Ouch, that ESPN front page nuking Kobe

[Thebesteva]

http://espn.go.com/

And they wonder why I criticize Kobe and question if Im a Laker fan.


"Peek behind the banners," says one longtime NBA agent, "and it's rotten.""Kobe is like the big rock in their front yard," says an agent who has had a Lakers client in recent years. "You can't mow over it, so you just have to mow around it."

Another agent with current Lakers clients was asked whether Bryant undermined the team's rebuilding by alienating would-be free agent recruits. "Well, duh," he replied. "Isn't that obvious?"

[Koolaid_Man]

http://espn.go.com/

And they wonder why I criticize Kobe and question if Im a Laker fan.

You could have dropped this schtick long ago Midnight_Pulp...keep sucking that Spur dick behind closed doors. Ha!

[Leetonidas]

You could have dropped this schtick long ago Midnight_Pulp...keep sucking that Spur dick behind closed doors. Ha!

http://www.tbotech.com/images/thumbnails/1/320/320/salt-container-hidden-safe.jpg

[RD2191]

He's also just a few weeks' play from setting an all-time league record for misses. "The problem is, he's just not as good as he thinks he is," says one source in the Lakers' inner circle. "He's just not as efficient as he thinks he is. If he had the other intangibles, like LeBron, or if he was any kind of different person, it would have been easy for us to attract talent, retain it and win."

[urunobili]

ouch

[ElNono]

You rape what you sow, etc...

[elmanutres]

The time has come. Kirby is at a point where now the media ain't there to prop him up and to save him. Now it's time for the milking.

Just like A-Rod

[Spur-Addict]

Top notch article, top notch. A lot of quotable passages, truth for the masses once from ESPN. Well done, well done :smokin

[Jack Hould]

I wonder what kind of faggy picture he'll post on instagram in retaliation.

[RD2191]

You rape what you sow, etc...
:lol

[Dex]

When Howard asked why his teammates let the injured center take all the flak when the Lakers' season went south, Nash said he didn't know that Howard had felt that way and that had he known, he would have acted differently. Bryant, on the other hand, offered a crash course in developing thick skin and a mini lecture on learning how to win. Sources told ESPN Insider Chris Broussard that Bryant's lecture was "a complete turnoff" for Howard.

:lmao :lmao :lmao

:lol Kobe :lol

:lol "idiots" :lol

:lol Not the media's darling anymore :lol

[Chris]

The time has come. Kirby is at a point where now the media ain't there to prop him up and to save him. Now it's time for the milking.

Just like A-Rod

Yep, they're going to bury him like A-Rod, and I'm sure Kobe will play along to stir the pot. 48.5 is no skin off his back, and the Laker fans have to just eat it.

[Jack Hould]

Fisher looked at the Lakers then as we all did: From Wilt to Kareem to Shaq to Pau to Boozer

[Thebesteva]

You could have dropped this schtick long ago Midnight_Pulp...keep sucking that Spur dick behind closed doors. Ha!

Hey, did Kobe shout out your name? I havent heard anything....or was he just shouting out your name to the police department as you stood outside his gated community crying

[lefty]

http://www.humortrend.com/wp-content/uploads/images/gif/1/hotgifs1314.gif

[Cry Havoc]

Something strange tells me that you'll never, ever see an article like this written about #21.

I wonder why that is?

[Cry Havoc]

IF ONE COMMON denominator has persisted throughout Bryant's tenure with the Lakers, it is this: The blame lands elsewhere, and usually with teammates.

http://www.hellinthehallway.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/kobe-saying-oh-no-you-didnt.gif

[UZER]

Three things:

1) As I said in the other thread, anyone who needed "inside sources" to learn this hasn't been paying attention.

2) The gloves came off when he called them idiots after they've done nothing but walk behind him picking up his shit in little blue plastic bags for years.

3) ESPN is probably upset with him for single-handedly killing the Lakers cash cow.

[KaiRMD1]

And it continues
:bobo

[djohn2oo8]

Three things:

1) As I said in the other thread, anyone who needed "inside sources" to learn this hasn't been paying attention.

2) The gloves came off when he called them idiots after they've done nothing but walk behind him picking up his shit in little blue plastic bags for years.

