Is the end for Kobe Bryant really nearing? Not just yet!
Three weeks ago, Kobe Bryant learned his fate for 2015 when he found out he would have to miss the remainder of the season – due to a torn rotator cuff injury. Much like his 1996 NBA Draft partner and current teammate Steve Nash, the Mamba would have to go through yet another 9 month rehabilitation process.
At the age of 36, the Mamba still has deep passion for the game of basketball and isn’t looking to sail off into the sunset without at least one more run. With Los Angeles set to have $25 million in cap room space this summer to attract key free agents (almost landed Carmelo Anthony), he sits down with Ahmad Rashād to discuss his future.
From pattering his game around Jordan and even challenge the G.O.A.T. during his rookie season, he opened up on younger talents around the league feeling the same – but surprisingly only cited Russell Westbrook as one of the only players in the NBA who has that same competitive spark. The Mamba also detailed how him and Shaquille O’Neal were never friends during their time together in Los Angeles and took blame for relationship deteriorating over the years – and it being more important to win without Shaq back-to-back years.
Watch more from the full sit-down above, also discussing how he felt his second championship run was peak years and how he plans to pattern his rebirth in the league like the San Antonio Spurs next year.
.@NBATVAhmad asked Kobe who reminds him of himself today. Bryant said "Westbrook plays mean. He plays mean like I did." #KobeTheInterview
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 17, 2015
Kobe asking MJ for advice during the game. While guarding him. That's amazing. #KobeTheInterview
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) February 17, 2015
Kobe was asked if he and Shaq were friends: "No." Why couldn't you co exist? "I'm obsessive and believe you need to work night and day."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 17, 2015
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