Kobe's Hardest Sacrifice

Kobe, it really is time. It's finally come to this; it's time to sit down. We all know the injuries have been accumulating as the season drags on. First there was the injured pinky you famously played with through the Olympics and all of last season, eschewing surgery in your steadfast desire to avoid sitting out. Then you injured another finger this year, this time your right index finger, forcing you to adjust your shot, and even your handshake with the President. We've watched as you have continued to play through pain this year with the elbow injury, the back spasms and now the sprained ankle.

Look, we get it. You consider yourself a 'warrior' and take immense pride in playing all 82 games every season. You are a warrior. You haven't missed a game because of injury since 2006! That is an astounding stat, and I'm surprised the media doesn't give you more recognition for it. You're one of the toughest players in the NBA- you've proven that beyond a doubt.

As a fan, we love to see players who will die for the team; we love guys who play through pain because they'll do anything to help the team to win. You've embodied these qualities throughout your career, and we respect you immensely for it. But the reason we've loved seeing you play through injuries in the past is because it gave the team the best chance to win. Now, I'm not so sure.