
So, maybe Kobe is thinking to himself: "I don't have to score as much. I'll look for Bynum and Gasol on the inside and rack up my assists and be the self-proclaimed Doberman that I can be."
Posted by: YURKIDDING | September 09, 2008 at 02:22 PM
The interview lakofan is talking about was the Loose Cannons talking to a doctor who primarily does knee and hip replacements a little before 1pm today on AM570. I caught the tail end of it.
I think Kobe's pinkie is fine. My bet is he waits until Pinkie Watch has died down and casually eliminates the tape job by mid-season. Either that or he'll just role Rip Hamilton style and continue playing with it the rest of his career b/c he's used to it now.
btw - was just notified I got a seat upgrade for my season tickets this year. two rows closer. actually makes a big difference.
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 09, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Reaction is mixed here...gotta love the dedication, but at what price? Like when Shaq wouldn't take pain killers/anti-inflammatories because he thought it would take away his edge.
Posted by: stevevillakers | September 09, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I guess the question is, how much does it affect his shot, now that he has gotten used to playing with the injury.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I also read on the Latimes that theere is a probability that the surgery could cost Kobe up to 12 weeks to recover.
On a personal level i would much rather see kobe take the surgery and get it out of the way right now. It is the best for his own personal health. But then again, I could see why kobe is deciding to forgo it. This is the oppurtunity he has been waiting for since 2004. And for the first time in a long time Kobe does not need to be 100% and on top of his game for us to win it all. We got a great team, and maybe it has come to the point where it is now or never. Lamar may not come back after next year and who knows what else could happen in the meantime. Kobe once again is showing why he has the heart of a champion in playing through this injury all year, even if it goes againsn't common sense.
Go Lakers
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | September 09, 2008 at 02:38 PM
If he's forgoing surgery, can't he at least get a neoprene brace or something? There's gotta be something better than the tape job that they do every game.
Posted by: #4 | September 09, 2008 at 02:40 PM
It doesn't seem to have affected his shooting percentages. Probably a testament to his ability to focus.
From forumblueandgold, FWIW:
Kobe pre-injury:
46 games, 45.9% FG, 83.6% FT, 35.6% 3P, 8.8 FTA/gm, 5.1 3PA/gm
Kobe post-injury (including playoffs):
57 games: 46.5% FG, 83.1% FT, 34.4% 3P, 9.4 FTA/gm, 5.0 3PA/gm
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 02:42 PM
If any Euro team needs a shooting guard with mad skills from three and the ability to body in the post with much larger guys (I'm 5'8", 195) I can be had for just $35 million.
We don't have all the info but my gut reaction is that KB24 should submit to the knife sooner rather than later to miss as little time on the clock as possible.
Also, seriously, whoever mentioned the weakness of his handle since the injury is right on the money. Has he forgotten how much easier it was to drive around fools when he could dribble with his dominant hand?
Posted by: Jesterguru | September 09, 2008 at 02:43 PM
LAKER TRUTH,
I'm a pretty loyal guy and for me money is not the most important thing in life.
If I had $100 million in assets and I had to chose between making $15 million a year and stay in Los Angeles and play for the NBA Championship or move to Italy, make $50 million a year, and play for the Italian Championship, I would honestly stay in the United States and play for the NBA Championship.
Let's be serious. After a certain point of wealth, more money won't make you any happier and won't make your family any more secure.
On your death bed, would you be more content with your life thinking "I made some wise financial decisions that earned me tens of millions of dollars more than I would have had" or "I sacrificed to be the best at the thing I loved and I succeeded... and I will be remembered for that"?
I'd chose the latter of the two.
Money is important in life, but its not that important.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Ex,
"I guess the question is, how much does it affect his shot, now that he has gotten used to playing with the injury."
I usually agree with you on everything non-political but I think in this case it's about his handle more than his shot.
Of course, if the team can run the triangle well with the big guys in the middle, hopefully he won't have to freelance with the ball as much. So maybe he just wants to make sure that happens.
