Bryant Becomes A Polarizing Figure

[duncan228]

Bryant becomes a polarizing figure (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bryant-jordan-fans-2440224-one-fan)
Love him or hate him? The answer is pretty easy for fans not rooting for the Lakers.
Jeff Miller
The Orange County Register

The chants in Denver last round weren't just filled with passion and resolve but also with hate.

Understandable, given the sexual assault charges Kobe Bryant faced in Colorado in 2003-04.

Without question the events in the nearby town of Eagle have had the greatest impact on a reputation that has been alternately battered and polished, both beyond belief.

But this also is a player who for years has been booed in Philadelphia, not far from where he attended high school.

This also is a player who inspired a haters clubs on the Internet.

This also is a player who once was profiled under the headline "On the Pleasure of Hating Kobe Bryant."

To summarize, Bryant can be viewed as an arrogant, coddled, selfish, disconnected, joyless, ungrateful phony who also very publicly committed adultery.

He once scored 81 points in a game, too, so of course the fans wearing the other jerseys aren't going to like him.

Bryant's clumsy position in basketball lore, however, is better summed up by a single quote, a quote we all have heard.

"I'm a Lakers fan but not a Kobe fan."

You have heard that one, right? From a friend? A co-worker? A spouse? From yourself, perhaps?

Now try to imagine someone in the 1980s saying they were a Lakers fan but not a Magic Johnson fan. The idea is beyond absurd. Consider a person in Boston saying, "I'm a Celtics fan but not a Bird fan." Ridiculous.

Bryant again is on the verge of bringing a championship to the Southland, a championship that would be wrapped in a parade, a lovefest featuring a hero's decoration and an adoring region of fans chanting its devotion to Bryant.

And mixed in that crowd would be people who despise the guy, the one person most responsible for the celebration happening in the first place.

These aren't Yankees fans growing weary of Alex Rodriguez. These aren't 76ers fans waving goodbye to Allen Iverson. These aren't Packers fans adjusting their feelings on Brett Favre.

These are Lakers fans feeling disgust, not just toward one of their own, but toward the biggest of one of their own, a player who never has belonged to anyone but them.

Nothing short of bizarre, this awkward relationship between Bryant and the rest of Lakers world.

Is he a cold, calculating basketball killer or just cold and calculating? Is he the best player since Michael Jordan or just the greatest impersonator of Michael Jordan? Is he the game's most intense competitor or just someone too focused to realize he's being seen as a jerk?

In these NBA Finals, Bryant will face the Orlando Magic, whose Kobe Bryant is named Dwight Howard. Howard smiles a lot and laughs on the court, his attitude considered spontaneous.

He likes to think of himself as being "Superman," adopting the persona of a colorful character out of a kid's comic book.

Bryant prefers the nickname "Black Mamba," likening himself to one of the most feared and deadly snakes on the planet.

For all the things Bryant excels at — basketball, winning, last-second guts — he has failed miserably as an author of his own legend. At times, he seems determined to provide reasons to be disliked.

Jordan was famous for wagging his tongue while making moves. What's Bryant's most recognizable facial expression? That angry glare he shoots at teammates.

Jordan used to grin and shrug at his own brilliance. Bryant mostly scowls and belittles those who can't guard him, meaning pretty much the entire league.

Jordan was viewed as creative, an authentic first. Bryant typically is viewed as a sequel, unable to match the original.

Here's how much the rest of basketball respected Jordan's career: An opponent retired his jersey.

The Miami Heat did so in 2003, a stunning tribute orchestrated by Pat Riley, a man whose bid for more NBA titles was ruined specifically by Jordan.

Could you picture the Utah Jazz retiring Bryant's jersey? The only way the Phoenix Suns would hang a Lakers No. 8 or No. 24 from the rafters is if Bryant were still wearing the thing.

A lot of this is Bryant's own doing, but he hasn't been helped by the timing of his existence. Not long ago, it was much easier to be a myth.

If Jordan were playing today, maybe we'd know more about his gambling. Maybe someone would use their cell phone to shoot video of him blowing through millions.

If Magic Johnson were playing today, maybe we'd see bootleg video of him "making it rain." Or how about video of Larry Bird tipping cows or whatever partying hicks do?

Bryant's jersey is again the No. 1 seller in the NBA. He routinely spends time with less fortunate kids whose only wish in life is to meet him.

Seeing the reaction to Bryant last summer at the Beijing Olympics was startling, a city of nearly 17 million people stopping as one to gawk.

