The Los Angeles Lakers got their first win of the season last night with a 107-92 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Or should the Lakers be dubbed the LA Bryant&Misc.? Kobe Bryant is trapped in the twilight of his career in the largest media market surrounded by a roster of relative unknowns and no contributors from his championship days. Bryant's NBA career path is a relic of old days when stars began and ended their careers in one city.* Perhaps, Kevin Durant has the strongest probability of retiring with his original team but that remains to be seen. Even MJ himself tested the waters (not all that successfully) in Washington. The Jordan of this era, LeBron James has already departed Cleveland, landed in Miami, and returned to the homeland. With the explosion of television contracts, the increased influence of agents, and the omnipresent push to assemble a formidable “Big 3,” super stars are no longer willing to wait for front office strategic plans. Players across the league are friendlier than ever with international contests and offseason training (raise your hand if you miss classic, bitter rivalries). Bryant has achieved greatness in Hollywood as a 5x champion, 2x Finals MVP, and one league MVP. However, Bryant has not tasted victory since 2010. The Lakers have attempted to pair Bryant with other All Stars such as Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard, with varying degrees of success. The pivotal point for the current Lakers woes was the blockage of the acquisition of guard, Chris Paul. Who after commissioner Stern's intervention, plays at the Staples Center for the Clippers. Obviously the young talent in today's NBA can only dream to have Bryant's trophy case. Yet, the desperate team he now soldiers is almost a cautionary tale. A city that got too comfortable, too out of touch, and far too reliant on an ailing veteran. A star that failed to adapt to the new culture of the league, carried too much pride, and simply made more enemies than allies. The Black Mamba continues to try to single handedly assassinate the opposition. Except, now at age 36, he lays more fatigued than ever at the end of a battle, an impressive stat line in hand, but many victories will remain out of reach. Kobe does not need to make the playoffs ever again to still be considered one of the all time greats. Doubts and missed opportunities will linger about that sixth title. Kobe himself is by far one of the most fiercely competitive athletes in pro sports. Surely watching his last years of basketball pass by with little consequence or influence keeps him awake at night. Love, hate, or despise him, the Black Mamba mentality may be vintage to a fault, but fans cannot help but respect the hunger after all these years. * Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996
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