Welcome Back to the Real Kobe Bryant
March 8th, 2007 by Levi Matthews
We’re not even referring to the cheating, sexually assaulting Kobe Bryant. He probably never left.
But the second suspension of the Lakers star guard in a few weeks for the same flailing elbow at least proves that the self-centered, ego-tastic player is back. But there’s a good chance he never went anywhere, either.
All season, Kobe has been touted as a new team player, someone who actually cares more about winning than individual statistics. We never bought it in the first place - but let’s review his two recent, illegal instances and see why the selfish label should never have been removed.
Each took place in the closing minute of a tight game: San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili blocked Bryant’s game-winning attempt before the Spurs knocked off Los Angeles in overtime last month; and then Marko Jaric defended Kobe’s shot to give the Lakers a lead over Minnesota earlier this week.
Both times, Shaq’s former running buddy followed through with an elbow to the face of his opponent.
Did Kobe mean to injure either player? Probably not. But was he so aghast that someone dared to challenge him, so amazed that the referee didn’t call a foul in either case, that he lashed out in a desperate maneuver to force a whistle … or at least let his defender know that he was Kobe Bryant, dammit, and who the heck were you to mess up his buzzer-beating heroics? We think so.
“I’m not in the business of reading players’ minds, I’m simply evaluating the play as a basketball play,” NBA Executive Vice President Stu Jackson said. “And when you take a shot and follow through, followed by driving an arm back in an aggressive manner that strikes a defender in his face, that’s what we evaluated to be a non-acceptable play.”
We’ll read Kobe’s mind for you, Stu. He’s immature and yearns for the spotlight. With the game on the line, Bryant will either try to win it by himself - or respond in anger at those that dare get in his way.
And don’t even get us started on that lame, transparent marketing ploy of changing his number to 24. You’re pathetic, Kobe.
March 31st, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I could go on forever backing up all you say, but i’ll just say: you pretty much summed it up. Good article. Kobe plays for stats, himself, and nothing or nobody else. certainly not wins.
September 7th, 2007 at 10:02 am
fuk u kobe the best
January 17th, 2008 at 1:47 am
this is a little late, but even back then, thats a little harsh on the words. Whether he plays for stat or for the team you can’t just flat out say he sucks. The information you provided is a bit true, however kobe plays that way because he is that talented. I can go on and tell you about his achievements but that is already too much to name. So what i’m saying is that, if u were even had close the talent in which kobe had, then i would allow you to criticize him, but really i am sure you dont so make sure your next article isnt so biased.
Ps. Whats wrong with 24, and i think you’re pathetic