I think a more apt comparison is Life Is Good.
Kobe's been hurt the past couple years and hadn't been the same player as a result. Couple of early playoff flameouts; was getting divorced, though seems to have dodged that bullet.
Looks to be a lock for top-3 in MVP voting at the moment and might be able to reclaim his crown for one last year if the Lakers can beat the Heat in the Finals.
Nas hadn't released a solo album in four years. Got divorced and people believed others had passed him by on the mic. Then he dropped the best album of 2012 and is seen by many as the top dog again.