3) ESPN is probably upset with him for single-handedly killing the Lakers cash cow.

This. Kobe had a great thing going for himself. Chuck up all the shots he wants even if they lose, and the media will just blame his teammates. He bit the hand that fed him and pissed of ESPN, his most loyal supporter for years, and they seek to destroy him.

[Raven]

they called him last season's worst player in the league :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Clipper Nation]

I never thought I'd see the day when the media finally hopped off Kirby's dick, but here we are :lol

Kirby's ego has finally ruined the part of his career that mattered most to him - the fake image/persona of the "clutch, tough, cold-blooded killer who only cares about winning" that the media helped prop up year in and year out.... way to shit where you eat, Kirbs :tu

[Raven]

I never thought I'd see the day when the media finally hopped off Kirby's dick, but here we are :lol

Kirby's ego has finally ruined the part of his career that mattered most to him - the fake image/persona of the "clutch, tough, cold-blooded killer who only cares about winning" that the media helped prop up year in and year out.... way to shit where you eat, Kirbs :tu

that should have ended the moment he Begged his wife to take him back..

[Shastafarian]

Pretty much TOSB personified.

[Cry Havoc]

I never thought I'd see the day when the media finally hopped off Kirby's dick, but here we are :lol

Seriously. Kobe has done a lot of damage to the long term standard by which he'll be judged. There have simply been too many problems in his career that are the direct result of him being a me-first asshole.

[DPG21920]

Not only that, as many of us have discussed, with the proliferation of advanced metrics Kobe's place in history will shine less and less over time. He will still be remembered as a great player, but a lot of the anecdotal stuff will fade away and hurt his standing all-time.

[unforeseen]

As the Lakers' contingent settled into the conference room's ergonomic chairs, it was clear that two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash, in a nice crisp shirt, listening attentively, was running Kupchak's game plan. But Bryant showed up, according to a person in the room, in "hoops shorts, a T-shirt and a gold chain." He had also packed an attitude.

This is how Kirby pinched #Stay12. Classic.

[Seventyniner]

they called him last season's worst player in the league :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

In terms of dollars of salary per win share generated, he would have to be at least near the bottom.

[lefty]

:lmao

He is arguably the greatest player in the history of the Lakers' franchise

[DMC]

You rape what you sow, etc...
lol

Or you rape a sow... take your pick

[Chris]

Gloves are off now

http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11717596/is-kobe-bryant-reason-los-angeles-lakers-downfall?ex_cid=sportscenterFB

[elmanutres]

:lmao faggots at lakersground suddenly act that they always thought espn has always been bullshit.

I never thought i'd see the day espn would turn on their media darling. But that article encompasses EVERYTHING what we've been saying on this forum for the past 3 years. It's like that author is a spurstalk user

The Article

[Chris]

"I've had a lot of clients who didn't want to play with Kobe."

- Prominent NBA agent

"I've had a lot of clients in the last five years, good players, who didn't want to play with Kobe," says an agent who has had numerous NBA stars. "They see that his teammates become the chronic public whipping boys. Anyone who could possibly challenge Kobe for the spotlight ends up becoming a pincushion for the media. Even Shaq."

:downspin: that shit

[KaiRMD1]

The honeymoon is over and Kobe fans feeling the heat.

[DMC]

You can thank the Spurs for much of this. Winning 5 and being WC champs 2 in a row has sent a lot of shockwaves across the league and sports in general. You have a team that doesn't get much press, who doesn't have a thug or prima donna on it, who has dominated the super friend NBA fuck fest in Miami to the point where it was disbanded, and Lakers fans see this as Kobe's sunset years. Here you have Tim Duncan about to be presented his 5th ring, never missed the playoffs, arguably still a top 20 player in the NBA, and his sunset is upon him as well but it doesn't show in team results because he was never the cancer of the team.

This is something everyone here who isn't a Lakers fan easily predicted would happen, but you can thank the Spurs that it's happening now. Had Miami won, Kobe get's a pass. Now ESPN doesn't have Lebron or Kobe to call champion, now they have to call the Spurs "the defending champs" for the entire season while 48.5 million dollars sits in ice baths and walks around like he's Jerry fucking Buss reincarnated.

