Kobe Bryant’s quest for a 6th title needs to take a back-seat

Bryant’s experience and leadership would help his team-mates grow

At his age he is not only a veteran but also a leader and superstar who has helped players grow alongside him. Players who were part of the back-to-back championship winning Lakers teams in 2009 and 2010 would have a lot of words to describe the importance of Bryant’s leadership and guidance through their struggle back to the top.

In times of adversity the growth of a player is measured by his contributions, and who better to understand that in the moment than a 5-time champion. He can not only instil confidence in and boost the morale of the team, but also affect the players’ maturity as individuals off the court, which would impact their game positively on the court.

Rebuilding the Lakers into contenders could be his last notable achievement

Retiring after making his team capable contenders would be a huge gesture and commitment Bryant shows to the franchise. A gesture which would be added to his already illustrious legacy

The following two years might be Bryant’s last couple of years in the league. There is no debate about the fact that he already has left behind quite a legacy, so much so that he has proved his worth enough for his name to be taken in the same breath alongside Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

With his recent injuries Bryant enters a phase in his career where, with his exceptional game, he could help the franchise grow stronger instead of striving for personal goals. And if the chase for the 6th takes a back-seat, helping the team grow through the rebuilding work could turn into his prime focus.

A leader losing hope in the team does nothing but discourage and demotivate the players. So Bryant leaving the game of basketball with a team very much capable of winning a title would be a huge achievement in his career.

Bryant has the chance to do what Bird did with his home state of Indiana and what Magic contributed to the purple and gold as a part owner – to look over the proceedings and lead the franchise to a state of stability. It would not be the most historic finish to a career in the league, but one Bryant can and will be proud of.

All these ideas seem fantastic, but it remains to be seen whether Bryant is ready to adjust to new surroundings once again as the Lakers go through a transition phase.