Los Angeles Lakers guard and reigning MVP Kobe Bryant had two priorities heading into this summer: win a gold medal and get healthy for the start of the Lakers season. The first goal was realized when the Redeem Team defeated Spain several weeks ago. The later objective, though, looks to be a false hope.
Bryant was scheduled to have had surgery earlier this week on his right pinkie finger, a procedure he had delayed since February. The operation to the guard’s shooting hand is procedurally straight-forward and threatened only a single complication with respect to Los Angeles defending its Western Conference title: significant recovery time.
After soliciting advice from numerous hand specialists, the 10-time All-NBA selection has decided to forgo the surgery. Bryant was informed that it was likely to sideline him for anywhere between six to 12 weeks. Apparently, that is a layoff Bryant feels his young Laker team can ill afford.
On Tuesday he announced he would not go through with the operation, expressing that he did not want to miss the team’s training camp, which opens September 27.
“I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks,”
Bryant said on his website.
Now that it is clear Bryant will skip surgery, there is one obvious question: is that really a wise decision?
For their part, the Lakers front office firmly supports Bryant’s decision to play through the injury. Laker GM Mitch Kupchak cited that Bryant has played through the injury for some time already and that the team expects him to continue his usual level of performance.
“He’s proven that he can play for long periods of time with the finger as it is…he did it all summer,”
Kupchak said.
That said, the Lakers were comfortable with Bryant missing almost all of training camp and the bulk of the preseason in the name of being healthy. The team completely expected him to have the surgery.
Management was prepared for their star to miss early season play so that he and his shooting hang would be 100% next spring. He has elected not to, in the name of not sacrificing the opportunity to build team chemistry and solidarity.
But is early-season cohesion as important as post-season health? The importance of team harmony is obvious: The more united a team is in its play, the more likely it is to achieve its goals. But the team must now be fearful that Bryant is opening himself up to aggravating the injury further and missing time in-season.
Games in November are meaningless compared to those in June. Having a well-rested, healthy Bryant playing against Boston next spring is far more pivotal than having him available for opening night October 28 against Portland.
Further, it would be a foolish notion to think that Bryant will fully participate in training camp just because he did not have the surgery. Bryant being available does not necessarily mean he will partake in every drill at camp.
In today’s NBA, players must stay fit and train to be in “game-shape”
year-round. There is no longer the need for players to come into camp to lose weight and prepare physically (with the notable exception of course being Shaquille O’Neal).
The nature of having a superstar on your team is that he does not fully participate in every workout. This is partially to manage the mileage on their bodies and save them for the season, and also a recognition that their skill dictates that they do not need as much practice. Put it this way: Bryant does not need time to relearn the Triangle offense.
If special handling were not enough to ensure that Bryant will see reduced floortime in camp, there is the obvious factor that he played all summer for Team USA. Phil Jackson will give Bryant and Pau Gasol a much lighter workload after participating in the Olympics, just as he did with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1992.
Nonetheless, Bryant’s presence at training camp will help the team bond, even if he is on the sidelines occasionally. Given that his past is littered with charges that he is not a supportive or caring teammate, perhaps being present from day one to build camaraderie is precise what Bryant has to do.
Last season, the Lakers’ training camp was famously thrown into havoc as media rumors swirled daily that Bryant was about to be traded. From reports that he had cleaned out his locker to sources insisting he had demanded to be sent to Chicago, the entire preseason was full of confusion and turmoil.
While the Lakers eventually came together as a team, initially that cohesiveness was in spite of Bryant, not because of him. The chaos his trade demand brought to the start of the season came very close to alienating him from his teammates completely.
No player was as hurt by Bryant’s actions than Andrew Bynum. Bryant had specifically spoken out against Bynum as one of his issues with the organization. Though they eventually buried any ill will after the team’s strong start, the young centre missed the team’s postseason run to the NBA Finals and has not played with his teammates for over seven months.
Therefore it is not unreasonable to think that Bryant’s decision to skip the surgery and play at camp is driven by his recognition that he has to bring Bynum back into the fold to trust him again.
With the acquisition of Pau Gasol, Bynum’s role has changed significantly since February. It will be up to Bryant to lead Bynum towards being comfortable within the new team dynamic, not just on offense but in the locker-room. A happy, supportive Bryant that is on the court and encouraging the young post will go a lot further than if he were on the sidelines.
Bryant has played with damaged ligaments in the finger since February, so he has grown accustom to the discomfort it causes him. While he can manage the injury, he is mindful that he cannot endure the loss of trust or respect of his teammates. That is why is he so conscious of affirming their team fellowship early on.
“What it really came down to for me is that I just didn’t want to miss any time ‘punching the clock’ for the Lakers,”
Bryant admitted. “Given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season.”
Given how competitive the Western Conference is, even games in November will play a role in the team’s chance to return to the NBA Finals. If Bryant had surgery today, he may be out until nearly December. The team will be challenged enough early in the season figuring out how to fit Bynum back into the rotation. Having the best player in the league missing time as well is no way to start the season.
If he can avoid being sidelined from re-injuring himself, his decision may go a long way towards team unity. If that is the case, there is a strong case to be made that Los Angeles will be playing again in June.
The old adage states that playing hurt is part of the game in sports. It will now certainly be part of the season for Bryant and the Lakers.
