Why is LBJ so loved and Kobe so hated?

cbrown32 · Post #1 » by **cbrown32** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 3:16 am

Of course millions of people all over the world are huge fans of Kobe Bryant, but at the same time, there are just about as many that HATE Kobe. In Lebrons case, EVERYONE loves him...he's in tons of commercials, everyone damn near gave him the MVP before the season even started, its like the NBA and the rest of the world are on their knees for "King" Lebron. Kobe never got this reaction. Even after winning 3 championships. Since the beginning of his career people have been nitpicking at Kobe's career and personal life. I've come up with a theory about why so many people have been so hard on Kobe.

Kobe came in as the closest thing anybody's ever seen to MJ, and nobody was ready to see that. Nobody wanted to believe that anybody would ever be as good as Mike. He was a god. Once the comparisons started flying about Kobe and MJ, the Kobe-haters came out. For god sakes MJ was still in the league when Kobe was drafted. So when all the Shaq drama started early in Kobe's career, where did all the blame go? ON KOBE (Look at how many times Shaq has stirred s**t up, he's an attention whore). My point is, Kobe came into the league against all odds. Everybody still wanted to watch Jordan, not some cocky 18 yr old kid. Then the Shaq fights, rape allegations, etc. didn't help Kobe's case at all.

Lebron came in when Tim Duncan and KG were winning MVPs...the NBA DESPERATELY needed a guard to come in and be it's savior. Someone to be Kobe's rival. Everyone realized after seeing Kobe, that players really are just going to keep getting better. Now that they've accepted that, and now that the Jordan era has been over for a while, people are ready for a new king of the NBA. Timing is the only reason people hate Kobe, and a big reason why so many people love LBJ.

Feel free to argue/post opinions respectfully

aussie_laker · Post #2 » by **aussie_laker** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 3:25 am

cbrown32 wrote:Timing is the only reason people hate Kobe, and a big reason why so many people love LBJ.
Feel free to argue/post opinions respectfully

100% correct - Its always the same after a great champion retires - the next champion will never get the credit they deserve, but the 'next next' champion will most likely get more than they deserve

magic1fan · Post #3 » by **magic1fan** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 3:37 am

i don't think kobe is hated. it's just that the league likes new blood. especially when a player is as good as lebron james...lebrons shine does not tarnish kobe's shine imo...if anything it just makes the league better...

Dr Aki · Post #4 » by **Dr Aki** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 3:41 am

cos kobe has never been the lovable media type, add to that colorado, "chasing shaq outta town" and "tearing out philly's heart" and you have the most polarising figure in the NBA

there are double standards for him that apply to no-one else, ppl can hate him as a person, and they can hate on him for doing his thing against their team, but when kobe's retired, theyll all reflect on what a killer/assassin/stepping on your throat guy he was

but we dont care about the hate, so long as he doing it for the lakers

RamonSessions7 · Post #5 » by **RamonSessions7** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 3:43 am

I think LeBron will continue to be loved by a younger crowd just starting to watch the NBA, but once he wins a championship or two, he will become hated by the usual "haters". Also because the Lakers, like the Yankees, Cowboys, and Celtics, are generally hated for past success, especially when they are also currently succesful.

fareweatherfan · Post #6 » by **fareweatherfan** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 4:22 am

Perception is reality. Lebron is ACTUALLY more "hated" than Kobe around the country and the world.

But

Perception is reality.

And

The NBA is masterful at creating perception.

SuigintouEV · Post #7 » by **SuigintouEV** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 4:33 am

Because Kobe is considered to be the best scorer in the NBA, when he just doesn't get into the paint nearly as much as the younger guys, and doesn't defend with the same energy, either. Lebron dominates game by being unstoppable going to the rim (Jordan) while Kobe dominates by hitting tough jump shots (Bird). That's the parallel I see, and the rest of the world is seeing why Lebron is already on another level, but think it's ridiculous that kobe's still getting that sort of recognition based on once being the best in the league. At some points you just have to admit that even prime Bird wasn't Jordan, even if he was close, there were things that separated them, this is kind of the same thing. It's just irritating to see him continue to be put on an echelon that he's not, and that IS NOT a slight to him.

Oh crap am I on the Lakers forum my bad sorry you guys I didn't mean to say any of that Kobe is the best player in the league I don't understand why people hate on him.

