Kobe Bryant: Is the Mamba Motivated To Prove He's Still the NBA's Top Player?

In 2001 rapper Jay-Z released his classic "Blue-print" album, and within the tracks was the song "Takeover," which took direct verbal jabs at several other hip-hop artists.

Most prominent among those artists was Queensbridge native Nas, who just happened to be going through the most difficult period of his life.

Nas' mother was fighting a battle with cancer, a war she would eventually lose, and at the time of Jay-Z's attack Nas' attention was rightfully consumed by his personal situation.

But, Nas was unable to escape the rumors and whispers started by Jay-Z's lyrical barrage, as many people began to question whether or not there was truth in Jay-Z's music.

Silence from Nas seemed to confirm Jay-Z' assertions that he was washed up, and his career was basically over but in reality Nas had just been awakened from his slumber.

Most artists draw inspiration from pain and anguish, and the convergence of events for Nas birthed what is arguably the greatest battle-rap song ever recorded.

The track "Ether" on Nas' Stillmatic album took all the pain and anxiety of his mother's situation, and all the anger caused by Jay-Z's unwarranted attack and unleashed it in a brilliant and emotional response that was impressive for its depth.

Before "Ether" most battle raps were usually shallow and the insults were normally based on an opponent's physical appearance, or other generic qualities.

But, on "Ether" Nas' rhymes were laced with character-assassinating lyrics that forced Jay-Z to take a hard look at himself, and they contained a level of introspection that had never before been seen in the genre.

Jay-Z released several responses to "Ether" but by most accounts Nas won the battle with that song, and re-vitalized a dormant career in the process.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is not facing the same emotional turmoil that Nas endured, but his career has arrived at an interesting crossroads.

Whispers of Bryant's demise have grown in intensity in the wake of recent injuries, and the erosion of his skills due to the progression of time.

Many observers already feel that Bryant's game is in visible decline, as evidenced by the large contingent of people who no longer view Bryant as the game's top player.

That honor is most often bestowed on LeBron James or Dwyane Wade whose Miami Heat team has dominated the offseason NBA conversation.

Despite the fact Los Angeles is the two-time defending NBA champions, most pundits have already penciled the Heat into the 2011 Finals, and Las Vegas has already installed them as champions.

Bryant to his credit has not seemed too bothered by the lack of respect shown to him or his team, but could he quietly be preparing for his own "Ether" moment?

The conditions are certainly favorable considering recent questions about his knee, and the assumption held by some that the Lakers will fail in their three-peat bid.

Logical thought says a sixth title for Bryant is much more important than a personal vendetta, and under ordinary circumstances I would agree.

But, the events leading up to the 2010-11 season have been anything but ordinary, and there is little doubt that Bryant has found a few moments to draw his own inspiration from.

The ultimate goal of a championship will likely be Bryant's main priority, but if he can accomplish that goal and re-claim his position as the game's top player, why not do it?

Bryant is the most dangerous when he plays with focus and a chip on his shoulder, and the offseason has provided an opportunity for plenty of motivation.

When Bryant was recently asked what he thought about Miami's super team he responded by saying that he wished the rehab on his knee could go quicker, and that the season would start sooner.

Sounds like a man eager to embark on a mission to me.

Speaking of that knee, it seems a lot better now than it did on the Lakers' European preseason trip.

During that trip Bryant said his knee was about 60 percent healthy, but to look at him during Saturday's final preseason game against Golden State you could hardly tell.

Bryant looked comfortable and fluid in the Lakers' final preseason tune-up, and although his knee may not yet be 100 percent, it sure as hell has advanced from 60.

The prudent thing for the Lakers would be to drastically reduce Bryant's minutes or sit him until his knee is fully healed.

But, there is no guarantee that Bryant's knee will ever truly be 100 percent, and he certainly doesn't have the demeanor of a player who is willing to sit idly by on Tuesday's regular season opener.

Bryant appears ready to play right now, and even though his offensive game needs some fine-tuning, everyone knows his rhythm will return and the shots will begin to fall.

But, what happens after that is a mystery.

The Lakers are talented enough to compete for a championship with Bryant accepting a lesser role, but it's hard to imagine him settling for that.

Nas could have ignored Jay-Z's taunts and drifted into anonymity, but instead he chose to rise up and answer the challenge.

I'm not sure if Bryant still deserves the label of the NBA's top player, but by all indications he will certainly approach the 2010-11 season like he is.