There was nothing—emotionally, mentally, physically, strategically?—anyone could do that season to stop me.

Once I reached that level, health aside, there was nothing anyone?could do during the ensuing years to slow me down. At that point, it?was about the Lakers surrounding me with enough talent that we?could be in contention and challenge for the championship.

For some people, I guess, it might be hard to stay sharp once you’ve?reached the pinnacle. Not for me, though. It was never enough. I?always wanted to be better, wanted more. I can’t really explain it,?other than that I loved the game but had a very short memory. That?fueled me until the day I hung up my sneakers.