I’ve been noticing a ton of articles about Bryant and his requests to be traded since the Lakers first round exit in the 2007 NBA playoffs. I’m a big fan of Kobe, and I respect his game and work ethic very much, but his character off the court has always been a subject of discussion.
Although some people have labeled him as a cheat selfish ball hog, I prefer not to place judgement on Kobe solely on what the newspapers and media write. In my eyes, he’s the best basketball player in the game right now, and as huge fan of the sport in general, what I’ve seen from Kobe on court is unreal. The man has the skill set, athleticism, and drive to win that we haven’t seen since the days of MJ and his Bulls. But enough about all that. This post was written from a concerned Laker fan who wants to know whats really going on with his beloved Laker organization.
I really want to know are what Kobe’s intentions are. Does Kobe really want to go or is he just trying to shake up the team? We had chances at guys like Boozer, Kidd, and Davis but the Lakers refused to part with players or pay luxury taxes so trades fell through the floor. Kobe’s frustration with the Laker management is very evident in the interviews I’ve listened to and on his blog he has posted on his site. Are things really going this bad behind the scenes? What are the Buss’s plans for the future?
I’ve always considered myself a Laker fan first and a “player” fan second. If Kobe is traded, I’d definitely still follow and cheer for the team he is on, but if he was up against the Lakers, I’d choose the Purple and Gold to beat him every time. I’d hate to do it, but I’ve been a Laker fan for so long, cheering for anyone to beat my Lakers would be a betrayal.
I guess this is what it all boils down to. We Laker fans want to know the truth. We have the right to know what’s really going on. We fill the seats, we pay the salaries, we support the team. I’m so tired of reading rumors and trade scenarios and I simply want to know the truth. Will Kobe be with the Lakers next season? Will Buss make the moves needed to make our team a championship contender again? What did Buss promise Kobe that he did not fulfill?
I’m not a Lakers fan, but I can understand why others might be, considering the history, etc.
But, I’ve never been able to comprehend why anyone would be a Kobe Bryant fan. If anyone is the poster boy for the new breed of “me first” prima donna NBA player, it’s Kobe. I can’t respect a player who has been involved in some of his extracurricular activities. And I can’t root for a player who can’t even earn the respect of his own teammates.
Kobe is the anti Tim Duncan. Which, all things considered, is the worst insult possible.
Kobe’s allure is his TALENT. Who can deny what the man has done on the court. He’s a beast. His work ethic, his skillset, his fundamentals are unmatched in the NBA. Thats why many people are fans of Kobe Bryant.
It has little to do with his outside life, his personal vendettas, or his attitude.
As a fan of basketball, you have to be IMPRESSED with the talent the man has. Its undeniable.
Now if it comes to personal life, then thats an entire different story. But here we are talking talent on the court.
My point is that I can’t understand why anyone would be a “fan” of Kobe. I can recognize his talent without admiring his selfish style of play or lack of leadership qualities. On the court. The off the court stuff just makes it worse.
I respect the talent of some of my co-workers. Doesn’t mean I like them…haha.
Thats where being a “FAN” stops. At least for me. On the floor his is my absolute favorite player. I just love watching the guy play. You turn your back and you might miss something. Everything else.. bleh…..
Personally, I admire Kobe’s talent and basketball skills but I don’t consider myself a fan.
The only team I’ll ever be a fan of is the Chicago Bulls during MJ’s era. Now, I only follow games of players like Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant. The team I enjoy watching now is the Phoenix Suns because of their uptempo type of game which is fun and exciting to wacth. :)