May

19

The Lessons Of Adversity May Lead Kobe To A Championship

Posted by Kyle Stack under NBA PLAYOFFS 

Whether you love or hate Kobe Bryant (or are one of the few who are impartial on the always-controversial superstar), it’s easy to see that he is playing basketball at a level that is rarely seen. As a fan of Kobe ever since he entered the NBA, I have always been impressed with the intensity with which he plays. I’m always impressed with Kevin Garnett’s intensity; likewise with Chris Paul.

What is different about Kobe right now, though, is that he hasn’t let his notorious intensity overcome his duties on the court. In other words, he isn’t letting the emotional highs and lows that come and go with postseason basketball affect his play or his leadership. It’s almost eerie how Kobe seems to be above letting himself get subjected to the emotions of the moment, on any particular play, in any situation.

It has really come with all the experience and knowledge he has accumulated at the relatively young age of 29 (he turns 30 in August). Twelve years, 129 playoff games and three league championships will do that. In fact, it’s been quite rewarding as a sports fan to watch a player who is still at his physical peak, yet is able to full enhance his physical skills by playing with more intelligence and savvy than any other player on the floor. This convergence of physical and mental ability often occurs with basketball players ? and many athletes ? in their very late 20s.

Still, Bryant’s savvy and ability to not emotionally stress himself out in key situations is what I have taken away from the Lakers’ 10 playoff games. He has had a different look in his eyes since the Pau Gasol trade. He’s playing for a fourth championship and the first without Shaq O’Neal. He wants it more than ever after spending three seasons realizing how tough life in the NBA can be without a second great player.



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