Vanessa Bryant's Divorce from Kobe Bryant Won't Slow Down Black Mamba

Kobe Bryant's pending divorce is going to take its toll on him everywhere except the basketball court. The Black Mamba has always been able to use the hardwood to escape from his personal drama. This will be no different. 

And make no mistake about it; there is going to be some drama. First is the fact that he does not want his marriage to end. TMZ has reported hearing from sources that Kobe "'desperately'" wants to win Vanessa back and will do "'whatever it takes'" to save their 10-and-a-half year marriage.

Then there is the little fact that he is likely going to be losing half of his fortune.

The Mamba Thrives in Face of Drama

This divorce is certainly ripe with drama. The couple has been together for a decade and they have two children. That is enough drama to pack the life of anyone. Adding fuel to this fire is the fact that the media will not let him escape it.

Kobe is the NBA's biggest star and given the past focus put on his relationship with his soon to be ex-wife, this is going to be a big story during the season.

The past focus was a result of Kobe's trail when he faced rape charges in Colorado. And speaking of that, it was then that the public became fully aware of Bryant's ability to compartmentalize troubles in his personal life and put them aside when hitting the basketball court.

That is certainly not the only drama that Bryant has faced in his career. Kobe courts drama like he scores points: easily and often. He can never escape it, and he does little to avoid it. Whether it is a feud with a teammate like Shaq, or demanding a trade from the front office, more often than not, Kobe plays with some sort of drama revolving around his life.

Respite from Heartbreak

Anyone who has ever been heartbroken knows it is nearly impossible to escape the emotional pain. Any activity that offers even the slightest respite is like a drink of water to a person stranded in the blazing sun of the desert.

Kobe will find that respite and solace on the basketball court. This will result in a player that is as focused on his game as he as ever been.

Mamba Predictions

Bryant's numbers are going to improve from last season where he averaged 25.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

Not only does he have the conditions of his divorce driving him towards excellence on the court, but he has a healthy knee. Bryant struggled last season with right knee pain. This left him unable to practice for the majority of the season, and conspicuously glued to the court.

With a lengthened offseason, due to the Lakers early exit and the lockout, combined with the platelet-rich plasma therapy he received the Black Mamba will return to the explosive and unguardable player fans are used to seeing.