Posted by: Jesterguru | September 09, 2008 at 02:47 PM
THE ULTIMATE SELFISH ACT BY KOBE
BULL, HE WANTS TO BE WITH TEAMMATES AT THE START OF CAMP.
KOBE KNOWS THAT WITHOUT HIM THE TEAM WILL BE JUST FINE AND HE DOESN'T WANT TO COMPROMISE ANY RENOGOTIATIONS OF HIS CONTRACT OPTION COMING UP.
THINK ABOUT IT, IF THE LAKERS JELL WITHOUT HIM HIS POSITION BECOMES WEAKER.
WITHOUT KOBE, THE TEAM WOULD BE A TRUE TEAM, A TEAM NINE RINGS COULD REALLY TEACH. ONE THAT PJ WOULD LOVE TO COACH TO SHOW HE'S ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT ABOUT KOBE. I BET PHILLIP BELEIVES HE COULD HAVE WON THOSE 3 CHAMPIONSHIPS WITHOUT KOBE.
KOBE IS ALL ABOUT KOBE
NOW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE BS ALL YEAR LONG WHAT A WARRIOR HE IS AND THE GREAT SACRIFICE HE HAS MADE.
MAKE NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, THIS MOVE IS CALCULATING.
KOBE NOT IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR 3 MONTHS, THE EGO WILL NOT LET HIM DO IT.
WITH KOBE, ITS ME ME ME ME ME
THIS WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT THE LAKERS
PUNCH THE CLOCK MY ARSE, THE BEST THING HE COULD DO IS TO HAVE THE SURGERY AND COME BACK 100%. EVEN IF THE PINKIE DOESN'T HEAL 100%.
I SUPPOSE NEXT SUMMER WE WILL HEAR MORE EXCUSES ABOUT WHY HE'S NOT GOING TO HAVE THE SURGERY.
LET'S HEAR EVERYONE KISS UP AND SAY WHAT A BOLD AND SMART DECISION HE MADE.
YOU LOSERS BACK UP THE EGOMANIAC
OPEN YOUR EYES
SELFISH
SELFISH
SELFISH KOBE
HE COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE SURGERY AND LET HIS TEAMMATES REALLY DEVELOP THEIR CONFIDENCE
BUT NOOOOOOOOOOO
SELFISH
SELFISH
SELFISH KOBE
Posted by: Troll Man | September 09, 2008 at 02:47 PM
If I had to guess at what's REALLY going on, I'd say that Kobe has pretty much screwed up that pinkie as bad as it can be screwed up and as a result not only will surgery lead to a long recovery time, but also no guarantee of a return to complete health.
So Kobe said, "Screw it. I'd rather bond with my team anyways. I need this Championship. (And I need to see the look in Shaq's eyes after I win the Finals MVP during a season in which the Suns don't make the playoffs.)"
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 02:50 PM
If Kobe got the surgery, that 12 weeks of downtime would have slated him to return around the 1st or 2nd week of December. The Lakers would've played 18-20 games by then. There's a stretch in Nov where they play at least 7 WC contenders. It's entirely possible that the Lakers are a .500 team at the point when Kobe returns. Judging by last year's standings where every playoff team had at least 50 wins and only 7 games separated the 1st (Lakers) from the 8th (Nuggets), it would be tough to make it out of the West if we don't have the #1 seed. It's tough but I think that Kobe made the right call. He sniffs a championship and nothing can detract him from his single-minded focus of winning it all. Besides, even if he got the surgery and his pinky heals perfectly, there is no guarantee that it won't get re-injured. So, more power to the Mamba. I support your decision 100%.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | September 09, 2008 at 02:56 PM
IF the Lakers do win the title this year, Kobe should get the championship ring fitted for his pinky!!! Oh hayell... I'm just giddy right now!!!
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Kobe's decision not to have surgery because he does'nt want to miss the training camp, given all what they are trying to accomplish as a team this coming 2008-2009 season and that is to win the championship. With that, he truly distance himself from Shaq who only thinks of himself and not about the team. Enough said.
