Kobe's history amid injuries Lakers don't have reasons to be concern

Anytime a player goes down with any type of serious injury, usually causes a level of concern, unless you’re the amazing Kobe Bryant.

Usually, Bryant falls down paining for a couple of seconds, raises gingerly, then hobbles off the court into the locker room, while Lakers’ fans hold their selective breath concerned about his status.

But a few minutes later, Bryant jets through the tunnel back to the bench, moments later walking to the scores table as if he just came off the bench from a brief rest, not needing assistance or even a wheelchair like his nemesis in last season’s finals.

Boston’s guard Paul Pierce sprinting his way back to the court, after taking a shot to his leg before using a wheelchair. It seems as if Pierce was trying to play mind games with the Lakers and his theory worked, returning to the game to demolish the Lakers with his shocking three-point spurt.

Bryant sat on the bench in street clothes during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats after sustaining a knee injury, confirming the initial diagnosis a hyper extended right knee injury, listed day-to-day.

Still, there’s nothing to be concerned about anytime Bryant suffers an injury, particularly during preseason when games are meaningless. The Lakers aren’t hurting without him and he isn’t hurting.

They’ll need him in next Tuesday’s season-opener against Portland, but if he’s still isn’t back at full strength then they shouldn’t rush his comeback. Missing one game of the regular-season won’t harm the Lakers’ season and they have enough alternatives when he’s limited.

They have there big man Andrew Bynum back, after missing 42 games last season and underwent knee surgery and they have Pau Gasol, two giants who will have to face another giant on opening-night when they play against Greg Oden of the Portland Trialbrazers.

After banging knees with teammate Josh Powell, while going for a rebound off Sun Yue’s missed shot, Bryant injured the right knee.

Coach Phil Jackson isn’t too concern, very confident he’ll return for the season-opener. Of course, Bryant will play in the season-opener. He’s committed to playing basketball whether he’s banged up or just having an off-night.

Rarely, Bryant has an off-night and he rarely misses games while battling an injury. Everyone within the Lakers organization are accustom to seeing their star play through pain.

However, Bryant did not participate in practice, wearing an ice bag on his knee, ready for the season-opener. He’s a contender and he’s definitely going to play next week, seeking redemption after last season’s embarrassing loss to Boston in the finals.

And he’s confident after bringing home a gold medal in the Beijing Games. But, Bryant is just a competitor who has a passion for the game and desires winning. He’s a tough competitor who will play through any injury.

Bryant was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinkie finger last season, decided to forgo surgery that could have possibly sidelined him for six weeks. Still, he hasn’t undergone surgery to replace the tear in his finger.

Amazingly, he’s gripping the ball with four fingers, still knocking down shots and dunking in transition or on a fastbreak.

During the Western Conference semifinals last season, Bryant injured back in the opening minutes of Game 3, forcing him to get treatment for his back. He wore an electronic stimulation device hooked up to his sore back and had to days’ rest before playing through the pain in Game 4 of the best-of-seven series.

Eventually, Bryant will need to undergo surgery on his finger before causing further damage. But he’s defied when it comes to playing in a game, challenging his body to play through adversity and has done well.

So, why should we have concern about Kobe, who unlike many players, forgo surgery and play through serve and threaten injuries.

The Lakers don’t have any reason to worry.