I don't like Kobe Bryant. Not even a little. But I do have a begrudging respect for the man's basketball game.
That's about all I can say without dry heaves so I'll have to let a Laker fan give his tribute to Kobe (who just passed his nemesis Shaq on the all time scoring list).
Forum Blue And Gold " Reflecting On Kobe
I marvel at the legends he’s passed during his ongoing scoring binge and wonder how much higher on that ladder he can climb. Then, I’m almost overwhelmed by a sense of appreciation. Kobe and I are roughly the same age. I’ve been lucky enough to see his entire career unfold, watching nearly every game, and seeing how he’s grown from that young kid with the mini-afro to the the man that stands before us today. I’ve seen the ups and downs; the championships; the devastating losses. And through it all, I’ve seen him persevere - playing a game with a drive and dedication that not too many give in any apsect of their lives.
Bird had Magic but that was different. I hated Magic for years before I learned to respect and admire and eventually like a lot. In fact, with his relationship with Bird made him downright lovable to Boston fans (after retirement at least). That's never going to be the case with Kobe and I think he's fine with that. He's just a different kind of cat.
I don't wish injury or early retirement on anyone, including Kobe. But you won't find me shedding a tear for the game of basketball when he shuffles off the court for the last time. Though I might give him a tight lipped half head nod.
1 recs | 9 comments
Competitiveness..
I’ve only gotten into the Lakers-Celtics rivalry (and became a Celtics fan) when KG moved here..
But ever since , I have never liked Kobe.. Maybe it’s because of his arrogance, or that he was trying hard to copy MJ.. Or that his ego was bigger than Shaq..
But over the years, you have got to admire his accomplishments, appreciate his efforts, and respect his game..
Like you, Jeff, I may not cry on his HOF induction but I consider myself lucky to have witnessed one of the best competitors in the game..
Now, Lebron… well, that’s another story!
Rany - February 9, 2012
Eh
Ok, I hate kobe. I will admit u cant say he doesnt have skills. U cant say he doesnt have rings. U cant say he does have the accolades. BUT the attitude, the selfishness, and the me first menatlity has, and will for a long time, tarnish the laker organization…not that I care. Once again, I know he helped bring them some rings BUT all the things the showtime lakers cemented in that organization has been tarnished. Shaq is also to blame for this. Me first basketball. The los angeles kobes. I am a proud laker hater, so I can care less about the well being of the franchise. Just my opinion
Kgwillkillyou - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Hear hear for that!!! I argee
CBleedsGreeN - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I hate Kobe individually. All of his shooting attempts pisses me off. But as an enemy, got to respect this guy sometimes.
On the other hand…LeBron and DWade are on another level of my hate list, however.
(The Decision, intentionally breaking Rondo’s arm, mocking Dirk Nowitzki’s “illness” during the 2011 Finals, tweeting about Griffin’s poster on Perkins, and there’s more to list….but too lazy to care) :D
SparzWizard - February 9, 2012
As begrudging a tip-of-the-hat as I've ever read
And probably appropriately so, given the circumstances. Interesting, though, to see Kobe’s enemies gradually thaw as we all watch him gut out another injury-ridden season against all odds.
Me… I don’t hate anyone in the NBA. If I were to hate anybody, it’d be a me-first, immature, silly stuffed shirt. Big Baby came close a couple of times, but naah… I don’t hate anybody. I like the Celtics. And lately, Jeremy Lin and the Knicks. Why hate?
Yeah, fine. But still gotta say…. BEAT LA!
JR99 - February 9, 2012
I am a fan of Kobe as well...
Of course, my #1 team is the C’s, but I do respect Kobe’s game as well. Much respect to him too for being the 5th all-time scoring leader… Great company he’s in! That said, BEAT LA!!!! :D
pre-BOS-LA comment:
I may be the only one in here who is hoping that no one gets chosen to the All-Star… but only for the reason that I’d rather he or they (or if any C’s get chosen) just rest their bodies and recharge for the 2nd half of the sked which is tougher…
japsuki - February 9, 2012
I like
Kobe as a player but not as a person. I am still laughing at the recruitment pitch allegedly made at D12.
elvyn - February 9, 2012
I respect what Kobe has done.....
In terms of the amount of points he has scored and the durability he has shown lasting this long in the league and still scoring as much.
He has talent. You don’’t score that heavily w/o being that good.
That being said, I don’t consider him an all time great. If the NBA lists the top 50 players of all time anew, I don’t think he will still make it.
Those scoring records he has attained being the fastest to X amount of points or the youngest to reach this and that can probably be broken by Lebron or Durant.
As for the titles, he was lucky enough to assist Shaq get 3 and to be ably assisted by Pau on 2. Out of all those championships, there is not 1 at least for me…that stand out being identified with Kobe. I remember the finals in 2010…. after 5 games, people were still waiting for that SIGNATURE KOBE GAME. They said it was coming. It was inevitable.Lakers won in 7 but I don’t think that signature Kobe game ever happened.
Another thing that comes to mind is that when the Lakers are down by a huge margin, other players step up to lead the comeback. Then when the score is tied, this is when Kobe takes over and acts as if he lead the comeback. Even our own Paul Pierce has lead several comebacks.
Kobe is good no question. Is he a first ballot HOF? Most likely. I admire his durability. But in my mind, Kobe would probably be regarded as the Greatest Volume Shooter of All Time…… That’s still something right?
LarryBird33 - February 9, 2012
I have
never hated an athlete like I hate Kobe Bryant. It is undeniable that he is awesome at basketball, and I respect both his game and his work ethic.
But he is a jerk on and off the court. His personality is fabricated. And his little underbite face he made for a while was one of the worst things I’ve ever seen.
When I was a little kid, I also hated Bill Lambier. BUt if he’s on your team, you love him. Kobe’s game is effective, so you really can’t knock it. But aesthetically, and what it represents…I don’t like it and I never will.
KGHurtYourFeelings - February 9, 2012
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