In one of the games of the Los Angeles Lakers, the great late icon of the league, Kobe Bryant, was injured and tore his Achilles tendon. Looking at how serious his injury became, the Lakers staff went to get a wheelchair for him.
Kobe was to be taken to the locker in the wheelchair; however, he refused and responded, “F*** Paul Pierce!” as this incident was recently shared by former Lakers trainer Gary Viti regarding the wheelchair incident revolving around Paul Pierce.
According to Fadeaway World via Sportskeeda, Viti recently shared, “Then he walked back to shoot the free throws… I asked him if he wanted a chair. He looked down at me and said, ‘F— Paul Pierce!’ You remember in 2008 when Paul Pierce went off on a wheelchair, came back and then kicked our ass. That’s pretty impressive stuff. He lost his mind in the trainer’s room and was throwing Gatorade bottles. But before he left that room, he already started his path back. He wanted surgery the following morning.”
The incident revolving around Pierce saw contradictory accounts, and Kobe was there watching what had happened and wanted to ensure that he did not find himself in the same situation.
When Kobe sustained the injury, he immediately knew what had transpired but would later find that he had an Achilles injury. One of the greatest players, Black Mamba, took the decision and did not take the help of a wheelchair. While doing so, he responded to the incident that surrounded Pierce.
His determination was unquestionable even when he was severely injured, which naturally reflects his persona and his strength of character. However, unfortunately, due to the injury, Bryant’s season concluded. He was 34 at the time and had an average of 27.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds.
The Lakers were not able to push themselves in that season despite having Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. Kobe played a great part in keeping the Lakers competitive, and his determination once again helped the Lakers reach the playoffs.
Kobe came back after the injury and played for three more seasons but was not able to play like he used to, and the Lakers were playing normally as well. The injury changed the trajectory of Bryant’s career, but he still played and retired with his own choice and will.