Posted by: dacsila | September 09, 2008 at 02:59 PM
AK,
All this business about Kobe’s pinky is over the top. To this day, I have two crooked pinkies that have been injured over and over playing basketball. If I clench either hand in a claw like manner, my pinky locks up. Each pinky also has a knot at the knuckle. It is just an injury that I learned to live with through the years, just as Kobe will.
Doctors also told me to have them operated on but I thought that was ridiculous and unnecessary. While they never completely healed and are to this day sensitive when struck, my injured pinkies never really affected my shooting stroke that much.
I would bet that there are several ex-player bloggers who suffer from the same condition – now known as Kobe finger. I often wished it were my middle finger that would lock up. Then it would be a silent form of Tourette’s Syndrome. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 03:03 PM
What would you rather hear/read?
'Kobe Bryant to miss 12 weeks to have pinkie surgery"
or
"Kobe Bryant to forego surgery and start season with the Lakers"
We can only speculate, Kobe lives it.
So if he can live with his decision, then we best just support the guy and hope/pray nothing ever happens during the season to force him to sit out.
GO LAKERS!!!
Is it October yet? Wake me up in October!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | September 09, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Terrible decision...I hope everyone realises that this was the plan all along...They must known that the recovery time was 'up to 12 weeks' LAST year...they just couldnt release the information earlier becasue nobody would of wanted to hear about how Kobe was choosing the Olympics over the lakers again and again throughout the tournament.
Kobe was always going to have to make a choice to miss the Olympics or miss some of the season so he would have decided a long time ago to miss neither and play through it.
He must know from a basketball standpoint that after a long playoff run and another exhausting off season that the extra rest could actually be really beneficial to the lakers...but Im not sure if its entirely about that...Kobe just didnt want to be the guy that had to conciously make a choice between the olympics and the NBA season.
I feel sorry for him actually.He will see it as he made the choice to do both so he'll take the pain that goes with it - i'm not sure if he's seeing the full picture but my guess would be thats where his head is at...and I also guess this decision was made a long time ago.
However I think that Gasol,Odom, and Bynum could keep the lakers within striking distance early on and Kobe should have missed some time....On the other side of the coin this is down to the tight west and the lakers realisation they need home court advantage - This regular season should be great because the fight for top seeds become relevent again after the bulls,lakers and spurs made a mockery of it for the last 15 years or so.
Would this have happened on the lakers three peat teams? no way... Kobe would have started the season recovering but he knows this team isnt necessarily going to strut in and win big playoff games on the road.
So...would I have rather Kobe took the olympics off?....well yeah easy for me to say becasue I'm not American but its clear that Team USA needed Kobe and you just can't begrudge any player for wanting that experience...however if 12 weeks is the maximum recovery time and theres no 'catch' we are unaware of regarding the injury itself...then given the milage on Kobe's body,the potential of the team to play pretty well in his absence,and the fact that Kobe is a fast healer...then I have to say that he should have gone in for surgery the day after the olympics saying he expected to be fully healed by camp...then put the return date back later and later if necessary.I strongly thought it was the right decision to play through it last year but not this time...the risks are just too high when balanced against the fact that it might not cost the lakers home court,they might not get home court anyway,and Kobe getting extra rest and the team getting a chance to play without him could be beneficial.
This could only happen to Kobe...
Posted by: Kiwi | September 09, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Taliq,
Thanks for adding that pang of guilt to the whole equation. Now, when I cheer for Kobe, I gotta consider that I'm part of the problem.
You know, ignorance is bliss...
What can I say? You make an excellent point.
Dude's an adult. He does what he wants to.
I also think (as I've previously posted) that I think it's his handles that are affected the most. We see it once or twice every game that he can't do that tricky stuff like he used to.
Occassionally, he even looses the ball on a "routine" dribble as well.
What we forget is just how disasterous this injury looked like it was. When Kobe and Vitti first tried taping the thing up, it was a mitigated disaster. He couldn't shoot, he couldn't dribble, he couldn't defend. Nothin'
It wasn't until they came up with the rather brilliant notion to tape the pinky while he was holding the ball in the shooting position. Which obviously helped his shot while sacrificing a little on the ball-handling (since you don't hold the ball the same way in both situations).
Without that, last season was a done deal. Do we remember that?
