What is it about Kobe Bryant?

[Fried Oyster]

Why does everyone hate him so much?

Myself, I think they should have given him the MSP award, most selfish player.

Now I hear him being compared to Jordan, and "Is he as good as, or better than Jordan was?"

There is absolutely no comparison. He is actually very similar in playing style to the Clyde Drexler of old. More forced and less fluid than Jordan. And so inconsistent. I think if Clyde would have come up in another erra (post Jordan) he would have been touted as highly as Bryant is now.

But all that aside, the guy just has such a lack of charisma....I mean, he's just not likeable.

[Dave G]

He will never touch Jordan!!! There was no stopping Jordan. MJ had bad days, who doesn’t. But MJ beat everybody and beat them bad. Oh sure the MJ haters will say "I remember when who ever beat him on some date". Refer to above comment, he had a bad day. But MJ and Chicago on their run(s) could not be beat. MJ and Chicago win three championships in a row. MJ retires, un-retires and they win three more. What has Cry Baby Bryant done? Well.. I’m waiting… he is a slightly above average player that has maintained good health so you always get to hear him crying about something. He has a ring or two, that is good for him he does deserve that much. But even mention him with MJ… PLEASE!!! Compared to MJ he sucks!

[GraphiteZen]

media media media media media media media....

HYPE.

[bluehewes]

Originally Posted by GraphiteZen

media media media media media media media....

HYPE.

That's all it is!

[bluehewes]

Originally Posted by Dave G

He will never touch Jordan!!! There was no stopping Jordan. MJ had bad days, who doesn’t. But MJ beat everybody and beat them bad. Oh sure the MJ haters will say "I remember when who ever beat him on some date". Refer to above comment, he had a bad day. But MJ and Chicago on their run(s) could not be beat. MJ and Chicago win three championships in a row. MJ retires, un-retires and they win three more. What has Cry Baby Bryant done? Well.. I’m waiting… he is a slightly above average player that has maintained good health so you always get to hear him crying about something. He has a ring or two, that is good for him he does deserve that much. But even mention him with MJ… PLEASE!!! Compared to MJ he sucks!

And the only reason he has them rings is SHAQ!

[69scout]

Kobe got game, but he also has an attitude to go with it.

Unlike Jordan where the attitude was more class than trash.

That's where the comparison can stop, cause no wants to have a "Lying & Cheating" star as their idol or MVP.

[Eagleclaw]

Kobe is a very selfish player. He's a great player but he'll never win another championship if he doens't learn to trust his teammates. Same thing with "king" James he's a very selfish player too. this is one of the reason i don't watch the NBA anymore the darn players dont' know the fundlementals of the darn game. All the want is a highlight on ESPN. They don't care if they win as long as they have a great dunk. Most american players can't shot a outside jump shot, don't know how to play defense. That's why we can't win a Olyimpic gold in basketball anymore the european players are much better all around basketball players than the american NBA players. just my

[RidgeRunner]

I think a lot of it has to do with these players making millions right out of High School. I believe that all players should attend a minimum of two years in college. I can't stand watching the NBA due to the officiating. I am following closely what the NBA may do with the officals in the future.
The NBA must get rid of David Stern also.

[Eagleclaw]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

The NBA must get rid of David Stern also.

Stern is the NBA

[stlhdr]

I think he's a selfish player, that's why I don't care for him. He'll score 50 or 60 points in a game with two or three assists and the Lakers will lose the game. If I were a Laker fan I think I'd rather see him with 25 or 30 points and 8 to 10 assists and a Laker win. I just think he worries more about his numbers than wins.

[HntnFsh]

Yep,the reason he has the rings is because he had Shaqs coat tail to ride,

[spottedhawk36]

mj was selfish most of his career but he could back it up, there wont be another mj he was the man who could play that way and get it done.

