Topic: With Bryant growing older and coming off two devastating injuries, we wonder how Kobe Bryant will need to change his game to ensure individual and team success.
Context: The Lakers plan on changing their fortunes as quickly as they can, and expect to turn into a contender in these last two years that Kobe Bryant is around.
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A lot of things will play a part in allowing the Lakers to rise up, such as who they select as their new coach, who they bring in and retain in free agency. But arguably the biggest factor of the Lakers’ success will be the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant, and in particular, how he adjusts his game.
Coming off a torn Achilles as well as a fractured knee cap, Bryant will likely lose more quickness and speed than he already had because of his age. Bryant countered that by dominating from the mid-range area, and improving his post-game, but now, he may need to make some more changes.
Some of this will be dependent on who else the Lakers bring in to fill in the roster, but Bryant remains the centerpiece of this franchise. Byron Scott recently said in an interview that Kobe will have to change his game a little bit, but how?
Verdict: We took the debate to the Lakers Nation faithful on Twitter and asked them in what way does Kobe need to change his game in order to ensure individual and team success? These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation become a facilitator on the team
— MIKE C (@HowUknoMikey7) May 25, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Staying healthy should be #1!! Kobe's Kobe and has proven he can adjust his game because of injuries.
— NaderHeidary (@pvlaker) May 25, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation He will spread the floor and guide our young players to #Victory. Not expecting #Frobe but #Kobe
— Ubaldo (@Papi_Ubaldo) May 25, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation distribute a bit more during the first three quarters while taking more efficient shots. Then close in fourth
— Carlos Davadi (@d_davadi) May 25, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation play within whatever system the next coach implements. So the team can buy in as well.
— A_G_S (@moreTEEGOplzz) May 25, 2014
The Lakers will go as far as Kobe Bryant takes them, but at this point in his career, he will need more help than ever. However, it will be on Bryant to elevate some of these guys.
Bryant recently spoke about Steve Nash, and how he plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played, even comparing his style to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Bryant will have to do something similar.
Bird is known as one of the best shooters of all-time, but people forget that he averaged more than six assists per game throughout his career. Bryant has shown that he can operate from the post and mid-post, now he will have to expand that game, and make people pay for helping too much off his teammates.
Bryant has undoubtedly adjusted his game as he has gotten older, but the biggest tweak he needs to make now, is bringing his teammates up to his level. He has done it at times, but now he needs to take it to the next level.
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I thought it was interesting what one Twitter follower said, about buying into the system. Bryant’s leadership has been called into question at times throughout his career. Once the Lakers bring in their new coach, Bryant alone can be the man who contributes to or hinders his success.
By becoming the true hub of this team and raising the game of his role players, Bryant will not only change his game this season, but his legacy.
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