Kobe on Melo

[HixNixKnicksTix]

Kobe Bryant described a conversation he had with Anthony over the summer as teammates on the United States' Olympic team.

“You know he and I are good friends,” said Bryant. “We talked when we were together for the Olympic team. I think last year it was very tough for him because he was criticized a lot for shooting and for playing the way that he likes to play. Then the whole Linsanity thing happened and everybody said, 'Well, they win better without Melo' and all this nonsense.

"You guys (media) are guilty of it. You guys really put the hammer on him and as a result he kind of got a little gun shy and a little self conscious about things. I just asked him, ‘What the hell are you doing? To hell with them.’ You have to do what you do best and I think the organization put pieces around him that allow him to do that and now you guys all celebrate him for doing what he’s always done. It’s funny. God bless you guys.”

[frogfood]

Kobe, never leaves an opportunity on the table to pat himself on the back. Is this more about Melo or more about him?

edit: Frankly they don't seem like friends at all. Bron, Wade, CP3 are friends. Maybe someone sharing 2 words with Melo was the most genuine interaction Kobe ever had hehe.

[CoolKids]

its true.

[kakaman]

Kobe, never leaves an opportunity on the table to pat himself on the back. Is this more about Melo or more about him?

edit: Frankly they don't seem like friends at all. Bron, Wade, CP3 are friends. Maybe someone sharing 2 words with Melo was the most genuine interaction Kobe ever had hehe.

Kobe and Melo are tight. Kobe's kind of a lone wolf, so he doesn't show it, but he and Melo have always talked about their relationship.

Isn't it weird Kobe's been so raw in his interviews now? I guess he finally realizes the end is near.

[HixNixKnicksTix]

Kobe, never leaves an opportunity on the table to pat himself on the back. Is this more about Melo or more about him?

edit: Frankly they don't seem like friends at all. Bron, Wade, CP3 are friends. Maybe someone sharing 2 words with Melo was the most genuine interaction Kobe ever had hehe.

Agreed. I bet he played up his friendship to make his observations more legit.

[TheGarden]

Kobe really respects Carmelo mainly because they've met in the playoffs I think 3 times and played together for Team USA. He's seen him grow and see's a lot of himself in Carmelo's game. If you watch Carmelo you see his approach has become Kobe like that scowl after a big shot and the defense he's playing.

[HixNixKnicksTix]

Kobe, never leaves an opportunity on the table to pat himself on the back. Is this more about Melo or more about him?

edit: Frankly they don't seem like friends at all. Bron, Wade, CP3 are friends. Maybe someone sharing 2 words with Melo was the most genuine interaction Kobe ever had hehe.

Kobe and Melo are tight. Kobe's kind of a lone wolf, so he doesn't show it, but he and Melo have always talked about their relationship.

Isn't it weird Kobe's been so raw in his interviews now? I guess he finally realizes the end is near.

Oh, Kobe and Melo are genuinely close buds? I never noticed other than being teammates on team USA.

Good observation on Kobe not holding back in his interviews. It's gotta be hard to look toward next season (possible final season) after this disappointing one. *(yes...i've already written off the lakers)

[blue and orange]

Kobe is the only guy I respect on that Lakers team, and he is the only one with that competitive fire and drive to win, its not easy when you have been the man for so long knowing the end is near.

I think Kobe knows what it is like to be in Melo's shoes, the media goes after Kobe just like they go after Melo. Kobe was right in what he says forget what people think just be you.

[blumatic]

In 2008Kobe said the person he grew closest to in China was Melo. I dont think either texts each other all day but there is a genuine connection. U can see it during all star games and when the Lakers and Knicks meet.

[frogfood]

What he said wasn't wrong. It's just Kobe being Kobe where every interview now he's either overly dramatic, self-aggrandizing or spiteful.

Let's look at the few instances Kobe brought up Melo in the past few: each time he's letting everyone know he is his big brother starting from the ASG pre trade. In this case, he's talking like HE was the impetus to push Melo to the next level which I find a tad insulting.

@Blumatic: Notice how all of these stories only come from Kobe...

[frogfood]

Kobe and Melo are tight. Kobe's kind of a lone wolf, so he doesn't show it, but he and Melo have always talked about their relationship.

I don't think you know what tight means. Was Kobe at Melo's wedding?

[truth serum]

I love it. Good chit, Kobe.

[kakaman]

Kobe and Melo are tight. Kobe's kind of a lone wolf, so he doesn't show it, but he and Melo have always talked about their relationship.

I don't think you know what tight means. Was Kobe at Melo's wedding?

Was JR Smith at the wedding? Who knows, maybe Kobe had another engagement. Kobe's old, he doesn't have the same type of relationship that Lebron/Melo do, but from all accounts they are good friends.

[camillepd]

I like Kobe a lot and he really wants to win, plays with a lot of pride. I know he is getting up there in age, but I wonder if the Lakers would be willing to "blow it up" and trade Kobe. Give him a chance to win a title. How about Shump and Amare for Kobe? Would you do that? Would LA?

[tim2nyy]

Kobe spittin' truth.