NBA: Seven Players Coming Back From Injury To Keep An Eye On In 2015-16

Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

With Kobe Bryant missing the better-part pf the last two seasons for the Lakers, there’s certainly no guarantee that the 37-year-old will finish this year in one piece. No matter how unconscious that sounds, it’s the truth.

Despite all their young talent, the most interesting storyline for the Lakers this season will be whether or not Kobe can retire on his own terms. Plus, how “good” he will be after two major injuries (achilles, shoulder). I’m almost 100 percent sure that Kobe – and his stans – believe that will return to form (before injury). But there’s no certainty of that happening.

Kobe averaged 22 points on 37 percent shooting from the field in 35 games last season. Will he return to that guy this year – it’s probably best for the Lakers that he doesn’t. Nevertheless, Kobe is going to do what’s best for him. Not necessarily what’s best for the franchise. If we’ve learned anything about Kobe during these last handful of seasons, it’s that.

Also, don’t we all kind of just want to see Kobe walk away from the game on his own terms, and not because of injury?

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