77 replies to this topic

[GCMD]

Agree with it or not, Kobe knows his body and what he's capable of better than anyone.

I would've liked to have seen it done, but there's a legit case to be made against it as well.

Unfortunately, it doesn't make the season start any earlier.

If there is permanent damage, surgery would force him to start all over again and would force him to take MORE time off...

Not to mention, possible complications of surgery where he'd have to have ADDITIONAL surgery.


I'm finding it hard to come up with a reason he SHOULD get the surgery, in spite of medical opinions. We already know what he can do as is...what is unknown is whether the surgically repaired pinkie will add function...or remove it.


This announcement means one thing (in my mind): Most of the damage is permanent and repair isn't worth the down time. It's likely that barring major setbacks this season, Kobe will NEVER have his finger repaired.

[GCMD]

When I say "permanent", I don't mean that it can't be repaired. I mean it will never be "good as new" again.

[Mr. 24]

I want Kobe to get it done so that he's 100% for the playoffs.

Oh well, looks like he knows what he's doing.

[lakerfool]

Courageous? Yes
Badass? Yes
Rash? Yes
Stupid? Yes


We love the attitude. But I'd rather have him healthy long term.

[daco_inc]

Let's not blow this out of proportion now. This injury isn't a career-ending threat, nor is does it threaten his season. It's his pinky finger. I'm pretty sure he said it can't get any worse than it is. The only symptoms are temporary pain and discomfort.

[ReaListik]

If this was 3 years ago or even 2 years ago I'd understand. If Kobe and his medical staff know what they're doing, then that's cool because it's obviously got to be a plan of action. If this has high risk for permanent injury then that really doesn't sound like a good move to make. The team has the power and force to carry on without him for the time he needs.

3 years ago he had to go for 50 on a fairly regular basis to get them to make the playoffs.

Now he doesn't need to do that.

[Imadogg]

Yea it can't really get any worse.... unless players go smacking Kobe's hands on purpose.

I wonder how many teams are willing to do that?

[last stand 2.0]

Tue 28 vs Portland
Wed 29 @ LA Clippers
Sat 01 @ Denver
Wed 05 vs LA Clippers
Sun 09 vs Houston
Tue 11 @ Dallas
Wed 12 @ New Orleans
Fri 14 vs Detroit
Tue 18 vs Chicago
Thu 20 @ Phoenix
Fri 21 vs Denver
Sun 23 vs Sacramento
Tue 25 vs New Jersey
Fri 28 vs Dallas 7:30pm
Sun 30 vs Toronto 6:30pm
Tue 02 @ Indiana
Wed 03 @ Philadelphia
Fri 05 @ Washington
Sun 07 vs Milwaukee
Tue 09 @ Sacramento
Wed 10 vs Phoenix
Fri 12 vs Sacramento
Sun 14 vs Minnesota

these are all the games kobe would miss if it took the full 12 weeks and thats if there are no complications

kobe with the finger is about 95% of his normal self for what we are trying to do this season missing that many games is too risky and thats without the threat of complication what if it balloons to 14 weeks or 16 weeks

23 games is a lot of games and complications could balloon it to 30 or 40

home court will be even more necessary in the west with houston, new orleans, san antonio, portland all very good home teams

its really not worth it if you ask me

[The Original 81]

The bottom line is, Kobe knows his body and knows what he could do. Why should I question it?

[Angela1986]

I wish he'd get it done, but 12 weeks is a long time.

[lyk13]

The article referenced on the main page of TLN best said it all.

[daco_inc]

The bottom line is, Kobe knows his body and knows what he could do. Why should I question it?

Because some athletes put their pride ahead of what's actually good for them (although I don't think it's the case in this situation).

[lyk13]

He really wants the Larry O'Brien Trophy....this really proves it. He wants the chemistry 100% before the actual season starts.

[Goozer]

he'll be fine...team chemistry is really important to develop starting from training camp.

Kobes a beast.

[lyk13]

he'll be fine...team chemistry is really important to develop starting from training camp.

Kobes a beast.

And then injuries will mess up that chemistry, the list goes on and on, last season we have to adapt and adapt to changing lineups...grrr

But we still went into the finals....man I love this team.

[fido]

I totally agree with ya GCMD.

So let's start the season - RIGHT NOW!!

[GCMD]

I totally agree with ya GCMD.

So let's start the season - RIGHT NOW!!

I'm really hurtin' since the Olympics are over. Football just isn't doin' it for me right now...


If there were no Olympics and Kobe had the whole summer to rehab, I'd really, REALLY want him to get the surgery...but with so little wiggle room before training camp, the risks outweigh the rewards.

Good call...for now. It's highly unlikely that any of the major secondary problems haven't already manifested, meaning they know how bad it's going to get.

I'm not a hand specialist so this is just a semi-educated opinion/guess...

[Kam]

I edited the title because its no longer breaking news.