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.
You started off the season at an amazing pace, shooting your highest percentage of your career. You've hit three amazing buzzer beaters, as well as many other clutch shots. You're scoring 28 points per game. But the injuries have been catching up to you. Let's be honest- you're hurting, and it's affecting your game. Your shot has been flat, you've tried adjusting in countless different ways, utilizing many different braces, sprints and pads on the finger, even shooting left handed- but something is still not right. At times you've been a step off too- not elevating quite as high, not moving quite as quick. Some say it's just part of aging, but it's deeper than that, the injuries are affecting you.
Many writers and commentators have said this is why you should take some time off- you're hurting the team now, not helping. I steadfastly disagree, and take issue with anyone saying you're 'hurting the team'. As long as you're on the court, you'll always help the team. It even hurts us watching from our couches, especially with sprained ankle last night. You try to put on a brave face, but sometimes you let a grimace escape- we can see you hurting. I could never call your value into question, and tell you that you're hurting the team. You've earned the right to an off night, you've earned the right to force a bad jumper because your ankle hurts too much to drive, because your back hurts too much to elevate. Don't listen to the doubters- you're the best player in the league, and even with the injuries you are better than any other player we have- and it's not even close. Plus, your experience, in-game coaching and will to win rubs off on the rest of the team. So ignore those saying you're hurting the team- they're dead wrong.
Yet, I still think you need to sit out, but for a deeper reason. The competition is getting stronger and stronger, and as the playoffs roll around, you will face some serious challengers in the quest to repeat. You need to be 100% healthy. It's as simple as that. If you're banged up, and judging by the pace you're going, it'll keep getting worse, it will be much harder to go through the grind of the playoffs. And it really is a grind. You can't make it through a seven game series like this. There is no rest until June, and frankly, I don't think you can make it. Anything could happen too- Pau could get hurt, Andrew could go down again. Unless you are at full strength, it will be extremely difficult to repeat.
And honestly, what do these February games even mean anyway? Nothing really, beyond home-court in the playoffs. You haven't been completely healthy in almost two years. If you take the rest, and get to full strength- it won't matter whether you have homecourt in the playoffs or not. Just take a couple weeks now to rest and fully recuperate from all of injuries. Avoid the meaningless All-Star game like Tiger has been avoiding the media. Wait till you're fully healthy and not just a bit rested. Then, and only then, come back for the last month or so of the regular season. This will also give your teammates a chance to get better and gain confidence. The Lakers are one of the deepest teams in the league, and the rest of the guys will be just fine without you.
Kobe, we know you'll do anything to win. That's what makes you so much like Jordan, that's what makes you one of the greatest players of all time. It's not easy to see, or understand, but the best way to win when it counts is to rest now. You've made so many sacrifices to win throughout your career, playing through injury after injury, and we love you for it. But now, if you really want to win another title in June, you have to make yet another big sacrifice. This is a sacrifice of a very different kind, and probably the hardest you've had to make in your career- you have to sit out. You have to sit out, even though you know you can keep playing through the pain. You have to come to the games in a suit, and watch from the bench as your teammates play without you. It won't be easy, especially for someone as competitive as you, but if you want to win the title this year, it's a sacrifice you need to make. You need to sit.
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