Kobe not on Laker bench during last game in the Staple Cente

[myersia]

It's Kobe being Kobe. Is this really a surprise to anyone? It's clear he wants nothing to do with this years team and doesn't want anyone remembering this season in regards to his career. Not a big deal given the season and dip in attendance.

[LLcoleJ]

But how do we know he didn't actually have a migrane?

Don't matter. It wasn't Kobe's night or year and there is no reason for him to speak to " make the fans feel good".

Kobe is under contract for the next 2 seasons and it's on him to prove he can carry this team, next year.

The FO is under the gun to turn this team around and or the right direction or whatever, next year.

This Laker team that had played all year long and a bunch of fringe guys on 1 year deals played their heart out for this org. this year... let them have their night by the guy who lead this team, this year.

Based on all of that, Swaggy should have had his moment as a Laker and a Laker fan to preach to the fans regardless of Kobe and in some regards in spite of him.

It is what it is. Let this Laker bunch have their time and let the others guys have a chance to prove themselves ( Kobe, FO) when they can, next year.

[DEEP3CL]

This is going over a lot of heads, Kobe not being there just further enforces the fact he's not down with MDA. Plus by being injured he had no commitment to be there anyway, it's at the players discretion.

[One Love]

"I had a 9 year old show up to support his fellow all stars at a little league baseball game on crutches"...

Respect your teammates & the game...

[myersia]

Had the strangest dream last night Kobe forced a trade to the Knicks. Lakers agreed to send Kobe to NY for Amare, Tim Hardaway Jr.. and Shump. We got the # 3 pick and drafted Embiid. Knicks signed Odom and resigned Melo and Phil took over as coach while keeping his current position. Remember this was just a dream and is HIGHLY UNLIKELY but made me wonder about Kobe's current relationship with the Knicks and all of his buds (Melo, possibly Odom, and Phil) going to NY. That team in the East has a shot. Could be an interesting off-season.

[Slava]

If it was 2008 Odom & kobe, yes! I wouldn't say no to that trade though, we could even buy out Amare and bring Pau back.

[myersia]

If it was 2008 Odom & kobe, yes! I wouldn't say no to that trade though, we could even buy out Amare and bring Pau back.

Call me crazy but I really wonder if Kobe has considered leaving. Jim is a lot different than Jerry. Had Jerry not been alive during Kobe's demand, would Kobe still be a laker? In addition, I don't ever remember Mitch being as stern as he was when he said "Kobe will continue to voice his displeasure but there's nothing he can do about it" speech.

[Kilroy]

Kobe would be an idiot to leave. It would be a terrible financial move as well as a terrible move for his legacy.

It wouldn't shock me if he did, because I don't think he fully understands how much of his reputation is based on him playing in LA his entire career... But it would still be a stupid move on his part.

[myersia]

Kobe would be an idiot to leave. It would be a terrible financial move as well as a terrible move for his legacy.

It wouldn't shock me if he did, because I don't think he fully understands how much of his reputation is based on him playing in LA his entire career... But it would still be a stupid move on his part.

Agreed. But this is hot headed impulsive Kobe we are talking about.

[Sofa King]

I think he was scheduled to make the annual appreciation speech to the crowd but for whatever reason didn't show up. Ended up being nick young making the speech.

He was but supposedly he missed it because he had a migraine.

SportsCenter ‏@SportsCenter 16h

Kobe Bryant did not address fans at Staples Center tonight. He missed his planned appearance due to a migraine.

Migraines are Hollywood talk for I don't give a ****.

[RJM]

What's the significance of the final game of a lottery season? Did he have to be there? He's missed games all year, not even sitting on the bench. Is it really worth bashing him over this game? Who cares? It's going to be a good summer. Worry about that instead.

[dockingsched]

Kobe's already in France on vacation

[ak7]

Kobe's already in France on vacation

Heh.

Although, I'd rather him vacation while he can't do much, instead of when he's able to hit the head running.

[Slava]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/kobebryant/status/456535854161223680[/tweet]

[Ckay]

Kobe is such an ass

[DwnShft2Xcelr8]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/kobebryant/status/456535854161223680[/tweet]

I guess just barely making the POs is considered epic? Unless the Lakers make a big move this off-season, besides trading a possibly valuable pick for KLove, I don't see how next season will be epic, especially since our main 3 guys (Kobe, Pau, Nash) will be another year older and slower.

[Mirjalovic]

Its too painful for him. i can understand his reasons. Is he selfish ? Yes, but i can understand it.

hopefully he can comeback strong next year and prove everyone wrong about his new contract.

[rand0m]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/kobebryant/status/456535854161223680[/tweet]

I guess just barely making the POs is considered epic? Unless the Lakers make a big move this off-season, besides trading a possibly valuable pick for KLove, I don't see how next season will be epic, especially since our main 3 guys (Kobe, Pau, Nash) will be another year older and slower.

Seeing how DAL, MEM, & PHX duked it out so hard at the end, I don't even see a great outlook making the post season unless we are completely healthy and Kobe comes back strong. As much as I love these guys, it's hard to imagine our defense getting that much better with these 3 old fogies. Certainly not with Pringles at the helm.