Flashback to October of last year, Kobe Bryant is sitting with Ken Berger of CBS Sports for an after practice interview.

"It's just that three more years seems like a really long time to continue to stay at a high, high level of training and preparation and health," Bryant said. "That's a lot of years. For a guard? That's a lot of years."

Kobe was sounding like Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon movies before knowing that he was about to enter the most frustrating season of his career and arguably in Lakers' history.  His feelings about hanging up the sneakers wasn't news either.  Earlier in the year, Kobe told Alex Rodriguez that the pain in his knee and ankle was so bad that he considered retiring the year before.

That pain and disappointment turned out to be an appetizer for the main feast that laid ahead of him including a season of lockeroom drama and a season ending injury that could now be viewed as a blessing in disguise.  It seems the rehabilitation process from the injury has rejuvenated the 35 year old legend and in this interview with CNN, Vino sounds like he wants to age a little more before popping the top and relaxing with a glass of wine.

"I think the injury has sparked a new energy, a new drive, it’s like a new challenge that’s kind of been pumped in. I’m excited for this season, so I have no immediate plans of retirement.”