The Bernstein Brief: Kobe Bryant, The Basketball Shark

By Dan Bernstein-
CBSChicago.com senior columnist

(CBS) Nobody rages against the dying of the light like Kobe Bryant.

He's 36, toiling for a genuinely terrible Lakers team, and now adds torn right rotator cuff to his list of injuries in the past two years. As if a torn Achilles tendon, lateral tibial plateau fracture and dislocated finger weren't enough trouble in twilight.

But he doesn't stop. Bryant played left-handed after hurting his shoulder Wednesday night, seemingly refusing to accept injury. It's full denial of mortality, too, underscored by fear that any time he leaves the floor could be the last. He knows he's at the end, evidenced by such fierce determination to not be.

A return from this to whatever form remains will surprise no one.

This is a nature show, of sorts. Bryant is a basketball shark that has to keep swimming, lest he die.

Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. Follow him on Twitter  @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.

In:
• Dan Bernstein
• Kobe Bryant
• Los Angeles Lakers