AceFresh · Post #8 » by **AceFresh** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 4:48 am

My opinion,

I think people hate him for various reasons
one because they think he's selfish (goes back to the ballhog label)
Then you take the Colorado case and that definitely angers people, adultery or rape they're both wrong.
You can also justify the hatred on his past from the NBA perspective.
(Arguments with Shaq)(Disagreement with Phil) (Demanding Bynum to be traded)
Next people may hate him because of the things he does to their team/player.
Stardom and talent comes w/ consequences too.
"The reason you got haters is because you're on top"-Nas

Anyways I love KB, [nh] and I hope he can get that 4th ring with the squad this year.

magic1fan · Post #9 » by **magic1fan** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 5:05 am

SuigintouEV wrote:Because Kobe is considered to be the best scorer in the NBA, when he just doesn't get into the paint nearly as much as the younger guys, and doesn't defend with the same energy, either. Lebron dominates game by being unstoppable going to the rim (Jordan) while Kobe dominates by hitting tough jump shots (Bird). That's the parallel I see, and the rest of the world is seeing why Lebron is already on another level, but think it's ridiculous that kobe's still getting that sort of recognition based on once being the best in the league. At some points you just have to admit that even prime Bird wasn't Jordan, even if he was close, there were things that separated them, this is kind of the same thing. It's just irritating to see him continue to be put on an echelon that he's not, and that IS NOT a slight to him.

Oh crap am I on the Lakers forum my bad sorry you guys I didn't mean to say any of that Kobe is the best player in the league I don't understand why people hate on him.

lol at this lame post. kobe is not hated by players or coaches...most fans hate him because either their fans were chanting mvp for him in their arena or because of what he has done to their team at one time or another... kobe might not go to the hole as much as some of us laker fans would like but he has shown that when he wants to get there he can get there just as easy as anyone else. kobe's defense is not always on,but he has shown once again that when he faces the guys he respects he can be a great defender. to bad he takes it easy on no name guys...

lakerz12 · Post #10 » by **lakerz12** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 5:14 am

I think you make some good points about the timing Cbrown and I also agree with Acefresh about it being a combination of things.

Also, one point to consider is perhaps there are many who hate Kobe because there are many of us who absolutely love him. If you aren't a Laker fan and you hang out with any Laker fan, you will probably grow to hate Kobe just to balance it out.

He also plays on a team like the Lakers whose best player is going to be hated by rivaling teams and fans. He's a big target. Lebron emerged on this obscure Cleveland team where he could really thrive personally, with all the attention on him, not any distractions or pre-existing haters.

Also, Kobe has been around a lot longer so the sides on liking/disliking him have had a long time to form and polarize based on how he has affected everyone's interests. Lebron is simply this amazing athlete who everyone has awed at and had no reason to get mad at yet.

kevin_405 · Post #11 » by **kevin_405** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 5:34 am

Kobe =
Born with a silver spoon
Spoiled child syndrome..

Lebron =
Cinderella story , Rags to riches..
Most talented NBA player after MJ, Some say could even surpass MJ in talent..

Lebron is miles ahead of Kobe in terms of basketball game and basketball IQ..

Kobe is hated for his own doing.. Lebron is loved for the way he plays the game.. Watch a few cavs game and u will realize how much Lebron does for the team...

lakersfanatic · Post #12 » by **lakersfanatic** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 5:36 am

Let's face it guys.. this is the guys version of Soap Operas and the media loves it. Plus, im pretty sure the NBA organization loves it as well. The more press they bring in, the more $$$ they bring in.

The reason why i like Kobe so much is because he knows how to give us a show. Plus nobodys' perfect. I can relate to Kobe more than to LBJ. They make LBJ too perfect and of course there has to be the one person to compare to. hehe. Like Mr. Jordan. If you think about it.. it's always been kobe some how hehe.. Kobe vs. Shaq, Kobe vs Pierce, Kobe vs. CP3, Kobe vs. LBJ. hehe

Well i will always be on Kobes' side... the guy brought us 3 rings... and more to come.

magic1fan · Post #13 » by **magic1fan** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 6:08 am

kevin_405 wrote:Kobe =
Born with a silver spoon
Spoiled child syndrome..

Lebron =
Cinderella story , Rags to riches..
Most talented NBA player after MJ, Some say could even surpass MJ in talent..

Lebron is miles ahead of Kobe in terms of basketball game and basketball IQ..

Kobe is hated for his own doing.. Lebron is loved for the way he plays the game.. Watch a few cavs game and u will realize how much Lebron does for the team...

lol,and then you woke up from your lebron james rags to riches dream...how was lebron rags to riches when he was driving a h2 hummer to high school? he had an 80 million dollar contract before he even graduated. lebron is great,and will go down as one of the best,but let's be real here. he has been crowned king and he has not done anything except put up some nice fantasy stats. kobe is not hated by players,he is respected which is all you can ask for. only a hand full of these guys actually hang out with eachother. look around the league and the world as far as fans go and tell me kobe is really hated...he has fans in almost every road gym he goes to. in japan kobe was clearly the star even after nike pushed lebron hard...

SashAlex · Post #14 » by **SashAlex** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 7:27 am

SuigintouEV wrote:Because Kobe is considered to be the best scorer in the NBA, when he just doesn't get into the paint nearly as much as the younger guys, and doesn't defend with the same energy, either. Lebron dominates game by being unstoppable going to the rim (Jordan) while Kobe dominates by hitting tough jump shots (Bird). That's the parallel I see, and the rest of the world is seeing why Lebron is already on another level, but think it's ridiculous that kobe's still getting that sort of recognition based on once being the best in the league. At some points you just have to admit that even prime Bird wasn't Jordan, even if he was close, there were things that separated them, this is kind of the same thing. It's just irritating to see him continue to be put on an echelon that he's not, and that IS NOT a slight to him.

