Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Will Kobe Bryant silence critics?

Dec 14, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) watches his team from the bench during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) watches his team from the bench during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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It has been a rough couple years for Kobe Bryant. After tearing his Achilles in 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers lost Dwight Howard in free agency. Then, Bryant missed almost the entire 2013-2014 season and the Lakers had the sixth-worst record in the NBA. Now, the Lakers have lost Pau Gasol to the Chicago Bulls and it will be up to Bryant to lead a turnaround.

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Lang Greene knows Bryant’s track record of silencing critics but believes he may be a little too old and a little to beat up to continue to do it.

"But the Lakers still have future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant in the fold which at least gives fans hope the team can be competitive on most nights. The problem is no one what type of game Bryant will have once he gets back on the court. Last season, Bryant played just six games due to a variety of injuries and looked pedestrian compared to the season before.Bryant has made a habit of silencing skeptics throughout his career, but at 36 years old it will be a tall order to quiet the growing list of doubters."

Bryant will still be able to score at times but will most likely be mostly a jump shooter. His days of being able to consistently get to the cup are almost certainly over.

Bryant averaged 13.1 points, 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.5% from the field, 18.8% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free throw line last season. In his career, he has put up 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, 33.5% from three and 83.8% from the charity stripe.

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