Kobe Bryant Could Play 3-4 More Years

This past season, Lakers guard, Kobe Bryant, suffered a torn achilles that cut his season short and ultimately he wasn't able to help the Lakers avoid the sweep against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of this year's playoffs.  After the injury, many people questioned how many years he has left in his career. Recently, Bryant said to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, "I could easily see myself play another three or four more years". If this is true, then the fan in me is eager to see Bryant get back on the court and continue to play greatly.  But the writer in me is worried for Bryant if this statement is true.  Coming back from a torn achilles is tough.  I know from personal experience because my father suffered the same injury a few years ago.  It took him a year to come back from it.  Unfortunately, he doesn't play basketball as much as he used to or would like.  With a stellar athlete like Bryant, he will come back and play well.  Notice how I said well?  Bryant will come back from the injury, but he may not be the same player he was and hopefully can still be.  With a surgically repaired achilles, he also may have to change his style of play.  Bryant's style is driving and slashing to the basket.  With the style of play he utilizes, the surgically repaired achilles could suffer much wear and tear which could easily hold Bryant back.  

There are also questions pertaining to whether or not Bryant can win another championship. With Bryant being 34 and Pau Gasol also getting up there at 32, these two key assets may have an earlier departure from the league than they would like and ultimately leave without another championship.  Bryant has expressed in the past that he doesn't want to emulate Jordan. We all know the real story though.  Bryant, who is a competitor, wants to at least win one more championship to add to his already outstanding legacy.  However, Bryant is not at a total loss. He still very much has a chance to win another championship and leave the league on his own terms. Here's why: the Lakers could make a concerted effort to resign Dwight Howard, who is in trade talks with teams like the Rockets and Clippers right now.  They could also add some youth to their roster during the upcoming draft to help take some of the scoring load off of Bryant.  If the Lakers can also try to bring Steve Nash back, they could definitely make a possible title run next season.  Bryant's statements about his NBA career may be true, but with his surgically repaired achilles and his age slowly becoming a factor, his chances of winning another championship aren't as good as they used to be.