HONOLULU — The smirk formed on Kobe Bryant’s face. He listened to a question that cut to the core on what could determine his success or failure in his 20th and perhaps final NBA season.
What expectations did the Lakers star have for himself after experiencing three season-ending injuries in consecutive seasons? Bryant chuckled at the thought. He then resorted to playful sarcasm, mindful of the diminished expectations surrounding his return.
“Nothing. Be average,” Bryant said sarcastically after the Lakers’ 90-71 preseason loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday at Stan Sheriff Center. “I’ll be average.”
Bryant obviously has higher aspirations after winning five NBA championships and climbing to third place on the league’s all-time scoring list.