[MsOutdrs]

Originally Posted by Eagleclaw

Kobe is a very selfish player. He's a great player but he'll never win another championship if he doens't learn to trust his teammates. Same thing with "king" James he's a very selfish player too. this is one of the reason i don't watch the NBA anymore the darn players dont' know the fundlementals of the darn game. All the want is a highlight on ESPN. They don't care if they win as long as they have a great dunk. Most american players can't shot a outside jump shot, don't know how to play defense. That's why we can't win a Olyimpic gold in basketball anymore the european players are much better all around basketball players than the american NBA players. just my

You know...Kobe AND James, from what I can tell, try to give the team their turn at winning games at the beginning of the games but it seems that they rely so much on those two, they just don't seem to know how to get the job done without them. Then both Kobe and James seem to HAVE to step up and take over. Its too late to watch now, but next season, watch those two. They will hold back until their team starts letting things slip so badly they have to step in. Is it just me that sees this? I'm certainly NOT a fan of Kobe Bryant...but let's be fair. I think he's kind of gotten his "come uppance (whatever THAT means...lol) and isn't quite as arrogant. And..he's no more of a cry baby then the Spurs and Popovich...Geez, I hated watching them the last couple of years. At least Phil has a bit more class then Pops.

[Eagleclaw]

Originally Posted by MsOutdrs

You know...Kobe AND James, from what I can tell, try to give the team their turn at winning games at the beginning of the games but it seems that they rely so much on those two, they just don't seem to know how to get the job done without them. Then both Kobe and James seem to HAVE to step up and take over. Its too late to watch now, but next season, watch those two. They will hold back until their team starts letting things slip so badly they have to step in. Is it just me that sees this? I'm certainly NOT a fan of Kobe Bryant...but let's be fair. I think he's kind of gotten his "come uppance (whatever THAT means...lol) and isn't quite as arrogant. And..he's no more of a cry baby then the Spurs and Popovich...Geez, I hated watching them the last couple of years. At least Phil has a bit more class then Pops.

maybe you're right but i don't watch the NBA much anymore.. the game has went down his so much... i guess i'm old school back in the 80's and 90's the players could play the game...not just dunk the ball. if i want to watch a bunch of thugs run up and down the court i'll just watch some MTV

[Reel_Big_Fish]

What...none of you think Kobe's "passion bucket" is full enough? Just kidding...I really don't care for him either. Too much arrogance. He can definitely take over a game and score. I can't stand the references to MJ either. MJ would have never let his team blow a 24 point lead and lose in the NBA Finals.

As for LeBron being selfish, I think he has more need too with the team that is built around him. Although he was 8th in the league in assists this year. Behind Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd. That is some decent company.

[Newbs]

I shouldn't say this because I don't like to make negative posts....but...IMHO...

I think that Kobe is an outstanding athlete and worthy of that recognition but he is such a miserable example of nearly every thing else that goes with professional sports. I think professional athletes have an obligation to the fans (especially the youth) to be proper examples of character and sportsmanship. I believe character is equally as important as athletic ability. But what do I know???

Sometimes I see Kobe making efforts to overcome his past and change his ways. I see it in the attitude he tries to portray in his interviews and at times, on the court. I don’t know if these changes are motivated by necessity or heart… He has had some rather “profound” life lessons in the past couple of years. Who knows, maybe he’ll grow up and surprise us.

[SHOUGALNITE]

I am not a Kobe fan but anybody see Jordan drop 81? Kobes a great athlete but I do think he is a chump.

[Booja 1]

Pretty hard for anyone in the NW to take a liking to Kobe,,even if Kobe was a Trailblazer, some folks would love to hate him.

Kobe is a phenomenal talent and has gotten his teamates involved a heck of alot more this season,,,the last game when they blew that 24 pt lead, Kobe didn't have a field goal in the first half yet the team was up by 18. I think that's gotta mean he was dishing the ball. Course too it sure helps if your teamates are putting it in the hole. 10 assists does mean something.

Yes Kobe would have never gotten the jewlery without the "Diesel" but the same could be said vice versa. MJ would have never gotten all his rings without Scottie either. MJ is in a class all by himself and always will be.

