Lakers News And Rumors: NBA GMs Underestimating Kobe’s Return

Kobe Black Jersey

Kobe Bryant has had no setbacks from his Achilles rupture, but the media’s early season predictions indicate that they don’t expect Bryant to return to form. While the media’s ranking of Kobe among NBA players has been questionable the last couple of years, NBA.com’s GM Survey has been respectable. Bryant is usually among the top players in numerous categories according to the 30 general managers around the league.

Due to the severity of this injury, their opinions about Bryant have also unfortunately changed. For 12 straight years, Kobe was considered the best shooting guard in the league despite competition from Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter. Unfortunately, that streak ended as James Harden has emerged as the best shooting guard and captured 56.7 percent of the vote. In addition, Kobe now ranks second behind Kevin Durant in terms of the best player at getting his own shot and the player they’d want taking a shot with the game on the line. Fortunately for Bryant, they still consider him the toughest player in the league with 31.0% of the vote.

There are a lot of questions surrounding Bryant’s return and that skepticism is reflected in these early season predictions. It’s understandable considering the severity of the injury, but if there is anyone who can come back from this injury, it’s Kobe Bryant. While most will disagree with these predictions, it only motivates Bryant as he continues to make progress.

Lakers Nation News

Shootaround Report: Chris Kaman Out, Steve Nash Neck Issues

GM Survey: Kobe Bryant Remains Toughest Player In NBA

GM Survey: James Harden Voted As Top Shooting Guard In NBA Over Kobe

GM Survey: Kevin Durant Selected Over Kobe Bryant To Take Final Shot

Lakers News: Ryan Kelly’s Future With The Lakers Uncertain

Lakers News: Mike D’Antoni Anticipates ‘Top Five’ Pace This Season

Lakers Vs. Jazz Game Preview: Lakers Look To End Losing Streak

VIDEOS: Lakers Recap China, Ryan Kelly Blown Away By Kobe’s Fans

Lakers Struggle Adjusting To Time Change After Trip To China

Lakers News

Mike D’Antoni Lowers Expectations For Lakers’ Pace [LA Times]

Ryan Kelly Making Good Impression On Lakers [LA Daily News]

Can Xavier Henry Be Key LA Lakers Bench Contributor This Season? [Bleacher Report]

D’Antoni On Kobe Slight: Wait Until He’s Back [OC Register]

Clippers To Cover Up Lakers Championship Banners [SB Nation]

NBA News

The Tumultuous Yet Effective Bond Between Dennis Rodman & Scottie Pippen [TSFJ]

Quote Of The Day: Metta World Peace Loves Mr. Softee Ice Cream [ProBasketball Talk]

GMs Say Kobe Not NBA’s Best SG [Bleacher Report]

Chris Paul Says He Could Retire “A Little Early” To Spend Time With Family [ProBasketball Talk]

Lin’s Starting Spot Not Guaranteed [Bleacher Report]

Silver Was A Key In Kings Staying In Sacramento [SB Nation]

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