Kobe focused on the crown

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Behind Kobe Bryant’s stone-faced mask and the icy grimace he’s wearing in these finals, his eyes are laser locked on one target: His fourth NBA title.

His vision is so narrow, so sharp that he can’t think about anything but a shiny championship trophy now close enough to touch.

To him, these two weeks are all that matters.

After that, it’s anyone’s guess.

As he and the Los Angeles Lakers practiced in advance of playing the Orlando Magic in today’s Game 2, Bryant, as few as three games from wrapping up his 13th season as a pro, said he has not given any thought about giving up what has been the driving force in his life.

“I don’t know,” he said when asked how much longer he’ll play. “I just love the game so much still. “I just feel like there’s still so much out there for me to improve on and work on. My body feels great. God willing, I stay healthy, I’ll just keep going.”

Bryant, who will turn 31 in August, has an upcoming decision to make on his future. While he’s under contact to make $23 million next season, he has an early termination option, which he can exercise if he so chooses this summer. The idea of a Bryant-less Lakers may be farfetched, but nothing can be assumed.

Michael Jordan was just 30 the first time he quit, stepping away to chase his dream of playing baseball.

Could Bryant, who scored 40 points in Game 1 and has been the closest thing to M.J. the league has seen, follow him and do something else?

His coach doesn’t think so.

“Kobe is going to play it out for as long as he can,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “He’s just a player that is going to find a way regardless. When his skill level deteriorates, he’s going to find a level to play at that his athleticism is going to allow. I can see him playing to 36, 37.”

There are no apparent signs that Bryant’s wondrous skills are receding. In fact, Bryant may be just hitting his prime. He has become a smarter, more efficient player. He takes care of his body. His work ethic is unsurpassed. He is driven like never before.