[Baam]

It's a bit too much imo, getting cringe worthy, leave the tosb alone...

[Kool Bob Love]

:rollin

[DMC]

LG at 30 pages, melting down... all the "Kobexxx"s coming out of the woodwork pissed as fuck... ESPN sucks now, tabloid journalism. That will change when Kobe gets voted into the AS game again and makes the all defensive 1st team.

[Thebesteva]

And it continues
:bobo

Nice avy

[Thebesteva]

You guys picking on LG members is understandable, but they are being loyal Kobe fans. I'm actually shocked at the epic meltdown John Ireland had today defending Kobe. He kept talking about how this was a 'hit piece' and was the worst case of a 1 sided story he had ever read

[djohn2oo8]

You guys picking on LG members is understandable, but they are being loyal Kobe fans. I'm actually shocked at the epic meltdown John Ireland had today defending Kobe. He kept talking about how this was a 'hit piece' and was the worst case of a 1 sided story he had ever read

Loyal Kobe fan is oblivious to reality. Even though ESPN has been slurping Kobe for years, they forget that.

[UZER]

Waiting for the exclusive Stephen A interview where he suddenly acts likes he's a great teammate. He'll pull a sterling and say, "my teammates love me," while players watching on tv role their eyes.

Kobe knows lakers fans will sacrifice their own in a heartbeat for the next big thing. Hell he made it happen with Shaq. He will never let another superstar player shine on his team for that exact reason.

[phoenix219]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/10/20/7021937/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-free-agents

[phoenix219]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/10/17/6993657/lakers-worst-team-byron-scott-kobe-bryant

[elmanutres]

Where is thread? He's always bitching how apparently the media got it with duncan. I wanna see how he tries to spin this shit.

[William Hung]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/10/20/7021937/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-free-agents

Some tidbits from that article and its comments

The Lakers missed out on big-name players like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James in 2014 despite having space for a maximum-level contract. Anthony chose to return to New York with Phil Jackson leading a fresh direction, while James took his talents back to Cleveland with an opportunity to play with Kyrie Irving and eventually Kevin Love. Los Angeles met with Anthony and James' representatives, but came up empty-handed.

"I understand the attitude issue with Kobe, but anyone who calls him a ballhog either doesn’t watch him play, or just continues to say that based on false reputation.

Kobe averages 4.8 assists for his career.
MJ averaged 5.3 assists in his career.

Kobe is not a ballhog. He just plays a position where he has to shoot more than the average player on the court. And when you are notorious for making just about every shot you shoot up, especially in your prime, you are gonna take them.

Shooting Guards shoot, who would of thought?!?!!?"

by CaliBengalsFan#97

[KaiRMD1]

Nice avy

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/234/113/82d.jpg

[Nathan89]

"not his fault, its his teammates letting him down with the inability to score. makes it easier for teams to focus team d on kobe"-LG

:downspin:

[313]

:lmao

He is arguably the greatest player in the history of the Lakers' franchise
:lmao

[mkurts]

Kobe is just a role player now, but he still thinks he is king .... a very expensive role player who shoots 7/22 on a good night …

[Uriel]

LakersGround is a complete and utter goldmine right now. :rollin

[Uriel]

It's taking every ounce of my energy to keep myself from bursting out laughing while I read Lakers fans' comments on the Abbott piece. Their overtly religious worship of Kobe, and subsequent cries of "blasphemy" when ESPN criticises him, is just too much to bear. :lmao

[Clipper Nation]

I especially love how Kirbystan has spun it as "Abbott just hating on Kirby again," as if his cancerous ways weren't already known to anyone with a functioning brain before this article was written :lol

[Thebesteva]

fiendishoc
Starting Rotation
http://forums.lakersground.net/images/ranks/star_rank6_2.gif
http://d1warraxuf7xh1.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kobe_eddie_all.jpeg

Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 384




http://forums.lakersground.net/templates/uberSTYLE/images/icon_minipost.gif (http://forums.lakersground.net/viewtopic.php?p=5990151#5990151)Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:37 pm Post subject:








cheesysapien wrote:




ExPatLkrFan wrote:




24 wrote:


I read the article from beginning to end, and what I saw was a ton of real, well thought out, factual analysis around a core of, "I'm going to stick it to Kobe", which ultimately takes a piece that could have been hard hitting if uncomfortable for Laker fans and turns it into an easy pinata. Haters will love it, and fans will have easy justification to dismiss it.