Back home, he could be a champion again as soon as next week, giving Lakers fans everything they want.

To all, another title. To some, another reason to dislike him even more.

[LakeShow]

Good article. :tu

[RsxPiimp]

i think this article dwelled too much on the old kobe.



kobe has been much more accepted after 05-06 season. his nike shoe line is selling better than bron, he's an international icon (much more here in US) and he gets mad love from fans accross the states with mvp chants in virtually all arena. he turned the corner around thats for sure.

[quickerblade]

katelyn faber is lying whore...basically.

[duncan228]

Follow up to column in first post.

Bryant faithful are up in arms (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bryant-kevin-lakers-2448271-kobe-jackson)
Kobe Bryant remains as polarizing as ever and, for this blessing, I am eternally grateful. And there are people who think I don't appreciate him?
Jeff Miller
The Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO- This Web site, on the eve of The Finals, labeled Kobe Bryant the "most polarizing" of sports figures (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/article_2440224.php).

Must be true. As the person who wrote the prickly column below that headline, I since have been called numerous names, most of which can be found at the extreme south end of that pole, the end closest to hell.

This includes a very colorful version of an old standby that arrived via e-mail from someone claiming to be an 80-year-old woman.

You'd think my mother would have better things to do.

In case you've ever wondered why I enjoy writing about Bryant, now you have the answer. He is that rarest of topics, an automatic conversation-starter and, potentially, based on what's written, subscription-stopper.

Simply put, the subject of Kobe Bryant actually is more interesting than Kobe Bryant himself.

And we're talking about a guy who rarely is dull, whether he's setting an opponent's résumé on fire with another 40-point night or being described by one of his delightfully dazzled teammates.

"He's got so much energy," the Lakers' Pau Gasol said Saturday. "I don't know how much he sleeps, but it just feels like he's got so much in him. Sometimes I'm jealous of that because I have to get my rest, and he's got so much power in him."

Here's how much power:

Bryant is so mentally steeled, so tough of mind and spirit his fans evidently feel the need to be sensitive to criticism for him.

That's one of the main reasons the subject of Bryant is so intriguing. His worshipers care more about how he is perceived than he does.

As a topic, this makes him a stick of dynamite. Instead of a match, all that's required for detonation is a discouraging word.

"Wow, Jeff Miller," one of you wrote last week, "for you to write an article like this about such an important part of the team, at a time like this ... Just can't believe you."

Yeah, and look how much my words affected Bryant in Game 1. You guys should just be thankful I'm not ripping Dwight Howard today.

Given that I possess two functioning eyes, I respect Bryant's skills as much as any person can. I've written thousands of words praising him over the past decade. But I'm not going to limit my observations on any athlete to just what's between the out-of-bounds lines. To do so would be — quite literally — shortsighted. It also would become frighteningly boring. So here's another theory sure to excite Bryant's faithful:

You know that habit the Lakers have of failing to show up occasionally for the start of big games?

I believe that can be traced to the collective arrogance of the franchise's dominant personalities — Bryant and Coach Phil Jackson.

Both carry themselves with an air of entitlement that helps make them successful. It is no coincidence that big winners often own big egos.

But that feeling of superiority can get in the way when something like Houston happens. Remember Game 4 in Texas a few weeks ago? By the time Bryant, Jackson and the rest of the Lakers decided effort would be required, the Rockets led, 26-9, and it was too late. This is a younger, more inexperienced Lakers team than past championship contenders. Because of this, everyone is going to follow the leads of Bryant and Jackson.

Bryant came out as alive as ever in Game 1 on Thursday, right? OK, look at the result.

"He's a killer," Jackson said of Bryant on Saturday, on the eve of Game 2. "And he's a guy that's going to take the weak and have no mercy on them."

If you understand sports at all, how can you not appreciate that sentiment? Showing no mercy on the weak … that's the essence of Kobe Bryant on a basketball court.

So what else did you have to say to me last week? Plenty and some of the comments were gems.

"As a Southern California sports writer, you should be a cheerleader for the home team. You are a despicable lowlife."

Sorry, I have to disagree. Southern California already has enough Lakers cheerleaders. They work in radio and television.

"I am now beginning to understand why the printed media is hurrying into oblivion with indecent haste."

That's right. Newspapers are going bankrupt because of negative articles about Kobe Bryant. Seriously, if you think what newspapers have to say about Bryant is bad, I'm guessing you haven't read anything written about him on the Internet.