At any rate. This decision shows true leadership.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | September 09, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Reaction is mixed here...gotta love the dedication, but at what price? Like when Shaq wouldn't take pain killers/anti-inflammatories because he thought it would take away his edge.
Posted by: stevevillakers
Actually what took away his edge was the 50 pounds he gained while he was here. Remember how "he got his edge back" in Miami when they locked him in the 24hr Fitness all summer? Between clowning around in clubs, getting back with his wife and threatening women's lives, I'm not sure he had time to "get his edge back" this summer. Sorry Suns fans, looks like there'll just be more of him to love!!!
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Jon K,
>>>I'm a pretty loyal guy and for me money is not the most
>>>important thing in life.
>>>
>>>If I had $100 million in assets and I had to chose
>>>between making $15 million a year and stay in Los
>>>Angeles and play for the NBA Championship or move
>>> to Italy, make $50 million a year, and play for the
>>>Italian Championship, I would honestly stay in the
>>>United States and play for the NBA Championship.
Okay, now add in the fact that you grew up in Italy, as
Kobe did.
Perhaps now there's at least a faint nostalgia and perhaps
even loyalty to Italy as well. It's not like Kobe said that he
would take 50 million a year to play hoops in India or Kenya
or somewhere he has no past with.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 03:19 PM
The phantom pinky injury.
I'm down with Kobe just as much as you guys, but this right here is boo sh11. Sprained pinky at the most, but no torn this or torn that. Man, he played us real good. How could he (Kobe) lie to us? Doesn't he trust us, don't he know that we wouldn't dime him out?
Posted by: Magia32 | September 09, 2008 at 03:19 PM
stevevillakers,
"Like when Shaq wouldn't take pain killers/anti-inflammatories because he thought it would take away his edge."
Actually, I think he was afraid it would take away his appetite.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 03:22 PM
By the way did anyone see Kobe's appearance on the MTV awards? he walked out there like he had to take two freebies with the lakers down 25 points with 40 seconds to go in the game...the audience got the 'Kobe i'm gonna kill you all' look before all was explained by his lame presentation - he mustve read that script and thought damn Ive spent years trying to get credibility and this is going to screw it all up...then he kissed Britney Spears so reluctantly that anyone would think he'd seen a bunch of Colorado policemen hanging around backstage.He was dressed pretty sharp but dunno if he'll be invited back...I guess he knew he had to release this statement the next day
JOHN K
great call on the money situation....be emailing you soon.
Posted by: Kiwi | September 09, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Jester,
It definitely could affect his ball handling.
However, if he can play at the level he played at last season, I think the team would be better off him not getting the surgery. Too much is lost with the development of the on-court chemistry if he can't play in training camp, pre-season, and the first part of the season. And considering the new players/returning from injury players/players who came in the middle of last season/players in a new position/just plain inexperienced players, there is a lot of chemistry that needs to be developed.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 03:28 PM
I hope Mitch didn't give Kobe any advice on whether to hold off on getting surgery or not. Have you guys seen his pinkie? Here's the best picture I could find.
http://tinyurl.com/6m7kkm
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 09, 2008 at 03:35 PM
TROLL MAN SOUNDS LIKE JAN BRADY!!!
If you're not emailing from some war-torn nation, be happy, life is good!! That bitterness reaks!! It smells like a turd with burnt hair or bigfoot's d... hahahahaha
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 03:36 PM
I agree with most of the posts saying Kobe should have the surgery. I do have another reason to add, however.
Currently, we have a log jam at the guard position. This would be an opportunity to give more playing time to the contenders, and see what shakes out. Assuming, of course, that PJ is willing to give some of the younger players more court time.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | September 09, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
I will admit that there would be worse places to make $50 million a year than northern Italy. Still, the NBA is the top of the pyramid when it comes to global basketball and if my wife and kids grew up in Los Angeles...
I certainly wouldn't leave. I'd stay.
I could always take my wife and kids to visit Italy, but there's no way I could win an NBA Championship there and cement my legacy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 03:37 PM
How many times do we have to see that Kobe knows his body's limits and his pain threshhold better than anyone else before we can finally just trust the guy to make the right decision?
