Kobe Bryant has hefty expectations to live up to, as he prepares for his 19th season in the NBA. Returning from two injuries is too simple a challenge for Bryant, who has far more on his plate than just staying injury-free. Bryant is saddled with a less than stellar supporting cast, which many naysayers attribute to his new contract. Bryant will always be a champion, and these are the five goals that he should set to fully return to star form.
5) Make A Game-Winning Shot
Getty Images Sport - Noah Graham
5) Make A Game-Winning Shot
Getty Images Sport - Noah Graham
One of Bryant’s defining abilities throughout his career has been his clutch composure in the game's final moments. Bryant has provided several thrilling finishes, especially during the Lakers' 2010 championship season, which featured six game-winning shots alone. One way for Bryant to really reveal to the league that he's back would be by reminding everyone of just why he's the "Black Mamba."
4) Deserve To Start In The All-Star Game
Getty Images Sport - Ronald Martinez
4) Deserve To Start In The All-Star Game
Getty Images Sport - Ronald Martinez
Bryant has been voted to the All-Star game for 15-straight seasons, and despite competing with several excellent guards in the West, the four-time MVP continue's to be voted in by the fans regardless. Last year, Bryant missed the league's annual tradition, but with something to prove, don't expect him to accept the nod as a legacy curtain call again. Rather, Bryant will only acknowledge his accolade for how well he delivers on the court.
3) Continue His Offensive Assault On History
Getty Images Sport - Jamie Squire
3) Continue His Offensive Assault On History
Getty Images Sport - Jamie Squire
With a total of 31,700 points scored during the regular season, Bryant is certainly looking to add to his total, which will include passing Michael Jordan for third all-time. Bryant reached 30,000 points in late 2012, so he has lost ground on his chance for the top spot, which belongs to Laker-great Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Bryant also has 5,925 assists throughout his career, which is good for 27th all time, and first among all shooting guards.
2) His Leadership Guides The Lakers Into Playoffs
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein
2) His Leadership Guides The Lakers Into Playoffs
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein
Heading into training camp, Bryant is seeking to finish his career as a mentor to some of his younger teammates. Bryant can guide players such as Julius Randle and Jeremy Lin to earn their spots and return the Lakers to prominence. However, with 1,465 regular season games played, Bryant still must carry most of the team's load for them to compete. If these players take after Bryant, the team has a chance to exceed early-season expectations.
1) Remain Healthy & Prolong Father Time
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein
1) Remain Healthy & Prolong Father Time
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein
Durability is the biggest obstacle facing Bryant’s return this year. The once unbreakable star missed 76 games last season, which came off of his Achilles injury. Most importantly, without Bryant remaining healthy and prolonging Father Time for just a bit longer, every one of these previous goals would not be achievable. Kobe Bryant will be on a mission this season, and each one of these goals is on his checklist. Stay tuned for the Black Mamba.
Zach Fetaru is a Los Angeles Lakers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @fanforlife1988 ”like him” on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
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