5 Reasons Kobe Bryant Needs the NBA Lockout to End, Season to Start

The NBA Players Association rejected the most recent CBA proposal on Monday afternoon, making it more of a realization the entire 2011-12 season could be lost.

All players are undoubtedly feeling the pain of losing games to the lockout. But the pain is potentially the worst for the league’s aging superstars, including Kobe Bryant.

Here are five reasons why Kobe needs the lockout to end and the season to begin.

5. Kobe Wants to Pass Shaq on the League’s All-Time Scoring List

Kobe Bryant would likely never admit it, but I am sure the five-time champion is looking forward to passing Shaquille O’Neal for fifth place on the league’s all-time scoring list, given the duo’s checkered past.

Kobe is currently 728 points behind his ex-teammate.

4. Prove the End to Last Season Was an Aberration

The lockout has unfortunately kept the ugly images of the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason meltdown in the forefront of fans’ minds.

When Kobe Bryant and the Lakers do hit the hardwood again, they will have pressure on their shoulders to prove their ugly performance in the playoffs was a fluke.

3. Test out That New, German Treated Right Knee

Early in the offseason, Kobe Bryant went to Germany to have an experimental procedure done on his injured right knee. 

I am sure Mamba is as anxious to try out his new and improved knee.

If the procedure is successful as advertised, Kobe may have more quality seasons than we think.

2. He Could Be Losing What’s His Last Season as an Elite Player

The number of seasons Kobe Bryant has in his NBA career are limited, more or less seasons in which he will be considered a top five player.

It’s not crazy to think Kobe is missing his last elite season. Thanks to the lockout, there is a possibility the last moment Kobe had in the league as an upper crust player was being embarrassed by the Dallas Mavericks in last season’s playoffs.

1. The Lockout Could Hurt His Overall Legacy

The longer the lockout drags on, the more what ifs there will be concerning Kobe Bryant’s overall legacy.

Let’s say the entire 2011-12 season is lost to the lockout.

The what ifs surrounding Kobe’s “lost season” will really start rolling in. For instance, what if Kobe had led the Lakers to best record in Western Conference, saw a small increase in his scoring average and surprisingly won his second MVP award?

Or, what if Kobe and the Lakers had won the championship, giving Kobe No. 6 for his career, tying Michael Jordan?

The lockout is not only possibly risking Kobe’s last great season of overall play but his overall legacy as well.