"I have just told my husband do not bring any more O.C. Registers home if you are on the page. Kevin Deng, I do not mind."

Kevin Deng? I'm guessing you meant Kevin Ding. Or maybe Kevin Dung.

"I am no journalist but, in my humble opinion, it was an effort that has set back the discipline of journalism quite a few decades."

And you're accusing me of overstatement?

"What a sad sack you are…you waisted everyone's time with your kinky column."

"Waisted" everyone's time? Have you been talking to Kevin Deng?

[HarlemHeat37]

I respect what he's doing as a player, and he's obviously one of the best ever..it's very difficult to like him though, and I've noticed that pretty much anybody that isn't a Lakers fan feels the same way..he's probably the least likable guy in NBA history, and probably in the top 5 in sports history IMO..

if he didn't play for the Lakers, his situation would be much different..

[Allanon]

I respect what he's doing as a player, and he's obviously one of the best ever..it's very difficult to like him though, and I've noticed that pretty much anybody that isn't a Lakers fan feels the same way..he's probably the least likable guy in NBA history, and probably in the top 5 in sports history IMO..

if he didn't play for the Lakers, his situation would be much different..

I never liked the old Kobe, although his skill was undeniable.

But over the last two year's he's matured into a likeable fellow I think. The Olympics probably did more for him and his image than anything outside of having kids.

Pre-Olympics Kobe didn't have friends. Now you hear about him, Melo and Dwight being good friends.

Kobe gives props to everybody these days and actually leads his team with a whip and a high five.

[HarlemHeat37]

it's difficult to believe that it's sincere..just the year before, he was melting down through the media and insulting his teammates and his front office..he just comes off as a fake guy, and it doesn't help with the way the media talks about him..

the media tries to make Kobe look better, but they're actually making him more unappealing..I hate Kobe, but I actually get annoyed when Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson keep saying, "Kobe wouldn't have made that pass years ago, but now he trusts his teammates"..that makes him look bad, and it makes him look selfish..that's just one of the many things..

[duncan228]

Kobe, Phil Disagree On Whether Bryant Is A Nice Guy (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090607)
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Kobe Bryant is not a nice guy.

Rather, he is "a killer, a gunslinger, a guy who will take the weak and have no mercy on them. That's one of the things about Kobe. He's a tough character, [though] he's got a real nice demeanor and carries himself very well."

Those were the words Saturday of his coach, Phil Jackson, the guy who has sat on the sidelines and guided Bryant through nine of his 13 NBA seasons, watching him grow through bouts of immaturity, feuds with teammates, scoring binges mixed in with the occasional mysterious drought, and various types of standoffs with the local media, all while coaching him through legions of glorious victories and equally agonizing defeats.

To Jackson, Bryant is nowhere near the same mystery he is to the rest of the world, a player whose mood throughout this postseason has been scrutinized closely, often quizzically.

In the Houston series, in between the times Bryant was yelling to TV analyst Doug Collins: "They can't guard me," you couldn't help but say to yourself: "I'm no lip reader, but I'm pretty sure he has used 16 different variations of a certain curse word."

In Game 1 of this series, it immediately jumped out at colleague J.A. Adande that Kobe brought his game face to the center circle for the opening tip, the first guy out there, "bad man" written all over his focused features. He scored his 40 without yapping, looking as unstoppable as he ever has in a game at this late stage of the postseason.

Afterward, he kept up his recent habit of being borderline morose in his news conference -- he said his daughters had been calling him "Grumpy," a reference to one of the Seven Dwarfs in the Snow White fairy tale, because of his mood lately) -- and observers were struck by how it was such a far cry from the loose Kobe we saw during last season's Finals against Boston, or the even looser Kobe from last summer in Beijing, who was as conversant on off days as he was focused on game days, a byproduct of how genuinely awe-inspired he was by the whole Olympic experience.

His checkered history, his mood swings, and his successes and failures have all fed into the accurate and inaccurate perceptions of Bryant, but the latter was the topic Jackson was asked about on the eve of Game 2 of the NBA Finals:

"What is the biggest misperception people have of Kobe?"

Jackson's answer actually had two parts, the second being that people have the mistaken impression that Bryant is a selfish player: "All of us have a certain amount of ego in this game, and I'm sure no one would doubt that. But he understands what the mood and the temperament of the game is a lot of time, reads the game, knows when he has to carry the thrust of our team a lot and then knows a lot of times if he's got to pull back or sit back and let some other people do what they can do best on the team."