He wants a championship. He wants to win, He feels this is the best way to accomplish that. He's been right before EVERY time about decisions like this.
Trust the guy already!
Posted by: Gercat | September 09, 2008 at 03:37 PM
>>>SELFISH
>>>SELFISH
>>>SELFISH KOBE
Somehow I think if Kobe donated all of his money to charity and
opted out of his contract to re-sign for 1 dollar per year so the
Lakers could sign more players and if he led the league in
assists and build houses for the homeless on his days off
and negotiated a lasting peace treaty between Israel and
Palestine in the summer...
that KL and Gunner and a few others here would find a
way to interpret it all as arrogant and despicable behavior
by Kobe.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 03:38 PM
The report in LA Times quoted Kobe as having "consulted several hand specialists" about the length of time to recuperate, but there was no mention of future implications if the surgery is not done. As far as I am concern, that is the most important consideration at this point is long term health. I just don't want another repeat of the Bynum scenario!!
Posted by: Robyn | September 09, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Kobe don't need no surgery. He's got duct tape.
And if that stops working, he'll cut it off.
And then he'd be Kobe "the first 9-fingered MVP" Bryant
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 03:44 PM
The phantom pinky injury.
I'm down with Kobe just as much as you guys, but this right here is boo sh11. Sprained pinky at the most, but no torn this or torn that. Man, he played us real good. How could he (Kobe) lie to us? Doesn't he trust us, don't he know that we wouldn't dime him out?
Posted by: Magia32
***************
do you think the lakers/nba didn't see the MRI and x-rays?
the nba had to because the whole drama about the all-star game. the lakers because they were the first to take a look at the injury.
so the nba/lakers/doctors just lie to make kobe look like a hero.
some people just "hate to hate" and by "hate" i don't mean you hate kobe, but that some people look for every little thing to make things up without thinking
INCREDIBLE
Posted by: lakofan | September 09, 2008 at 03:47 PM
"Although Lakers star Kobe Bryant announced this afternoon on his website kb24.com that he is bypassing surgery on his injured right pinky finger, The Orange County Register has learned that it is all but certain that he will have the surgery at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 season.
By opting not to have surgery at this time, Bryant is expected to participate in drills, when the Lakers open training camp Sept. 27, at their El Segundo practice site. However, it has not been determined what limitations will be placed on him and how extensive Bryant would be used in the exhibition games.
Although Bryant said he made the decision not to have surgery, as planned prior to the opening of training camp, after consulting with numerous hand specialists, the root of his decision is linked to the return of Andrew Bynum.
Bryant believes that the Lakers need to establish early team chemistry and cohesiveness when the regular season starts, with Bynum in the lineup, because the Lakers played much of the second half of the 2007-2008 season and the entire playoffs without their injured 21-year old center."
from the ocregister, you can check it there.
none of us knows what's going to happen in a year, but that's his plan. that's why he said "God Willing"
Posted by: lakofan | September 09, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Troll Man,
Were you a lunatic at birth or did you work at it?
Posted by: HmrHed | September 09, 2008 at 04:04 PM
It would have been nice if Kobe had the surgery but people need to stop hating everything Kobe does. He knows his body and he's the MVP. I'm pretty sure Kobe wants to win the title more than any other player in the NBA and if he thought the not getting surgery would in any way make that harder then I'm pretty sure he would just get the surgery and miss a month or two.
Kobe = '08 & '09 MVP
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 09, 2008 at 04:07 PM
It was so obvious the finger bothered him..Whether it effected his stats or not..It just means he took less outside shots and it gave the illusion it didn't effect his shooting. But it did.
It's sitting there hanging! It's not going to heal on it's own. What is he going to do wait until next summer? Which by the way they should make the finals again so it will be another short summer!
Posted by: zen | September 09, 2008 at 04:08 PM
In other news, Shaq is filling up on Jelly doughnuts to prepare for the upcoming season. Although he is thinking about lypo on company time.