Specifically, talking about how Bryant flew in but inexplicably still missed Melo's pitch (omitting that it was because they moved it up at the last minute, at Melo's request), pretending Shaq was the whipping boy and Kobe the one of the two of them that didn't want to share with the other, conveniently forgetting the part about the CBA changes that make coming to LA less lucrative than before, acting like nothing specific (hint, Kobe's injured knee) happened in 2010-2011, leaving out the veto and the aftermath, acting as if Dwight really wanted to play in the pressure of LA (all evidence afterward to the contrary), these are all red flags of a guy turning a good piece into a hit piece. Not to mention acting like Sessions signing elsewhere didn't have anything to do with LA going and getting Nash.

LA got old in 2011. Kobe's knees were so shot he couldn't practice, PJ had only stayed out of loyalty to the team and was battling prostate cancer, and Pau apparently got a little satisfied and reverted in the playoffs to pre Laker Pau. So LA did the Laker thing. They pulled a miracle trade that would net them the next star to build around while still having Kobe and Bynum, and the ability to use Bynum to go after Howard. And even in the shambles of the post veto landscape, where they had to jettison an inconsolable Odom and deal with a fully regressed Pau while also having their coach depart (of his own will BTW), they still turned around in a single year and went and got Howard, along with Nash (the expensive and risky alternative to CP3). That blew up, for a lot of reasons, starting with a freak, apparently career ending injury to Nash, who had been extremely potent and durable for the last few years. And culminating with Dwight being Dwight. And make no mistake, he wanted no part of pressure and expectation, Kobe or no Kobe, and as has been demonstrated, wasn't exactly up to it. Oh, and Kobe blew his Achilles out.

Yeah, no star wants to come play in LA right now. They had to go through an absolute hell year losing Dwight and having no ability to replace him with anything, and struggling through the worst injury season I've ever seen. And no one knew or knows how much Kobe truly has left. LA has essentially rebooted their rebuild, having to reboot around the Dwight and Nash failure while not having the assets they cost. Last year's only value was the 7th pick in the draft. Everything else was a disaster. So the team, which had planned on cap room with a healthy Kobe and a scrappy team that had at least made some waves, has a question mark Kobe, a couple of promising rooks, and some cap room. Even Pau turned dopwn money to go play with a contender, and he certainly doesn't mind playing with Kobe.

Yeah, it's going to take a little while, and the team is going to have to develop their picks, make some judicious if not earthshattering transactions (starting with the Lin trade and buying the Clarkson pick), pick up some guys they can turn around or develop (like Davis), and keep rolling some cap room forward, using it only on pieces that will get them to the top, or placeholders until they improve enough to be a destination again. Or maybe they will hit the big piece in a trade. Who knows. But they will build smartly and deliberately, and seek the stars necessary to be a contender. That probably doesn't happen around Kobe. So be it. Some of that is on him and his style and age and what have you. Some of it is just on bad luck, timing, business, and the way of the world.

I'm going to enjoy Kobe, root for Randle and the youngsters to pan out, cheer the team on, and hope for good fortune and skill from Mitch.




QFT




Well said 24




Something like this needs to be heard from ESPN's ombudsman.

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman

Not going to happen, I know.





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[ElNono]

:lol Funny how they talk about the new CBA making it less lucrative to play in LA, while omitting to mention Fredo handing out $48.5m to a semi-retired player, and Nash outright stealing his salary. They still had cap room for a max contract after Pau walked away, and they couldn't lure anybody. Money wasn't the problem for them.

[DJR210]

Following Kobe and the Lakers meltdown this season is gonna be a real joy to watch. Should be great filler until the playoffs begin :tu

I really don't wish bad luck on anyone, but it's hard not to enjoy this shit with Kobe acting like such a faggot in the twilight of his career.

