The Black Mamba hath returned.
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was back in a Lakers uniform Monday for Lakers media day. And he was, of course, in rare form. What follows is commentary on his myriad comments regarding where he's at and what this strange upcoming season is about for him.
Feeling a mix of emotions I haven't felt in 18yrs of being a pro #journey #19th
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 29, 2014
It's odd seeing Bryant seem so retrospective heading into a season. Typically Bryant is defiant, singularly focused, no smiles, simply an animal on the hunt. But in interviews he has seemed downright mortal since last year's leg injury six games after his return from a torn Achilles.
If there was any question as to whether there is legitimate doubt in Bryant's mind, just read on:
@KevinDing: The challenge, according to @kobebryant: "Trying to prove to myself I can be myself."
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) September 30, 2014
Bear in mind, this is the guy who said after the Lakers were down 0-3 to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 that he wasn't worried. This is the guy who tried to push up his own torn Achilles tendon and then sank his free throws before leaving the floor. So if he says there is a legit concern about whether he can get back to playing at his level, that's something to take pause and notice.
Kobe on staying competitive at his age (36): "It's nutrition, it's preparation it's everything."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2014
Kobe on his emotions: "It's a mixture of excitement, a little nervousness and a little rage."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2014
Kobe on that rage: "It's just trying to see if I can prove to myself that I can be myself, and all the words of doubt kind of adds to it."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2014
A Little Rage is actually Kobe's debut album title. But it's yet another tiny anecdote to mention in the context of how obsessive Bryant is, and how his mind is wired. Bryant has always been driven by an obsessive need to win, he admits as much. This is different, however. This isn't about beating the Heat, or the Suns, or Shaquille O'Neal or the Spurs. This is about beating his own body's limits, about somehow pushing Father Time off of him and yelling "Back off!"
And in his mind, that means transferring the self-doubt and fear into a range which he'll then transfer into his work ethic which he'll then transfer into his jump shot.
Kobe: "I'm looking forward to seeing how I move my feet defensively, staying in front of guys, chasing guys off of picks, things like that."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2014
We think of evaluating players coming back from injury in terms of points per game or individual isolation defense, but it's these little things that players will tell you are the hard parts. In reality, much of his offense is muscle memory. His elevation may be lower, he can adjust for that. His quickness might be slower, he can adjust to that with couner moves. But being able to constantly move in and through contact is a different deal, especially after all the time he's been away.
Kobe on defense: "Our primary focus is to be great defensively, and that involves taking that challenge every single night."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2014
Yeah, good luck with that, Kobe.
Offense isn't an issue for Kobe, currently fourth on the all-time scoring list: "Offensively I can always dictate what I'm going to do."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2014
And there it is. The unwavering confidence, the resolute assuredness. The body may betray him, his quickness may be gone, he might not be able to carry the team, especially this one.
But by God, that shot will still fall.
The Lakers tip off the season against the Rockets in less than 30 days in LA.
