Ok just for arguments sake....there are pros and cons for sitting out.
first of all I'm not going to a laker game if kobe is not playing. love him loathe him, it would be great to watch him play in real life once (atleast) you guys in LA or anywhere in the US are lucky.
the Lakers charge a lot for game tickets, there sponsors, TV deals revolve around kobe...that's a rotten deal for everyone.
I think if his capable of playin he should play, even if its just for the fans, not just laker fans, but NBA fans from other teams, people pay to watch him when he comes to town... players like him are a dying breed, enjoy him while he lasts.
if they shut him down I feel for Lakers ticketholders, they would never have paid for that just to see gasol and whoever else is on that team.
But I really believe its over.... His not getting any younger and he could take 3 years off, his age(now or next year) and him going against 23 yr olds is not going to end well. I really feel this guy should of retired. He will heal, but he WILL keep getting injured, Not everyone retires a winner, Jordan retired as a fucken wizard.. but we forgive mike, so just act like that push off shot against Utah was his last shot. (you cant fool me ESPN and NIKE)
I would pay to watch Kobe, I would not watch Carmelo for free.
The good part is, its a good season to tank. Great draft.
I do have a feeling kobe is going to end his career playing so hard just to barely make 8th seed. He wont walk away after the 2 year deal, he wants another ring badly and I respect that. But not with his body, mileage, coach, and all that stuff it takes to grind a win out in 7 games, no chance. Back to the topic, since he did commit to contract he should play if he feels he can. Why the fuck else would you watch the lakers? for Xavier henry's ball handling skills?