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Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had a powerful message for Gordon Hayward after he suffered a devastating injury in the opening minutes of Tuesday's season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bryant's advice was as real as it gets, encapsulating all of the sorrow, frustration, and anger that come with a freak injury of this magnitude, but noted the Boston Celtics star will need to move forward as time gives nothing back.
“When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it’s all too real. You will be angry and wish for the day back, the game back THAT play back. But reality gives nothing back and nor should you.”
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Hayward suffered a dislocated ankle, which was popped right back into place by the on-court medics, but is still dealing with the tail end of a tibial fracture, which could take a while to heal.
Bryant has suffered his fair share of injuries throughout his career, included a painful Achilles injury during the end of his career, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season; limiting his explosiveness until the end of his 20-year career.
The long-tenured star gave his best advice of what it's like to go through this type of situations, relaying the mental tactics Hayward will have to apply through the recovery and rehabilitation process as he make his way back to the court.
“It’s a long journey but if you focus on the mini milestones along the way you will find beauty in the struggle of doing simple things that prior to this injury were taken for granted. This will also mean that when you return you will have a new perspective. You will be so appreciative of being able to stand, walk, run that you will train harder than you ever have. You see the belief within you grow with each mini milestone and you will come back a better player for it. Best of luck to you on this journey my brother #mambamentality always.”
Bryant notably embraced Hayward after a 60-point performance career encore, as his Lakers memorably beat the Utah Jazz during the last game of the 2015-16 season. The two had worked out together after Bryant made his retirement official at the end of the season.