[Cry Havoc]

Following Kobe and the Lakers meltdown this season is gonna be a real joy to watch. Should be great filler until the playoffs begin :tu

I really don't wish bad luck on anyone, but it's hard not to enjoy this shit with Kobe acting like such a faggot in the twilight of his career.

Jeremy Lin about to be the #1 villain in tinseltown.

[AlexJones]

524400628039041024

[Calispursfan11]

This ish is getting serious.

[DJR210]

Jeremy Lin about to be the #1 villain in tinseltown.

I think he'll play the role of harmless Asian yes man, and Randle is gonna be the one to take the shaft on a day to day basis. Kobe gonna be all up in his head convincing him that basketball is no place for a soft young guy like him, leading to another 12 million or so per year on the next multi-year contract for Kobe.

[VBM]

http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2322274/dis-gon-b-gud_medium.gif

[lefty]

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Shaquille-ONeal-Cant-Stop-Laughing-As-He-Watches-Funny-Online-Videos.gifhttp://s1.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/shaq-laughing-press-conference-shaq-gifs.gif

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/michael-jordan-laugh.gif

[Dex]

Everybody piling onto the TOSB now. :lmao


In a blog post on ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/70840/did-nbarank-overrate-kobe), author Royce Webb argues that not only is the reaction to Kobe’s ranking unfounded, that ESPN actually “overrated Kobe tremendously, out of ‘respect.'”

“‘Respect’ is one of the most useless concepts in the NBA when it comes to player evaluation. If we had treated Kobe like any other player, we would’ve said he was no longer a top-25 player, or even close to that. Let’s be blunt: Kobe Bean Bryant was one of the very worst players in the NBA last season — a $30 million disaster. He was closer to the 425th-best player than the 25th-best player.”

Looking back at Kobe’s horrible season last year, it’s hard to argue with their claim.

“He played six games, in which he was mostly just terrible, with negative win shares — that’s right, he was taking wins off the floor. The Lakers had a winning record before he arrived and immediately hit the skids. The team played worse with him on the floor, and on top of that, he insulted his teammates.”

Even USA Today (http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/10/kobe-bryant-espn-idiots-nba-rank) agrees that until “Kobe Bryant [can] prove he can stay healthy for a full season,” #NBA Rank’s assessment is not necessarily wrong.

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1549720/espn-calls-kobe-bryant-overrated-reacts-to-idiots-remark/#BIkR25B0mP1irxOC.99

:lmao 425th :lmao

:lmao negative win shares :lmao

:lmao 48.5 :lmao

[lefty]

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Shaquille-ONeal-Cant-Stop-Laughing-As-He-Watches-Funny-Online-Videos.gifhttp://s1.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/shaq-laughing-press-conference-shaq-gifs.gif

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/michael-jordan-laugh.gif

[Splits]

Everybody piling onto the TOSB now. :lmao


In a blog post on ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/70840/did-nbarank-overrate-kobe), author Royce Webb argues that not only is the reaction to Kobe’s ranking unfounded, that ESPN actually “overrated Kobe tremendously, out of ‘respect.'”

“‘Respect’ is one of the most useless concepts in the NBA when it comes to player evaluation. If we had treated Kobe like any other player, we would’ve said he was no longer a top-25 player, or even close to that. Let’s be blunt: Kobe Bean Bryant was one of the very worst players in the NBA last season —a $30 million disaster. He was closer to the 425th-best player than the 25th-best player.”

Looking back at Kobe’s horrible season last year, it’s hard to argue with their claim.

“He played six games, in which he was mostly just terrible, with negative win shares — that’s right, he was taking wins off the floor. The Lakers had a winning record before he arrived and immediately hit the skids. The team played worse with him on the floor, and on top of that, he insulted his teammates.”

Even USA Today (http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/10/kobe-bryant-espn-idiots-nba-rank) agrees that until “Kobe Bryant [can] prove he can stay healthy for a full season,” #NBA Rank’s assessment is not necessarily wrong.

