Current Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw has won five NBA titles during his career with three as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers and two as an assistant coach alongside Phil Jackson.
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During his stint in Los Angeles, Shaw got the opportunity to both coach and play alongside future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Shaw and Bryant became close as a result of their time together wearing purple and gold.
On Monday, the Nuggets went head-to-head against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center and Shaw was asked about the Kobe’s shoulder injury. Shaw said the following about Kobe’s future following the injury, via ESPN’s Arash Markazi:
Brian Shaw on Kobe: "I don't think he wants to go out the way he's out now, on that note."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 27, 2015
As a result of the shoulder injury, Kobe has elected to have surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff. Bryant is expected to miss four to six months following surgery he’ll undergo on Wednesday which should have him healthy and ready for the 2015-16 NBA season.
There has been a lot of speculation about Bryant’s future with the superstar undergoing what appears to be third consecutive season-ending injury. Kobe has been adamant about going out on his own terms and for good reason considering his legacy and reputation as being one of the toughest players in NBA history.
As of right now, all signs point to Kobe returning for the final year of his contract with the Lakers. That could change depending on how his rehab goes, but right now the face of the Lakers franchise will be back for at least one more season.
[divide]Byron Scott Reacts To News Of Kobe Bryant’s Surgery
