Kobe Bryant: Top 5 Priorities for the LA Lakers Star This Summer
For the first time since 2007, Kobe Bryant's season ended prior to the NBA Finals when the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the conference semis.
For the Lakers, it was a fitting end to a season filled with struggles as we witnessed just how difficult the journey can be for a team attempting to win a third consecutive NBA championship.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the top five priorities for Kobe during the offseason.
5. Get Some Much Needed Rest
1 of 5
Between not playing in the NBA Finals and not having any Team USA obligations, Kobe is enjoying his first extended break from basketball for the first time in several years.
He should be taking this opportunity to rest a 32-year-old body that has played over 48,000 minutes in over 1,300 NBA games alone during the past 15 years.
A refreshed and rejuvenated Bryant will help new head coach Mike Brown tremendously in practices as No. 24 will be able to lead by example, something he was unable to do last year.
4. Rehab His Ankle
2 of 5
Bryant was hampered by a right ankle injury for most of the season that eventually forced him to rely almost solely on his perimeter game during the Dallas series.
Although he never used it as an excuse, Kobe was clearly bothered by the ankle throughout the playoffs, rarely taking his man off the dribble, instead feasting on a steady diet of mid-range jumpers and three-pointers.
Rehabbing his ankle back to 100 percent this summer is of the utmost importance as the Lakers usher in the Mike Brown era.
3. Work on His Three-Point Shot
3 of 5
Quite possibly the result of an arthritic right trigger finger, Bryant shot just 32.3 percent from three this season, his lowest shooting percentage in the last 10 years.
Kobe needs to get back to averaging 1.5 made threes per game next season and will need to shoot at least 35 percent from beyond the arc in order to do so.
I anticipate Bryant will be spending the majority of his offseason working on his outside game, as he no longer has the ability to get to the rim at will.
2. Repair His Relationship with Pau Gasol
4 of 5
Although I truly believe there wasn't a specific incident at the end of season involving Bryant and Gasol, it was clear that something wasn't right between the two.
Maybe Gasol had grown tired of Bryan't constant poking and prodding, or maybe they were simply sick of each other after three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals. Whatever the issue, it's a relationship that Bryant needs to make sure is repaired prior to the 2011-12 season getting underway.
When Bryant and Gasol are on the same page, the Lakers are much more successful on the court as it provides a calming effect over the rest of the team.
1. Acclimate Himself with New Head Coach Mike Brown
5 of 5
By far and away the most important priority for Kobe Bryant this offseason will involve his adjustment to new head coach Mike Brown and his way of doing things.
I certainly don't anticipate any issues between a seasoned veteran like Bryant and a well-respected head coach like Brown, however, there will be a slight grace period where the two will have to figure out the proper chain of command.
Yes, Mike Brown is the head coach, but let's be honest, this is Kobe's team, and the rest of the players know who is in charge. As long as Bryant respects Brown's authority and buys into his defensive philosophies, there shouldn't be any issues.
Whether or not this level of mutual trust and respect between the two happens right out of the gates remains to be seen.