The West will again be tough next season and the Lakers should be right back up there along with Utah, Hornets, with the Blazers knocking on the door too. The Lakers cannot beat the Blazers here in Portland during the regular season BUT they always seem to beat em when it really counts,,in the playoffs.............

[Dave G]

Originally Posted by Booja 1

Pretty hard for anyone in the NW to take a liking to Kobe,,even if Kobe was a Trailblazer, some folks would love to hate him.

Kobe is a phenomenal talent and has gotten his teamates involved a heck of alot more this season,,,the last game when they blew that 24 pt lead, Kobe didn't have a field goal in the first half yet the team was up by 18. I think that's gotta mean he was dishing the ball. Course too it sure helps if your teamates are putting it in the hole. 10 assists does mean something.

Yes Kobe would have never gotten the jewlery without the "Diesel" but the same could be said vice versa. MJ would have never gotten all his rings without Scottie either. MJ is in a class all by himself and always will be.

The West will again be tough next season and the Lakers should be right back up there along with Utah, Hornets, with the Blazers knocking on the door too. The Lakers cannot beat the Blazers here in Portland during the regular season BUT they always seem to beat em when it really counts,,in the playoffs.............

Yes Scottie was the man and it was an extreme pleasure to see him play for Portland. MJ was the franchise player, when he retired the bulls did not win the Championship, when he returned they won again. When he finally left, we never heard for the Bulls again. But yes, it was exciting to watch MJ, Scottie, Paxton, Kerr and even the Worm back in the day. Kobie who?

[skrimmy]

Originally Posted by 69scout

Kobe got game, but he also has an attitude to go with it.

Unlike Jordan where the attitude was more class than trash.

That's where the comparison can stop, cause no wants to have a "Lying & Cheating" star as their idol or MVP.

That pretty much says it all, short and to the point.

[chrome obsession]

He is cocky, selfish, disrespectful to women and a trash talker...But, a good athlete....I can't stand the guy....I can't even watch him play the game...

[Capt. Slick]

Are we talking about if we like Kobe or his basketball skills. To have a assist someone else has to make a shot. trust me im no kobe fan but he can play, is he as likeable as jordan ? never could he play on the same court any day.Did anyone watch game 4 he hardly shot in the first half? As far as shaq coattails. Without kobe the lakers dont get those rings. Just ask Orlando.

[walt1er]

Booja1 brought up a huge point - does anyone know if the Jordan-led Bulls ever gave up a 24 point lead, let alone in the finals? It just sounds unbelievable. But for the Kobe-led Lakers, well it sure is believable.

Also, checkout the all-NBA defensive teams here: http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html

Kobe shows up just a little less frequently than Jordan did.

Kobe is an incredibly talented player. Jordan was an incredibly talented player who also was the key to incredible teamwork.

[bluehewes]

Originally Posted by SHOUGALNITE

I am not a Kobe fan but anybody see Jordan drop 81? Kobes a great athlete but I do think he is a chump.

I think the other 11 people on the team had about 10 points, combined. Defence was also played in Jordan's time. So scoring 81 still does not put kobe eve close to MJ'S skills.

[wilsonriverfisher]

Kobe bryant is a sad individual with little to no http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sustance, people skills, or personality, or socializing know how. He has grown up in gym only knowing basketball, basketball, basketball and I do not think he spent much time doing things that most other kids did like using there imagination. Kobe will never be the great player that michael jordan was because of many reasons but flat out he just cant get it done. Michael jordan would not of said hes going to get drunk after a tough loss or go into weird comments about wetting the bed. oh another thing is Jordan was a team player and not a ball hog he knows to passing the ball is needed to win the game. He is a great player no doubt but he is not in the top 5 IMHO


mike

[Dave G]

Originally Posted by wilsonriverfisher

Kobe bryant is a sad individual with little to no http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sustance, people skills, or personality, or socializing know how. He has grown up in gym only knowing basketball, basketball, basketball and I do not think he spent much time doing things that most other kids did like using there imagination. Kobe will never be the great player that michael jordan was because of many reasons but flat out he just cant get it done. Michael jordan would not of said hes going to get drunk after a tough loss or go into weird comments about wetting the bed. oh another thing is Jordan was a team player and not a ball hog he knows to passing the ball is needed to win the game. He is a great player no doubt but he is not in the top 5 IMHO


mike

Very well said, and in another 6 hours I hope Boston gives Kobe another reason to go out and get drunk tonight.

