Ex-Laker Explains Difference Between Late-Career Injuries To LeBron James, Kobe Bryant

A heavy load on them!

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two of the biggest names and greatest superstars to ever suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers. I don't think anybody realistically foresaw James ever signing with the franchise as he remained in the East coast for the majority of his career winning championships with the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bryant and James are two different players but gave us plenty of classic matchups. Even though we were robbed a couple of times of seeing the two of them face off on the biggest stage in the NBA Finals, they still remained among the brightest NBA stars when the two of them were both in the league. Unfortunately, we did not get to see how Bryant could've fully adapted his game as he grew older due to a number of injuries breaking down his body as the years piled on.

The achilles tear ultimately took away the Black Mamba's lateral quickness and athleticism but he continued to fight through it all to give us one last farewell season in 2016. We hope that LeBron James does not undergo any more serious injuries and that he can finish out his playing career as healthy as possible but we've already seen a number of groin and ankle injuries show that Father Time is kicking in.

Former Lakers forward Stanley Johnson recently appeared on the 'Tacobout It' podcast and broke down similarities between both of the LA legends' late-career injuries. He started off with The King.

"The workload that he has or that he's assumed," said Johnson. "What I've seen, it's just a. lot of heavy workload. It's a heavy, heavy workload. But now, being able to play through an injury at some point in time, he did. Now he cannot play through these same injuries if it's because he actually can't play or because he's trying to deter another harsh injury from happening."

(Via Tacobout It)

He then spoke on Kobe's similar situation.

"Kobe again, a lot of workload towards the end," said Johnson. "I mean, the time he tore his achilles... what did he say to the coach? Don't take me out, I'm playing every minute until we get back in the playoffs."

(Via Tacobout It)

There is nothing more important than taking care of one's body so we hope that James and other current players realize this as their careers progress!

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