With the type of numbers that Kevin Durant and Lebron James were putting up this season, it is not hard to understand why the world seemed to so quickly forget about just how darn good Kobe Bryant is. A few years ago Kobe would have taken it upon himself to average 40 ppg over a month in order to show that while Durant and Lebron are immensely talented, they have not yet surpassed Kobe as the most dominant player in the league. But not this season, this season Kobe kept his eye on the prize, showing that he is veteran-wise and knows how to manage a season to get a shot at the ultimate prize….ring number 5. Kobe let his scoring drop during the regular season, taking more rest and time off to let his body recover. Kobe also deferred more to new teammate Ron Artest, knowing that it would be crucial for him to quickly get comfortable as a Laker if the team wanted to have a chance to win. Kobe did what it took, and in the playoffs has put himself in a position to grab ring number 5…and yet again the envy of those players that NBA fans considered to have passed Kobe. Something tells me that Lebron James and Kevin Durant would give anything to trade places with The Black Mamba right now.