5. How Much Will We (And More Importantly The Lakers) Miss Kobe?
Kobes injury sucks. Love him or hate him, having him sitting on the sidelines while the Lakers take on the Spurs just seems wrong. The scowls, the jersey biting, the last second go ahead contested three pointers.....things just wont be the same. This is Kobes 17th year in the league. SEVENTEENTH. The fact hes still playing at all is impressive enough, but to still be going at the elite level he has been? Bryant has taken (justified) criticism on his defence this season, but really, without his input on the offensive end this team would have been eliminated from playoff contention a long time ago. Kobes incredible play has been the only constant for the Lakers in a crazy up and down season and even with him they would have been a long shot to beat the Spurs, but without him? The Spurs are a polar opposite of LAs roller-coaster ride of a season. Same players, same coach, same system, more steady progression and results. If Tony Parker is fully healthy and Steve Nash has to guard him it wont be pretty. This could be a very short series. Get well soon Kobe.