[backlash442]

Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes. Who cares how good Kobe is compared to MJ? Who cares if he doesn't have any people skills? He makes enough money so that I'm sure he's not bothered by it. Do you think he cares what you people think? What anybody thinks? I'm no Kobe fan but the guy can play b ball.

As for MJ, how many rings would he have if it wasn't for the surrounding players? Take Wade from Shaq and he probably doesn't have another ring either. Cuts both ways. Look at Alan Iverson; big time scorer but how many rings??

[MsOutdrs]

Who cares about rings...I just like to watch good old fashioned bball playing.

[King Kong]

Lets not forget about the reason that he bought his wife that 8 carat $4,000,000 dollar purple diamond. Role model?? Not.

[MIKED3323]

I am no Kobe fan i can't stand the guy. He does have skills tho, he is not MJ and he is not a team player, but i have seen both him and Lebron both pass the ball to team mates for plays and the ball gets thrown right back to them time and time again so they just take over.

The main thing i noticed with Jordan (and other great ones) is when he elevated his game to the next level the team followed suit they all got better i dont see that with Kobe or Labron.

[Threemuch]

Originally Posted by 69scout

Unlike Jordan where the attitude was more class than trash.

I am no Kobe fan, but I think alot of you don't really remember Jordan too well. He was the GOAT, but he trash talked non-stop. He was not the picture of a class athelete.

[jimh]

But, really, how can you expect the NBA players, coaches, etc. to make sense when the NBA Finals is basically all of the way til Summer!

[Steelhead21]

Originally Posted by Dave G

He will never touch Jordan!!! There was no stopping Jordan. MJ had bad days, who doesn’t. But MJ beat everybody and beat them bad. Oh sure the MJ haters will say "I remember when who ever beat him on some date". Refer to above comment, he had a bad day. But MJ and Chicago on their run(s) could not be beat. MJ and Chicago win three championships in a row. MJ retires, un-retires and they win three more. What has Cry Baby Bryant done? Well.. I’m waiting… he is a slightly above average player that has maintained good health so you always get to hear him crying about something. He has a ring or two, that is good for him he does deserve that much. But even mention him with MJ… PLEASE!!! Compared to MJ he sucks!

I don't if you have checked the stats but Kobe has already beaten Most of Jordans stats and records.

[jimh]

Originally Posted by Steelhead21

I don't if you have checked the stats but Kobe has already beaten Most of Jordans stats and records.

Except that all important stat of championships.

[WaterDog]

The difference is MJ could motivate his teammates to elevate thier play. He made the players around him better. That was easily seen when he came back after he retired. He seemed to have lost a step, but played smarter. Yes, MJ had one hell of a sharp tongue but he had the respect of the his team and coach, and had the game to deserve that respect.

The current generation of players are nothing like the players of the 70's to 90's which is why I don't even follow the NBA any more. I've watched parts of two of the Finals and Kobe is all about highlight films and numbers.

In the end, it's about "the ring" and being the last team standing. Noboby cares who is #2.

[Reel_Big_Fish]

Originally Posted by Steelhead21

I don't if you have checked the stats but Kobe has already beaten Most of Jordans stats and records.

What stats and records would that be?

I know a few, but to say most of them would be a bit of a reach.

[CATCH AND EAT]

In his day Jordan was also looked upon as selfish one man team. The difference was that Jordan was likable, a tad more humble and his team worked to get him the shot. Jordan had game big time and in my mind is still the best player to ever hit the NBA. The man is still so famous he is still selling products as a pitchman. Not many in the NBA other than Barclay and bird have endorsements like that.

