The sports media debate machine is raging over Zion Williamson, and if he should shut it down at Duke and wait for the NBA, or finish out the season if he’s 100% healthy. The obvious concern for those advocating that he sit is that he could cost himself millions if he is seriously injured while playing for free, but there is evidence of big time ballers not worrying about getting hurt while not getting paid.
In the summer of 2002, fresh off the Lakers three-peat, Kobe Bryant was at the top of the basketball world. That didn’t stop him from accepting an invitation to run at the legendary Rucker Park in New York and going into full Mamba mode. Injuries, schminjuries.
If Zion continuing to play for another month in college has your heart racing, the sight of Kobe taking on all comers on the blacktop, in the rain, might take you out. Kobe doesn’t care for your injury concerns.