Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant Setting Final Example as Farewell Draws Closer

Kobe Bryant’s final NBA season is past the halfway mark, but that doesn’t mean he’s not giving the next generation a final lesson

25 nights.

That’s how many more opportunities we have to see Kobe Bryant before he steps off the hardwood as an NBA player for the final time.

Already, Bryant has said his final competitive goodbye to Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul George and Pau Gasol.

As the tunnel leading toward the light grows shorter, the NBA has already begun to look forward to the future beyond the Black Mamba.

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Today’s NBA is dominated by elite guards – Stephen Curry is the poster boy for a generation that includes Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler and others.

But there’s something to be said of the competitive fire that Bryant brought to the table. When taking a look at today’s stars, even the more “intense” players have an image cluttered with antics.

For example, Westbrook comes to the arena every night as if he has put as much time into his wardrobe as he has into practice.

LeBron James has to take extra time before tip-off to complete the different handshakes that appear to be unique for every single teammate and opponent.

Now, that’s not to take away from any of the said players. Every professional athlete has only a set amount of time in the spotlight to make money on and off the court.

As absurd as they may be, Chris Paul‘s State Farm commercials give him plenty of extra money and exposure for as often as they air. None of them take away from his status as an elite guard.

But in a way, it’s the lack of antics that have made Bryant so unique. On Friday night against the Spurs, Bryant dislocated his finger in the fourth quarter and had head trainer Gary Vitti pop it back into place so he could go back onto the court seconds later.

This is man who’s in his 20th year in the league and who knows his presence can’t impact the big picture of the Lakers future.

Yet there he is, continuing to get on the court despite whatever physical pain he may be in. As if he’s setting a final example for the NBA’s young guns that if they want to be a champion and superstar then they need to take these kinds of measures.

It’s the Lakers young talent that stands to learn the most from Bryant. The Black Mamba now advises Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell from the bench in the fourth quarter where previously it would be his time to take over the show.

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There’s still plenty of basketball left and undoubtedly Bryant will be display glimpses of that familiar fire before he laces up his shoes for the final time.

25 nights.

For some, it’s just not enough.