NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant’s NBA Career Is Effectively Over

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By @ShaneRantSports

Derick E. Hingle

Derick E. Hingle-USA Today Sports

Father Time has finally caught up with Kobe Bryant, and he brought walking papers.

That latest events in a tumultuous couple of years for the Los Angeles Lakers and their franchise player took a turn for the worst. For one of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA, his career is more than likely over. According to reports, an MRI revealed that Bryant tore his rotator cuff in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

It was only last season that the “Black Mamba” suffered a torn Achilles that knocked him out for an extended period of time. Much like that injury, the rotator cuff will also require surgery and extension rehabilitation. It is a serious and crushing injury that has sparked speculation across the sporting world that Bryant is finished.

However, the Lakers are not ready to give up on their star and are waiting for a second opinion.

Don’t be shocked that Los Angeles does not want to jump to any conclusions. Bryant is set to make over $25 million next year; that is good for the highest-paid player in the league. If the reports and MRI are true, it is highly unlikely that Bryant would be ready for next season’s opener as he would miss a substantial period of time. Basically, fans are looking at the five-time champion’s final games in the purple and gold.

Without a doubt, retirement is the ideal next step in Bryant’s Hall-of-Fame career. It is quite clear that he has become as brittle as expected. Bryant has entertained the masses in Hollywood for nearly two decades and has been healthy for most of it. All good things must end, and for Bryant’s career, that time is now.

Shane Phillips is an NFL Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

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