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1549720/esp...5B0mP1irxOC.99 (http://www.inquisitr.com/1549720/espn-calls-kobe-bryant-overrated-reacts-to-idiots-remark/#BIkR25B0mP1irxOC.99)

:lmao 425th :lmao

:lmao negative win shares :lmao

:lmao 48.5 :lmao
http://i.imgur.com/Zv6iCW2.gif?1

[ambchang]

Original blog by Webb

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/70840/did-nbarank-overrate-kobe

[024]

Nice to see the media hype finally collapse from under Kobe. The media hype was all that was holding up Kobe's career. Not a bad offseason for Spurs fans. Won the championship, broke up the Heat, and saw Kobe's legacy scuttled.

[Cry Havoc]

Most overrated player in the history of American sports.

[DMC]

:lmao

Well he has to contend with HIV/queer son Johnson and "No Statue" Kareem...he's got his work cut out for him.

[DMC]

Nice to see the media hype finally collapse from under Kobe. The media hype was all that was holding up Kobe's career. Not a bad offseason for Spurs fans. Won the championship, broke up the Heat, and saw Kobe's legacy scuttled.

Came shortly after the "ESPN is stupid" remark by Kobe after 40.

[usdane]

A rebuttal to Henry Abbott's hit job.

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/10/20/7024989/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-espn-downfall

[Clipper Nation]

A rebuttal to Henry Abbott's hit job.

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/10/20/7024989/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-espn-downfall
:lol I love how Lakerfan/Kirbystan continues to blame the media even though everything in the article was true and already widely known before it was written....

[ElNono]

A rebuttal to Henry Abbott's hit job.

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/10/20/7024989/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-espn-downfall

From that:
They took a step in the right direction this summer, landing Ed Davis on a budget deal, re-signing Nick Young -- who had a very efficient season last year -- to a four-year contract, drafting Julius Randle, trading for the expiring contract of Jeremy Lin and having Bryant back in the fold.

:lmao

[Dex]

A rebuttal to Henry Abbott's hit job.

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/10/20/7024989/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-espn-downfall

:cry Don't make fun of Kobe :cry

[ElNono]

Frankly, the only thing about the Abbott piece that's somewhat unfair, is the fact he ran Dwight outta LA... Dwight is a loser, and in that sense, Kirby did right for the franchise, IMO.

[baseline bum]

Frankly, the only thing about the Abbott piece that's somewhat unfair, is the fact he ran Dwight outta LA... Dwight is a loser, and in that sense, Kirby did right for the franchise, IMO.

No Snitch didn't. Howard would still have had great trade value around the league. Don't tell me Golden State wouldn't have thrown them Klay Thompson and Iguodala, for example.

[lefty]

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Shaquille-ONeal-Cant-Stop-Laughing-As-He-Watches-Funny-Online-Videos.gifhttp://s1.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/shaq-laughing-press-conference-shaq-gifs.gif

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/michael-jordan-laugh.gif

[jag]

You rape what you sow, etc...

http://giant.gfycat.com/WellmadeThunderousFlatfish.gif

[ElNono]

No Snitch didn't. Howard would still have had great trade value around the league. Don't tell me Golden State wouldn't have thrown them Klay Thompson and Iguodala, for example.

True, I'm talking from a winning standpoint, tbh

[jag]

Meanwhile in San Antonio...

http://i.imgur.com/RX5KZms.jpg

[jag]

Where is culburn in all of this, tbh?

[RD2191]

From that:
They took a step in the right direction this summer, landing Ed Davis on a budget deal, re-signing Nick Young -- who had a very efficient season last year -- to a four-year contract, drafting Julius Randle, trading for the expiring contract of Jeremy Lin and having Bryant back in the fold.

:lmao
:lol

[spurraider21]

Where is culburn in all of this, tbh?
he hasn't been around since the story of Nash getting hurt carrying the bag

[UZER]

Where is culburn in all of this, tbh?

Cully bails faster than Kobe when shit hits the fan.

[jag]

The only thing Kobe can do now is go for 40 every night to prove the haters(?) wrong. It'll be glorious.

[UZER]

The only thing Kobe can do now is go for 40 every night to prove the haters(?) wrong. It'll be glorious.

And even if they're wrong, they'll still be right. Right now, Kobe is surrounded by swat with no escape route.