Posted by: zen | September 09, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I think Kobe has made the right decision. Take into consideration that the Western Conference will be twice as tough with every team in the mix for supremacy.
Kobe knows that winning the divisional race may come down to 1 game and the Lakers need to come out of the barn on fire and establish it's dominance early or they could end up fighting for their playoff lives!
Thanks Kobe for your leadership!
Posted by: chuck23 | September 09, 2008 at 04:11 PM
AK
"But if something like that happened for Kobe, then why wouldn't he say so and eliminate any concern? Unless he's trying to gain admiration by making it seem like he's playing through a situation worse than it is (and I should clarify, I DON'T think that's the case), what's the upside in not clarifying the situation? Thus, I have to figure he's just playing through an injury that's not close to healed."
AK, AK, AK
Just when I thought you were making progress that emerald snake inside your sub-conscious rears it's ugly head.
If you don't think that Kobe is trying to gain admiration by making playing with his injury more than it is.............then why mention it?
What is there for Kobe to clarify? "MOFO" I ain't gettin' surgery..........that's all you need to know. You can judge me on MY PERFORMANCE when the season starts.
AK, if you saw me WALKING up to you on the streets.........would I have to CLARIFY or STATE that I am walking up to you on the streets?
My actions would be obvious...............the same with Kobe.
If Kobe had opted for surgery I would agree with that.............but you know what? If Kobe had opted against surgery ( as he did) I would be for that too!
Do you know why?
BECAUSE KOBE HAS EARNED MY TRUST!!
Kobe is like an electrician that has come to my house on 12 straight occasions my lights went out in the house.............and EVERYTIME he turned the lights back on.
Should I question or even ponder what his motives could be........when my lights are out and he returns for the 13th time?
In other words......this cat has been doing it too long for anybody to question his motives on anything when it comes to doing what is best for the team and winning.
Just in case yall forgot........this is a brief resume
3-time NBA champion: 2000, 2001, 2002
NBA Most Valuable Player: 2008
2-time scoring champion: 2006, 2007
10-time NBA All-Star: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Has started in each of his appearances
10 consecutive appearances (No All-Star game in 1999 due to league-wide lock-out)
2-time NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2002, 2007
10-time All-NBA Selection:
First Team: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
Second Team: 2000, 2001
Third Team: 1999, 2005
8-time All-Defensive Selection:
First Team: 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
Second Team: 2001, 2002
NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 1997
NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion: 1997
NBA regular season leader in:
points: 2003 (2,461), 2006 (2,832, 7th in NBA history), 2007 (2,430), 2008 (2,323)
points per game: 2006 (35.4, 9th in NBA history), 2007 (31.6)
field goals attempted: 2006 (2,173), 2007 (1,757), 2008 (1,690)
field goals made: 2003 (868), 2006 (978), 2007 (813)
free throws attempted: 2006 (819), 2007 (768)
free throws made: 2006 (696), 2007 (667)
2nd most points in a Game: 81 (January 22, 2006 vs. the Toronto Raptors)
Gold medal with Team USA, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship
Gold medal with Team USA, 2008 Summer Olympic Games
That's not all!!
