Kobe’s Big Moment
Written by Josh Katz Monday, 07 June 2010 08:44
Not long ago here at the Dose, I wrote what most folks would call a “slam piece” on Kobe Bryant criticizing the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers of Los Angeles. I was harsh on Mister Bryant, bumping his planet-sized ego down a few pegs. I attacked his attitude, his personality and that sour look that takes over his face once the going gets tough. Well, the buck stops here. During this installment of the NBA’s post-season, I have seen a different side of Kobe. I have finally learned that Kobe Bryant cares about one thing: bringing home 
the trophy. That’s it. In the midst of the biggest free-agency period in NBA history, full of speculation and free agent “summits”, Kobe has kept a quiet cool on his quest for another ring. While Lebron, Wade, Bosh and Joe Johnson gather in a private villa with bottle service and half-naked models to discuss where they would like to play next season, Kobe has kept his on eye the ultimate prize. Recently, when asked where he thought where Lebron would end up next season, Kobe replied, “I could give a [expletive].”
Right on, Kobe. He has bigger fish to fry.
What ever happened the idea of winning it all? This new generation of players seems lost. They seem more preoccupied with sneaker deals and fame instead of winning rings.
Kobe is playing with 9 fingers, a bloated knee and god only knows what else. He doesn’t complain or whine about officiating (often), just sucks it up and takes his game to the next level when Lamar Kardashian and Andrew Bynum shrivel up like raisins on a July day. Kobe Bryant keeps his head up, tightens up his defense and plays with a fire that we have not seen since – are you ready? Michael Jordan. That’s right, I just compared Kobe to Michael. Kobe doesn’t seem to care about his public image either. He is hated by most who are not Laker fans, much like the way Jeter is hated by those who are not Yankee fans. That does not seem to matter a lick to Kobe. I am by no means a fan of Bryant, but my respect for the man has reached a new high. So while the free-agent summit gets a room at the Trump to discuss contracts and dream teams, Kobe will be smiling, knowing that he is light-years ahead of these other players, this in terms of maturity, pure talent and most importantly, championships.
Kobe Bryant is the last of a dying breed.
Comments
Look at game 2 for example. Pierce and KG played like they were members of the New Jersey Nets, yet after the game? All the talk was who Kobe needs to guard in game 3 and how well Rondo played. If Kobe put up a dud like Pierce did, you better believe that the main story on every sports show, magazine, website would be about Kobe's poor performance. And maybe if there was time they would mention Gasol's or Bynum's dominant play.
I think if Garnett really cared about winning he would tell Doc Rivers to bring him off the bench...just sayin...
Paul can't help it that everyone talks about Kobe. You can't decide who the media follows. I stand by my statement that KG and Paul play for only one thing. Its to win. No better example is how they have saved themselves for the playoffs. Because that is when the games matter. To win a championship you need to focus only on the team and nothing else. Kobe is not the only person in the league that does this. Look at Gasol as well, he doesn't care about media and he is probably play the best of anyone on the lakers.
Don't believe the Hype. Celtics in 6
I agree, I think KG and Paul do want to win. But so do a lot players in the league. I'm guessing Scalabrine probably wants it just as badly, if not more badly than Pierce and KG. Unfortunately, this isn't 2008 (or for Scalabrine an alternate universe) so I think to throw their names out there with the likes Wade, Lebron, and Kobe is a little off base. I think that was the point I was trying to make earlier. I think.
Also, I strongly believe Quentin Richardson single-handedly sparked the Celtics because I want to believe that players bring their all every game, regardless of the situation. I know it's farfetched, but if your opinion is true then I waste 4 months every year watching meaningless regular season games.
I believe in Phil. Lakers in 6.
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