Lakers Season Wrap: Kobe Bryant

Apr 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

2012-13 stats:

27.3 PTS, 5.6 REB, 6.0 AST, 46.3 FG%, 83.9 FT%, 78 GP, 78 GS

Season recap:

I could write so much about Kobe’s season, but I’ll keep it short. The Black Mamba had arguably one of his best seasons of his career, and it came at a time when the Lakers needed it the most. Kobe Bryant was the one constant Los Angeles could count on this season. With all of the ups and downs the Lakers endured, Kobe was always there to keep the offensive going (unless he was in heroball mode). When Steve Nash went out with an injury, Kobe turned into one of the best point guards in the game. Kobe Bean carried the team on his back all the way to the seventh seed in the playoffs.

I’m not going to lie, when Kobe went down with a torn Achilles, I had tears in my eyes. It was especially hard to watch his interview after the game when he got all choked up. I know Kobe can be a ball hog, and he hurts his team at times, but the leadership he had shown this year was incredible. People think he was a jerk to Dwight Howard, but it was just Kobe trying to motivate Howard to be the best he can be — that’s just the way Kobe is. Kobe also showed his leadership by taking on the pass-first role. It was incredible to me that he could just turn into that kind of player whenever he wants to. A lot of people ask why he doesn’t always pass first; the reason is because that’s not the kind of player he is, and that just makes it seem even more amazing to me.

Season higlights:

2013-14 season forecast:

It’s so hard to tell what kind of season Kobe is going to have because of his injury. One thing I know for sure is that he will come back and play just as good, or better than he ever has. I’ve learned to never doubt the Black Mamba. I really hope he doesn’t return when he isn’t 100 percent like we saw with Howard. I don’t want him to sustain another major injury; I just want him to be able to play the best he can.

As for all the amnesty talk, there is no way the Lakers amnesty Kobe — that’s just crazy talk. I know he’s going to be making $30 million next year, but you don’t amnesty a guy who has been the face of your franchise for the last 17 years. It’s just not going to happen.

2013-14 stat projections:

Like I said above, predicting Kobe’s season is really hard because it all depends on how healthy he is when he comes back. If I had to guess, I would say Kobe puts up 24 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 42 percent shooting from the field, and 30 percent from three. His stats have to drop a little bit, right? Yes, I’m hoping Kobe sees this and gets mad, so he goes out there and proves me his stats won’t drop at all.

Mamba out.

What stood out the most to you this season for Kobe? Let us know in the comment section down below!

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