Far as Bryant, he is indeed a stellar talent. Not even close to the best to play in the NBA but in the top 10 percent for sure. He tends to be selfish on the court at times when the Lakers are behind.

For the most part He just comes across as an arrogant crybag. Lakers would not be where they are right now without Pau Gasol period. That man can play.

[Perfectcast]

Like said above Kobe is not humble he doesn't care for his team mates. He probably wishes that his team consisted of 5 kobe byrant's. He is a great player but will never reach jordan status

[Queeg]

exactly. Selfishness, lack of humility and the whole fan-****** episode doesn't help.

[Ken Drifter]

Originally Posted by kevin king

Lets not forget about the reason that he bought his wife that 8 carat $4,000,000 dollar purple diamond. Role model?? Not.

Bingo !

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by Ken Drifter

Bingo !

lol,

I think he probably learned his lesson on that one. He got railroaded.

[Dave G]

Originally Posted by jimh

Except that all important stat of championships.

Rings!!! That is what it is all about. Having records are nice, but MJ has rings.

[flapbreaker]

Jordan motivated his teamates by having an outstanding work ethic. That includes practice. Kobe has an aire of superiority that shows through when he barks at his teamates when they screw up. He got after Gasol after he missed kobe's pass. It never occured to Kobe that he could of made a bad pass. Teamates will respond to your barking if you have their respect. It does appear that Kobe has tried to be more of a teamate this year than any other year but I still don't think he can help himself in the arrogance department.

[Lucky Guy]

Like most kids you have to know the parents to really understand them. If any of you have had the misfortune to be involved with Kobe's father you'd know why Kobe is the way he is.

[No Fences]

Is Kobe a great player? Yes.
The best ever? No.
Does he heave a chip on his shoulder? Big one.
Will they win this years ring? No way. The NBA clearly wants Boston to win. Just pay attention to the officiating.

[flapbreaker]

Originally Posted by Rob Kaiser

The NBA clearly wants Boston to win. Just pay attention to the officiating.

It's funny you say that because I actually think the refs let the lakers slap the offensive players to death, especially in the first quarters. Very aggresive defense and most certainly fouling the whole time.

[HntnFsh]

Originally Posted by flapbreaker

It's funny you say that because I actually think the refs let the lakers slap the offensive players to death, especially in the first quarters. Very aggresive defense and most certainly fouling the whole time.

I agree.The Lakers looked like muggers a few times.There have been times where the officiating was very lopsisded for both teams.But I think its favored the Lakers mor than the Celtics by a wide margin.

After tonight the Celtics will have the trophy and it wont matter anymore.

Go Celtics!!!!

[Dave G]

Down 23 at half, time for Kobe to make it happen. NOT!!!!!

[HntnFsh]

Kobe was awesome.... for about 5 minutes!!!

[Flat Lander]

He is the MVP and maybe he deserves it but I really hate that award because I think it has become an award for monetary value more than sportmanship and leadership value. I am not sure what the criteria for the award is but I wish they would change it. In my opinion there is no way that a person like Kobe should win this award. Kobe is selfish and a jerk on the court and a total loser off the court.

[bluehewes]

Originally Posted by Flat Lander

He is the MVP and maybe he deserves it but I really hate that award because I think it has become an award for monetary value more than sportmanship and leadership value. I am not sure what the criteria for the award is but I wish they would change it. In my opinion there is no way that a person like Kobe should win this award. Kobe is selfish and a jerk on the court and a total loser off the court.

I think Chris Paul should of got the award hands down he did more for his team and he's a stand up guy on and off the court!

A better compairson for KB would be Scotty Pippin, even at that Scotty is a better player.

I'm sure KB does care what people think about him.
I'm sure if MJ had the same supporting cast as KB, he wouldn't of lost a game deciding finals game by 39 pts.