Kobe Bryant: 5 Things He Should Do During NBA Lockout vs. Playing Overseas

Days after Los Angeles Lakers superstar shooting guard Kobe Bryant stated he would be open to playing overseas in either Europe or Asia if the NBA lockout continues, it was reported that the Turkish club Besiktas is in contact with Bryant’s representatives regarding the possibility of Bryant playing in Turkey.

To many, including myself, the report was very surprising. Although basketball is expanding rapidly throughout the world, it’s hard for me to imagine Bryant playing for any other nation besides the United States in addition to playing in any other uniform besides the distinctive purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Besides, there are many other things—either pertaining to preparation for an upcoming NBA season or entertainment—that Bryant should do instead of playing in Turkey, especially after having one of his worst playoff performances in recent memory.

This is a list of five of those things.

1. Rest and Play

Although resting and playing may seem contradictory, it’s necessary that Kobe Bryant does both to maintain a balance.   

At 33 years of age and having played 15 seasons in the NBA, there is no doubt that Bryant is getting old. Although his passion can still be seen on the basketball court, it’s evident that Bryant’s body is not keeping up with him. Whether it’s his knee or his index finger, it seems like Bryant is always injured.

Rather than playing overseas and risking injury, Bryant finally has the time to heal his finger and his recently surgically repaired knee during the lockout so that he can enter the season in great shape.

In addition to resting, Bryant must continue to practice to not only remain in basketball shape, but to prove everyone wrong.

After the Lakers were swept in the second round of the 2011 playoffs and the Miami Heat made it to the finals, many began to doubt Bryant’s abilities and began to deem either Dwyane Wade or LeBron James the best player in the league. 

Bryant must continue to sharpen his skills and reclaim the throne as the real king of the NBA.

2. Watch Tape of 2011 NBA Playoffs

We all know that Kobe Bryant possesses the killer instinct. He has the ability to destroy a team in the final minutes of a close game.

Watching tape of the Lakers’ epic failure against the Mavericks will only motivate Bryant and strengthen that instinct.

He will be reminded of the season’s shortcomings and will work harder to defeat any team that comes in his path.

3. Communicate with His Teammates

One glaring problem with the Los Angeles Lakers this past season was their lack of drive.

Because of their lack of drive and focus, they were absolutely embarrassed in the playoffs by the eventual champions. 

In order to win a championship, Bryant cannot be the only driven player on his team. He needs an inspired group of players around him.

Thus, Bryant, the most determined player in the league, should communicate with his teammates in attempt to motivate them for the upcoming season.

I mean, you should never underestimate the heart of a champion. (Thank you, Rudy T.)

4. Get More Involved in NBA Lockout

The NBA has a lot of problems that need to be solved. And, because of that, it seems like this lockout may extend into when the regular season should normally start. 

While playing overseas is a viable option that will put pressure on the owners, Bryant should stay in the states and rest his body. However, in order for an agreement to be reached sooner than later, Kobe Bryant should get more involved in the lockout in another way, possibly by making some kind of public statement.

The NBA is a superstar-driven league and if it were anybody that the league would listen to, it would be Bryant.

5. Continue Worldwide Events

There’s nothing better than a superstar who is willing to give back to and entertain his fans. Kobe Bryant is one of those superstars.

This summer, Bryant held his annual Kobe Basketball Academy in Santa Barbara, Calif. In addition, he embarked on a five-city Asian tour and played in the Philippines with other NBA stars, exciting fans worldwide.

With the painful absence of the NBA, Bryant must continue partaking in these kinds of events in order to continue to bring basketball to fans around the world. 

In addition, many believe that by playing in Turkey, Bryant will expand his brand. However, by continuing these events, it’s possible that the Kobe brand will expand even more.

Other Stuff...

There are other things that Kobe shouldn't necessarily do, but would be pretty awesome if he did.

I’m sure many of you have heard Kobe’s rap song featuring Tyra Banks, called K.O.B.E. Also, I’m sure many of have listened to Lil Wayne’s song, Kobe Bryant. Although Bryant’s rapping skills are pretty…bad, it would be pretty cool to see him collaborate with Weezy to entertain us during the lockout.

Also, it would be amazing to watch Kobe play in a one on one game against another NBA superstar, possibly LeBron or D-Wade. Bryant’s game is based on one-on-one play and it would be fascinating to watch him duel some of the best players in basketball.

It would be even better to see him play the greatest ever, Michael ‘Air’ Jordan. We all know that Jordan can still dunk. I’m sure many of you want to see what else he’s capable of.