The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to embark on a tedious rebuilding phase come this off season but a lot may depend as well on one resident star who has been plagued by injuries the past three years.

This is of course with reference to Kobe Bryant who has been kept out of action no thanks to spates of injuries which have kept him on the sidelines.

Bryant is expected to play at least one more season in what may be his final year of playing NBA ball. Though he did indicate before that he wants to continue playing, the reality of it all is that injuries have become a setback for the man known as the Black Mamba.

Bryant, 36, has practically done it all in his career. He has won five NBA titles, is a 17-time All-Star, 15-time member of the NBA All First team, 12-time member of the NBA All Defensive team, and ranks third in the NBA all-time scoring list.

Detailing the things that he has done, what has Kobe left to prove?

Though Kobe says that until he says he it's over, it isn't. But for Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, he doesn't see Kobe going beyond the next season.

Kupchak is presumably using Bryant's age and state of health. At his age and list of injuries, the Lakers may not necessarily be keen on signing Bryant to another contract unless it would be a 1-year deal which will not be that lucrative.

At the current state of Kobe, Kupchak may have a point. But what if Kobe wants to continue playing? Would he take a chance and play somewhere else?

That could be possible. There would be teams who would probably take a chance on Kobe maybe for a year or two. But as far as getting the playing time he is currently getting, that may not necessarily be the case.