Why Kobe Bryant is the Toughest Player in the NBA

Kobe Bryant's toughness on the hardwood is unmatched by any other player in the NBA.

It might seem like a bold statement to make, but let's delve into exactly why that is the case.

Bryant has dealt with a myriad of injuries over the course of his career, but he's never been one to shy away from any action nor take any time off.

Since the 2005-06 season, Bryant has missed a grand total of 14 regular-season games out of a possible 502.

To put that into perspective, that is less than three percent of the time when Bryant has been on the sidelines.

His index finger is one that should belong to a human being much older than he is, his balky right knee was such a concern that he wasn't even practicing and he's now dealing with a very painful torn lunotriquetral ligament in his wrist.

Despite concerns over how his long-term future would be impacted by playing through the most recent ailment, Bryant has really quieted down the masses with his recent play.

Taking painkilling injections before every game just so he can take the court, Bryant is doing all of the talking with his game and very little with his mouth.

After a two-game stretch (December 31, January 1) that saw Bryant hit just 12-of-48 shots, he has come back with a vengeance over his last four games.

In that span of time, the five-time champion has been much more efficient and his team is 3-1 after a 3-3 start to the season.

Bryant has sunk 51-of-103 shots, good for a 49.5 percent clip. In those games, Bryant is averaging a ridiculous 33 points per game, 5.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists.

By comparison, Bryant is a career 45.4 percent shooter from the field with averages of 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

Like with every other injury he's had, Bryant is finding a way to adjust his game to find success while remaining on the floor and serving as a leader for his team.

That type of work ethic might seem borderline psychotic to some, but that's just how Bryant operates.

He takes extreme pride in being a warrior and is so dedicated to his craft, that it's somewhat humbling to see a professional athlete willing to put it all on the line for the success of his team.

Bryant is a lunatic by basketball standards, and it's ridiculous to think that any injury he has a chance to play through will keep him out of action.

That type of energy is infectious and rubs off on his teammates, and it can often make those who go to battle with him play even harder.

Bryant doesn't understand the definition of "time off," and nobody should be surprised by that.