Is Kobe Bryant Ready To Take It to the Next Level?

Whether he is the most loved man in LA or the most hated man in Denver, Kobe Bryant has always been Kobe.

He has never shied away from making some noise, on the court and off. But it's going to take a lot more than jumping over an Aston Martin to solidify his newly acquired title as "Best Basketball Player in the World.”

Whether or not he can do this is not the only issue for the always shining star.

Many people in the Rockies wonder if he has completely moved on from the trial that made him more than just another footnote in Colorado history. Many in the City of Angels wonder if he can truly win an NBA Championship on his own.

I just wonder if he has what it takes to step up when it counts: the postseason.

I am not Kobe's biggest supporter, if I support him at all. But I do know a good talent when I see it. No matter my personal feelings toward the All-Star, I can never doubt his strength on the court.

He has the skills and the abilities to win another ring.

The question is how badly Kobe wants it and if he is willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary to become a champion once again.

What is also evident is that the pressure of winning another NBA Championship is getting to him.

He may not be showing it, but he knows that everyone still talks about the era of "The Shaq and Kobe Show Live From LA." But this isn't Shaq's team anymore; this is Kobe's squad.

We all know it hasn't been the same since Shaq departed Los Angeles. But somehow, someway, Kobe persevered.

In order to officially seal his role as "The Greatest in the World," he will have to do what Bird, Isaiah, MJ, and even Tim Duncan have done several times over: win the championship on his own.

Like all the legends (and future legends) named above, Kobe has the supporting cast to get things done.

Following the addition of Pau Gasol and the tough play of Andrew Bynum, the Lakers are on pace to make it happen this summer. But Kobe has to learn to adjust and realize that this time around he doesn't have to do it by himself.

So let's set the stage for today's game against the Spurs, and figure out how important this game is to the Lakers.

The outcome of this game will determine just how much fire will be in the Los Angeles system when it comes playoff time. In this game, not to mention the one against rival Kings to finish off the season, Kobe's Lakers will need to step up...IMMEDIATELY!

If the Lakers can beat the Spurs, they just might have a chance to win the whole darn thing.

But if they let the past postseason bugs get the best of them, it doesn't matter who thinks Kobe is the best player in the world. It doesn't mean a thing without a ring.

Kobe may have three rings already, but I think he would like to show just how good he is without the Diesel in the postseason.

Legendary status comes with a price. Just how much is Kobe Bryant willing to pay to get back to Glory Road?