For the third consecutive season, Kobe Bryant has suffered a major injury. This time it’s a torn rotator cuff that Kobe is set to have surgery for. Though there is no timetable yet, most expect Kobe to be out for the rest of the season.
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Kobe is still the Lakers’ best player, but if you ask Nick Young, the injury could be a blessing in disguise according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Nick Young said although losing Kobe is tough, could be a "blessing in disguise for other people out there to get a chance."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 26, 2015
Young has a decent point as Kobe being out will open up minutes and opportunity for other guys to step up and improve in a greater role. Guys like Jordan Clarkson and Ryan Kelly will get chances to improve their game in extended minutes.
Clarkson has already been moved into the starting point guard role and looks like he could be a contributor for this team for years to come. Kelly has also been moved into the starting role and both will get consistent playing time that may not have been afforded to them with a healthy Kobe.
The Lakers would obviously rather have Kobe on the court than undergoing surgery, but the team won’t be making the playoffs and developing the young players on the team should be the top priority. This opportunity could turn out to be the difference in the Lakers having a key player on their team next season.
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