Saturday marked the release the Kobe 9 Elite “Inspiration” colorways. Kobe Bryant took some time Saturday afternoon to hold an event at the Westfield Culver City Mall promoting his Kobe 9 shoe line.
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During the event, Kobe also spoke about last years as a Laker according to Lakers Nation’s Serena Winters:
Kobe: "We all know the end is coming up but it's going to be a hell of a run." (Via @serenawinters)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 1, 2014
Kobe signed a two-year $48.5 million extension with the Lakers last November. The contract is set to expire in 2016 which would mark Kobe’s 20th season with the Lakers. Throughout his Laker career, he has won five NBA Championships and remains on his quest for a sixth ring.
Hopes for the sixth title came up short last season despite having a roster that included new additions Steve Nash and Dwight Howard. Nash found himself injured throughout the year and still feels the effects of those injuries this year. Chemistry issues between Kobe and Dwight put a further dent on the Lakers struggles last season and was seen as a reason why Howard left Los Angeles for Houston in free agency.
Injuries have derailed Kobe and the Lakers this entire season. When Kobe tore his Achilles last April, many people wondered when the Black Mamba would return. Kobe would eventually make his return to the floor on Dec. 8 against the Toronto Raptors and played in five more games before suffering a fractured knee in a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. While Kobe remains sidelined, the Lakers see themselves with no playoff hopes and headed toward a top five pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Despite the grim season, Kobe is looking forward for what the future holds for the Lakers. The Lakers have a chance to select a young and promising talent in June and can get complementary pieces in free agency this summer.
Whatever happens next for the Lakers, Kobe appears ready to take on whatever challenges awaits him when he returns and make the most out of his remaining years in the league.
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