NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

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Oct 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and coach Byron Scott react during the game against the Sacramento Kings at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers

Will Kobe Finally Cede Control Of This Franchise?

Kobe Bryant has never been one to back down from a challenge. Whether it’s injury, public criticism or the new direction the NBA is heading where it’s actually okay to pass the ball, Kobe Bryant defies all expectations and stays true to his own personal M.O. He’s been this way for years, and it’s too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

But now that this old dog is 37 years old, will he finally stop playing like he’s still 25? Will he turn over control of the team to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ talented guards, D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson? Will he help set Julius Randle up for good looks, and will he be willing to play the 3-spot so the Lakers’ young backcourt can start and grow together?

Or will he be the same old Kobe Bryant, a relic from the age of hero ball who barks at teammates and cares more about winning than actual progress for a franchise in rebuild mode?

If the Black Mamba wants to be remembered as the greatest Laker of all time and surpass Magic Johnson, it’s time to embrace his team’s fate as a lottery-bound group and play the part of mentor before hanging up his sneakers for good.

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