A Different Kobe...

[spree2kawhi]

you are the one in fear dude, not kobe. count on it.

[fareweatherfan]

you are the one in fear dude, not kobe. count on it.

don't bother...its these fans that gave me the idea for my user ID...so many damn supposed laker (and I last time I checked that included Kobe) fans talking ish and not sticking by the guy when he's giving us everything he has through a broken damn finger.

[dula14]

Whoa, everybody take a deep breath and remember we are all - in the end - Lakers fans. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

OP, while I do think your opinions are well thought out and have some merit, I would have to disagree with your assessment. I see no fear, doubt or retreat in Kobe. To the contrary, I actually see the same old arrogant SOB that was flat out the best player in the league before this season.

What I see is a Kobe whose body has failed him this season for the first time in his career. Given Kobe's current physical ailments, I would actually like to see a little retreat. IMO, one of the biggest issues this season has been Kobe's inability to accept that he isn't the player he was last year.

Game 3 was a perfect example of Kobe's refusal to give up his alpha dog status on this Laker team. He had 8 more shots (29) than Gasol and Bynum combined (21) making only 10 of them while the aforementioned big men made 13. This has been a pattern played out way too often this season (as I'm sure Pau Gasol would attest to).

I'm not ready to say that this is the Kobe we will see the reminder of his career, but it's clear that the injuries have limited him severely this season. I actually believe Kobe will be back stronger next season after taking care of his various injuries this summer. We all know how hard he works and I believe there will be extra motivation this off-season with all the talk of his imminent demise. Unfortunately, he may not be able to be the Kobe of old physically in these playoffs.

[BlazersRizing]

interesting thread. I was wondering how Lakers felt about Kobe now too.

does anyone still think of Kobe as the obvious #1 player in the league anymore, even Lakers fans?

IMO, it's getting hard to argue it anymore from watching him play. the only real argument for it is the rings. but it's a team sport and Kobe has numerous advantages on the other top players in the league with his all-star cast and hall of fame coach. just my 2 cents though.

[fareweatherfan]

Is there a way to bump this ridiclous thread up to the main page? I'd love to hear the flip-floppers now.

[Tee212]

lol seriously now what? broken finger kobe is back in the post abusing mofos.

[Magicontinues]

does anyone still think of Kobe as the obvious #1 player in the league anymore, even Lakers fans?

If Kobe wins a ring this year, I'd say it would be hard to argue he's not STILL the best player in the league. Lebron losing like he has to the Celtics last night shows he still may not be ready to be the man.

[Mamba Venom]

Kobe stay pissed and show everyone you are still the best. They say Dwight has more impact than you (who said that).... um the Suns, Magic & Celtics those fers

[JimMurray]

As the originator of this thread I would just like to say that I still believe Kobe had fear in his eyes after game 4. I also believe that fear spawned his string of 6 Kobe like performances, and it is that fear that makes him Kobe, and it is that fear that continues to makes him the best player in the game. Regular season be damned....in the playoffs, give me Kobe...at at least 90%

[Tee212]

Cant ! you said he admitted his fears so hes no longer the same.

[fareweatherfan]

bump...for a good laugh.

[Optms]

As the originator of this thread I would just like to say that I still believe Kobe had fear in his eyes after game 4. I also believe that fear spawned his string of 6 Kobe like performances, and it is that fear that makes him Kobe, and it is that fear that continues to makes him the best player in the game. Regular season be damned....in the playoffs, give me Kobe...at at least 90%

Bryant must have saw your thread. There can be no other explanation for this random case of fear that was spoken of subsiding into teh fluffy clouds. Good job. We solute you. ;o

[dockingsched]

no need to bump threads.