Kobe Fade

I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel right now. Having just watched Kobe Bryant, a man at the pinnacle of his career, at what may his lowest point ever. Last night, the Lakers took on the Jazz. Preseason scores couldn’t mean less but it was Kobe’s demeanor that said a whole lot.

That’s it in my opinion. It’s over. Kobe will force his way out of LA sooner rather than later. He sulked and pouted to a 4-of-16 performance, rarely able to look at his “unworthy” teammates. He missed jams, made cuts with no purpose and threw up an uncontested air ball from inside the 3 point arc. The best player in the game was wide left by a good foot on a jump shot he hasn’t missed since Allan Houston was a relevant NBA player.

Everything has caught up to him. Watching him mope around reminded me of Vince Carter whining his way out of Toronto. This, however, is different. Every front office employee knows Kobe remains the best in the game while some worried that Carter was done. The Lakers will receive talent in return for one of the greatest ever. Unlike the Raptors, the Lakers appear willing to wait for a viable offer.

When Kobe commenced his number 24 era at the beginning of the ‘06-’07 season, he was ready to start the climb of reaching Michael Jordan at the peak. Now, at the age of 29, Kobe will not allow Owner Jerry Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak to stop him in his quest. Wilt Chamberlain did it, Shaquille O’Neal did it, Allen Iverson did it, Kevin Garnett even did it, but no one ever bitched and complained about getting out as much as Kobe.

That’s why I have trouble looking at Kobe the way he should be admired. He has one of the most special skill sets ever, yet his attitude and history keep us from loving him. Maybe a fresh start will erase the negatives from our minds, or maybe he’ll carry a Barry Bonds type legacy in to retirement. He escaped the lack of love that goes along with rape charges but this cry baby phase will surely resonate with fans a whole lot longer.

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By Tas Melas at 2:06 pm on 10.24.2007 — Tags: Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Superstars

Comments

8 Responses to “Kobe Fade”

  1. MC Welk at 2:19 pm on 10.24.2007

    Yeah, but how ’bout the Jazz?

  2. Brian at 2:53 pm on 10.24.2007

    Considering where he was post-rape trial, Kobe is doing pretty good. I’d rather have people acknowledging that my desire to win is the cause of my discontent/distraction rather than my desire to have sex with not-my-wife in hotel rooms.

  3. George at 3:52 pm on 10.24.2007

    Indeed, he did not appear to be a happy camper at all as the Lakers looked like pre season trash against the Jazz. But, in the games before when they blew out the Sonics and Bobcats, Kobe was rolling in laughter on the bench, and saying afterwards how he really enjoys his teammates.

    Either Kobe takes the “what have you done for me lately” sentiment to new extremes, or this analysis is best suited to be shelved until the real games begin to unfold. And perhaps when Lamar Odom comes back.

    Oh, and the Jazz looked scary, and solid, but please trade Kirilenko. Talk about a career that would flourish in a new city.

  4. Chris Clarke at 4:21 pm on 10.24.2007

    Shooting 4-for-16 will do that - if he shows those same signs during a Laker win and a good shooting night, then I’ll worry.

  5. RimCheck at 10:34 pm on 10.24.2007

    Is there any doubt that KoMe Bryant is the most selfish athlete today? I think it’s safe to say Kobe was in support of the Lakers moving forward without Shaq. He wanted to be the alpha male. He wanted to lead his franchise to a title and bask in all the accolades associated with it. As the franchise he helped shape begins to unravel, what does he do? Does he dig in and work towards achieving his goal? Nope. He’s the first one to bail. Nothing like the Captain jumping off the ship first.

  6. Murphs at 11:59 am on 10.25.2007

    AH got a mention!! WOOT!

  7. HoopsBlogging - Hoops Analysis, Fantasy Tips, and More! » Blog Archive » Bling Blogs - Sulking Kobe and the Mildly Sore Wrist at 2:48 pm on 10.25.2007

    […] Kobe Bryant moped around the court in the least inspiring game of his professional career (The Basketball Jones). […]

  8. Alex at 7:55 pm on 10.25.2007

    i dont think i can watch another lakers game with all this drama going on

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