But the first part of Jackson's answer was the richer one, and the story only got better when that comment was relayed to Bryant some 20 minutes later.

"He lied," Bryant said.

(Pardon the interruption, but it seems we have a disagreement between Bryant and Jackson. If this were a tabloid city, we'd suggest the back-page headline: "Kobe: Phil a Liar. Phil: Kobe a killer.")

The follow-up question to Bryant after he said Jackson had lied:

"In your mind, what is the biggest misperception about you?"

"The way I am on the court is the way I am off the court. I'm completely different at home and outside of the Staples Center and here. I think my USA Olympic teammates were up for a pretty big shock, too, this summer. I'd probably say that."

Bryant's Olympic teammates undoubtedly developed a new level of respect for Bryant from witnessing his dedication to his craft, and the workout time he put in, but it was never quite clear exactly how friendly they became with him. (Dwight Howard said last week that he doesn't even think Kobe has his phone number, and LeBron James made a point in Beijing to declare, "I am the leader of this team," as the medal round was commencing.) The younger Team USA players, especially James, also were somewhat stunned by how much more popular Kobe was among the Chinese fans than any of the other Redeem Teamers were.

"Is he a nice guy? Kobe?" Howard said. "Yeah, Kobe is a nice guy, a very nice guy. He's a great team player, one of the hardest-working people you'll ever meet, a good person to be around.

"Sometimes he goes crazy. He starts making unbelievable shots, he plays great defense," Howard said. "When he has that killer-instinct look, you probably seen it last game, it is a sight to see."

Given the emotional swings over the course of his career, much of the mood measuring and tea-leaf reading of Bryant is a product of his own making, the kind of thing that snowballs when he spends two weeks giving short, clipped answers to most every question thrown his way, then plays with such intensity -- and maintains that game face afterward -- that he almost comes off as joyless.

"Just because you're focused on something doesn't mean you don't enjoy something," Bryant replied when asked whether he was enjoying this, since it appears to the untrained eye that he is not. "That's part of the fun is just figuring out how to focus and how to get ready to play game after game. You can still do your job and still have a good time."

Did that mean his Seven Dwarfs alter ego had morphed from "Grumpy" to "Happy"?

"I'm always happy. I was just happy my kid didn't call me Dopey," Bryant said.

Well, there's another perception out there that isn't really a fairy tale, and as much as Bryant dismisses it, there remains a dominant undercurrent to this postseason that Bryant wants to rid everyone's minds of the perception that he wouldn't have won any titles, much less three, if he did not have Shaquille O'Neal as his running mate when the Lakers dominated the NBA at the start of this decade.

O'Neal has been openly and publicly rooting for the Lakers to defeat the Magic and for Bryant to win a fourth ring, a happenstance that has not gone unnoticed or been appreciated by the Magic, who had O'Neal in the house during the Eastern Conference finals against Cleveland. (They charged him for his tickets, rather than comped him, although it would have been understandable had the Magic steered Shaq to StubHub or some other ticket broker and wished him the best of luck getting seats as close to the floor as the ones they provided.)

Bryant's comment on Shaq's rooting interest: "I don't make much of it."

You believe him?

Depends on whether you think he's a nice guy, a killer, or what he said Jackson was -- a liar.

At least we can all agree he's a gamer, which is something to keep in mind when you see whether his game face is intense Sunday night as it has been for the past several days.

[MiamiHeat]

Why do people bring up Jordan's Las Vegas trips?

He can do whatever he wants with his money, legally gambling in Vegas.

His family was ALWAYS taken care of and had tons of money, so they have nothing to do with it.

[exstatic]

I think what makes Kobe so angry and driven is that no matter how hard he tries and works on immitating the moves and press conference ways, he can never be MJ, and he will always be recognized as the second best SG ever. If the Lakers win this year, that will be the first one where Kobe is the undisputed leader, putting him 5 behind MJ in that category, and at 31, he doesn't have the time to catch MJ in that category, either.

[MiamiHeat]

Kobe is a front-runner.

Where was this angry face last year when he was getting smacked by the Celtics?
He wasn't hungry then? LOL.

I guarantee if a HEALTHY Boston team was in the Finals right now, smacking kobe around, he would not be putting on theatrics and drama performances.

[Gino]

I'd disagree with Kobe Fans being the only fans who care more about how he is perceived more than he does.

In fact, judging from fans on the internet, I'd say its just the opposite.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I'm the opposite, I'm a Kobe fan, not a Lakers fan