Kobe Bryant Injury Recovering, Mentoring While Nearing End of Career Retirement

The long time Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is still recovering from the third season-ending injury in a row, but that is not slowing down his determination to return to the great player that he was before. Even with that drive, the Laker legend may know that he is nearing retirement and will need to find a suitable replacement for his leadership role when he has to step down. And while the Black Mamba has had his moments being a selfish player, the past few years have shown his maturity and growth through numerous setbacks.

Bryant should be ready for the start of the season, especially if he keeps up with his former training regiment. CBSSports.com's Fantasy News tells of the tweet from Lakers beat writer Mike Bresnahan about Coach Byron Scott's take on Bryant's recovery from his shoulder injury:

"Bryant has started to lift weights while "going back to his old way of working out."

While Bryant has been getting himself back into as peak of physical condition as he can now acheive, he has also been working on the mental challenges of passing the torch to younger players who will have to lead once he retires. The young Laker with the most promise to continue in Bryant's path of greatness has been injured alongside Kobe almost all season long. Their combined sideline time has been well spent by former University of Kentucky forward Julius Randle, according to Bleacher Report:

"Since last summer, I have spent countless hours watching and talking about basketball with Kobe. Not many people get that kind of opportunity, but it's allowed me to study the game in a way I never could when I was actively playing it, and think about the path to development in more nuanced ways."

With the rising potential star in Randle and the still burning superstar in Bryant will the Lakers be able to make a push for a championship next year? Can Kobe take a backseat when the time comes and allow Randle or another to take potential team lead? Tell us what you think.