Oh crap am I on the Lakers forum my bad sorry you guys I didn't mean to say any of that Kobe is the best player in the league I don't understand why people hate on him.

Is your brain OK ? :lol:

realfung · Post #15 » by **realfung** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 7:43 am

cause Kobe won MVP last year and people like new stuff.

pistons_own · Post #16 » by **pistons_own** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 11:56 am

all great players are hated,
lebron is hated too, just depends where your looking

Post #17 » by **snaquille oatmeal** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 12:33 pm

SuigintouEV wrote:Because Kobe is considered to be the best scorer in the NBA, when he just doesn't get into the paint nearly as much as the younger guys, and doesn't defend with the same energy, either. Lebron dominates game by being unstoppable going to the rim (Jordan) while Kobe dominates by hitting tough jump shots (Bird). That's the parallel I see, and the rest of the world is seeing why Lebron is already on another level, but think it's ridiculous that kobe's still getting that sort of recognition based on once being the best in the league. At some points you just have to admit that even prime Bird wasn't Jordan, even if he was close, there were things that separated them, this is kind of the same thing. It's just irritating to see him continue to be put on an echelon that he's not, and that IS NOT a slight to him.

Oh crap am I on the Lakers forum my bad sorry you guys I didn't mean to say any of that Kobe is the best player in the league I don't understand why people hate on him.

this post made me laugh. it is funny that some consider Kobe to be out of his prime. he still has 3 or 4 years to go in his prime. what people fail to realize is that Kobe does not need to do as much as Lebron does. if Kobe had to he would put out better numbers than he is putting out now and his season would be considered just as amazing if not more amazing than Lebrons, but apperantly people only remember this argument when they try to elevate Lebrons credencials and insist that Lebron deserves the MVP because Kobe has better talent around him than Lebron has with the Cavs.

Post #18 » by **crazyeights** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 1:39 pm

kevin_405 wrote:Kobe =
Born with a silver spoon
Spoiled child syndrome..

Lebron =
Cinderella story , Rags to riches..
Most talented NBA player after MJ, Some say could even surpass MJ in talent..

Lebron is miles ahead of Kobe in terms of basketball game and basketball IQ..

Kobe is hated for his own doing.. Lebron is loved for the way he plays the game.. Watch a few cavs game and u will realize how much Lebron does for the team...

LBJ miles ahead in basketball IQ? Really now?

You need to keep posting on here man, I have a good laugh quite a bit.

FLIPT · Post #19 » by **FLIPT** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 2:06 pm

The Lakers have always been the bad guys.then u look at Kobe is cocky,and actually great.people wanna hate kobe but trust me we lead the league AGAIN in road attendance.last minutes of the olympics wrapped the year up as far as who has the torch.I think bodywise lebron should dominate Kobe everytime they play but he's afraid of kobe my try and drop 50 on him.he knows kobe is a killer.Wade has more of a killer than lebron,he goes at kobe.

kevin_405 · Post #20 » by **kevin_405** » Tue Apr 7, 2009 2:42 pm

Kobe was born into a relatively well off stable family with basketball connections..

Lebrons mom was a single mom living off social security for a while.. he was living with foster parents.. his father is a excon..

How many people come up in life with that kind of background.. By the time he was nearing the end of his high school career he knew he had made it as sponsers,nba recruits and the media were lining up for him.. But even to get to that point in his life without screwing up was a big achievement in itself.. If u have never seen a project u would never understand how difficult it is to grow up in such an environment

What lebron james has achieved in spite of his background should be a role model to many... Cant say the same about kobes background and his conduct after that.. esp things like screwing 76ers in the draft.. his open battles with his team mates and coach..

magic1fan wrote:
kevin_405 wrote:Kobe =
Born with a silver spoon
Spoiled child syndrome..

Lebron =
Cinderella story , Rags to riches..
Most talented NBA player after MJ, Some say could even surpass MJ in talent..

Lebron is miles ahead of Kobe in terms of basketball game and basketball IQ..

Kobe is hated for his own doing.. Lebron is loved for the way he plays the game.. Watch a few cavs game and u will realize how much Lebron does for the team...

lol,and then you woke up from your lebron james rags to riches dream...how was lebron rags to riches when he was driving a h2 hummer to high school? he had an 80 million dollar contract before he even graduated. lebron is great,and will go down as one of the best,but let's be real here. he has been crowned king and he has not done anything except put up some nice fantasy stats. kobe is not hated by players,he is respected which is all you can ask for. only a hand full of these guys actually hang out with eachother. look around the league and the world as far as fans go and tell me kobe is really hated...he has fans in almost every road gym he goes to. in japan kobe was clearly the star even after nike pushed lebron hard...