Kobe Bryant holds or shares 30 Los Angeles Lakers franchise records:
Points
Season: 2,832 (2005–06)
Game: 81 (January 22, 2006 vs. Toronto Raptors)[7][8]
Half: 55 (2nd half, January 22, 2006 vs. Toronto Raptors).[7]
Quarter: 30 (twice, most recently on November 30, 2006 in 3rd quarter vs. Utah Jazz)[7]
Games scoring 50 points or more, career: 23[6]
Games scoring 50 points or more, season: 10 (2006–07)[6]
Games scoring 40 points or more, career: 92[9]
Games scoring 40 points or more, season: 27 (2005–06)[10]
Consecutive games of 50 points or more: 4 (March 16–March 23, 2007)[11]
Consecutive games of 40 points or more: 9 (February 6–February 23, 2003)[12]
Field goals made
Half: 18 (2nd half, January 22, 2006 vs. Toronto Raptors).[13]
Quarter: 11 (February 2, 1999 vs. Seattle SuperSonics).[14]
Free throws made
Game: 23 (twice, most recently on January 31, 2006 vs. New York Knicks).[15]
Game, playoffs: 21 (May 4, 2008 vs. Utah Jazz).[16]
Half: 16 (January 30, 2001 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers)[17]
Quarter: 14 (3rd quarter, December 20, 2005 vs. Dallas Mavericks)[18]
Quarter, playoffs: 11 (tied with 3 players; May 8, 1997 vs. Utah Jazz).[19]
Consecutive: 62 (January 11–January 22, 2006).[7]
Three-point field goals made and attempted
Career: 1,086 (1996–present)[20]
Career, playoffs: 177 (1996–present)[21]
Game: 12 (January 7, 2003 vs. Seattle SuperSonics).[2]
Half: 8 (1st half, March 28, 2003 vs. Washington Wizards).[22]
Consecutive: 9 (January 7, 2003 vs. Seattle SuperSonics).[2]
Career attempts: 3,192 (1996–present)[20]
Career attempts, playoffs: 410 (1996–present)[23]
Season attempts: 518 (2005–06)[20]
Game attempts: 18 (January 7, 2003 vs. Seattle SuperSonics).[2]
Steals
Half: 6 (tied with 3 players; February 13, 2006 vs. Utah Jazz).[24]
AND JUST THINK.........AFTER ALL OF THIS..........HE'S STILL QUESTIONED
"Either you die the hero..........or live long enough to become the villian"
___ The Darknight
Posted by: pfunk36 | September 09, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Even if the Lakers are a .500 team without Kobe and they learn to play without him in the game, what happens when he does return? Everyone gets less shots, positioning on the floor is diiferent, etc. They'll have to start from square 1 again!! It's not like these guys have been playing together for years now!! This is the first time they're ALL playing together!!! So many things could happen during the season that could break the team, but he knows he can play with this injury right now. He also knows that as good as his teammates are without him, he also opens up opportunities for his teammates.
I remember when he changed his number to 24 and had the big explaination about "carpe diem" and I thought," ok, whatever helps you sleep better, I'll still buy the jersey." Well he's been seizing the moment ever since, not always in a positive way, (last summer), but still not holding back. Even more so with this decision. Nothing is guranteed, full recovery in 12 weeks, a .500 record when he returns, home court advantage, dynasties, etc. What he knows is he has a healthy AB, everyone except Ronny is coming back, and even if he has to play the season at 90%, they have the opportunity to win the title right now!! That's a message to the rest of the league too!! Kobe's going for it this year!!!
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I hope all goes well and he gets through the season injury free......Just in case Lance Armstrong reads the LA Times blog....Good luck with your comeback .......Hope all goes well
Posted by: Thirty2 | September 09, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
"that KL and Gunner and a few others here would find a
way to interpret it all as arrogant and despicable behavior
by Kobe."
Well, duh!! How are the Lakers supposed to develop his replacement if Kobe plays every game?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 04:25 PM
HmerHed,
It takes a special type of person to be Troll Man.
Posted by: Xodus | September 09, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I told yoos the "pinky" was a rouse to eleicit sympathy from voters for MVP.
ajhaahahahhahaha
"I can get off at anytime [except against Boston in 2008 Finals] and I did" Kobeeeeeeef Bryant.
ahahahahahah
Pathetic.
Posted by: Let's go C! | September 09, 2008 at 04:32 PM
AK, Xodus, Blitz et al,
i may have been convinced about salary cap issues.
how about i concede that salary cap is a big limitation, but still hold my position that kobe is not well liked among the league players, granted less than before, which has negatively impacted the laker organization?
fair?
AK: I concede Aaron McKie, but the dude did nothing for the kobe lakers during the "kobe ball" era.
don't get me wrong guys, kobe did a good job last year and deserved to be commended. this year, kobe needs to improve upon last year, help make bynum and gasol all stars (fish too) and win a title.
i've come half circle from 2008, now i'd like to be able to give kobe credit for finally "getting it".
Peace in the Middle East LA! Hasta Luego!
Posted by: KL | September 09, 2008 at 04:38 PM