I'm just waiting for Magic to pull the dick out of his mouth and come running to :cry poor kobes defense.

[RD2191]

Cully bails faster than Kobe when shit hits the fan.
:lol

[ambchang]

A rebuttal to Henry Abbott's hit job.

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/10/20/7024989/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-espn-downfall

The two pieces are very much a he said she said deal, with none of the information being verifiable. That said, we have seen the rapid downfall of the Lakers over the last few years, reducing a once proud franchise into the laughing stock of the league over a very short period of time, and the only common denominators are Kupchak, Kobe and Buss Jr.

Both Kupchak and Buss Jr. have received their fair share of criticism from the main stream media, but it seems like Kobe is finally getting his.

There are many issues with the article you quoted though:


He's a five-time NBA champion, partnering with Shaquille O'Neal to bring glory back to the Lakers following Magic Johnson's early retirement, then doing so again with Pau Gasol and a well-rounded supporting cast.

He didn't partner with Shaq, he coatrode Shaq. Huge difference.


What goes up must come down. Inhale, exhale.

Kobe remains the only player in Lakers history to lead his team to two non-consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs. That's out of hundreds of players in the rich history of a once proud franchise.


They not only lost Paul, who would have immediately addressed the Lakers' biggest positional need for the last decade, but they essentially lost whatever value was left of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom

Players live through botched trades all the time. None of them ever lost their trade value because of it.


But this wasn't just Kobe running Howard out of town. Steve Nash, widely considered one of the best teammates in the NBA, struggled to mesh with Howard, even arguing on court after a miscommunication on offense. Of course, sticking with Nash, the former-MVP point guard noted he felt Howard didn't want to be with the Lakers, never felt comfortable in Los Angeles, and the team went into the free agency meeting without a chance of retaining him, according to a radio interview he gave ESPN LA:

"Ultimately, I think Dwight wasn't comfortable here and didn't want to be here and I think if he didn't want to be here, there's no point for anyone in him being here," Nash told "The Mason & Ireland Show" on ESPN LA 710 radio on Tuesday. "So, we wish him the best and move on." ...

"Frankly, I thought before the meeting, we didn't really have a chance and I'd like to think that after the meeting we had a chance," Nash said ....

"Dwight had some issues with the season," Nash said. "I think it kind of basically goes with what he said to the media that he never quite felt embraced in L.A. He never quite felt supported. That's basically it. I think in some ways you can read into that what you will, but I think he never quite felt comfortable at home and I don't know if that's anybody's fault."


Well, Dwight was never comfortable because he frequently clashed with Kobe, and with Kobe declaring it is "his team" before Dwight even unpacked his bags. Then there are the constant snipes at him throughout the season.

Also, miscommunicating on the court once does not mean they don't get along well. The Spurs do that all the time and they are known for their teamwork.


Some relationships just aren't meant to be. Not holding Howard, D'Antoni, Phil Jackson publicly undermining Jim Buss or the Lakers' front office accountable while placing the entire blame on Kobe is tunnel vision.

And so is placing the blame on anyone but Kobe for 18 years. It's funny how Kobe is always in these unfortunate situations that he has no hand in creating.


The Lakers have been the most injured team in the NBA over the last two seasons, which is a challenge few teams could overcome. Los Angeles is still dealing with injuries heading into a fresh year.

Lack of a quality bench because nobody wants to play with Kobe could be a reason.


The Lakers biggest problem is their lack of talent across the board. They took a step in the right direction this summer, landing Ed Davis on a budget deal, re-signing Nick Young -- who had a very efficient season last year -- to a four-year contract, drafting Julius Randle, trading for the expiring contract of Jeremy Lin and having Bryant back in the fold.

They lack talent because Kobe refused to allow the Laker organization to build talent through youth. Remember Bynum and Kobe's tirade? Trading away picks for old geezers like Nash can have a direct line to Kobe as well as he has insisted on the win now mantra. Too bad he didn't put his money where is mouth is.


The ones that have mattered recently -- Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest -- through the second half of his career have nary said a word diminishing his character Because every single one who ever criticized Kobe were banished by the media, even the almighty Shaq.


As for his extension, the Lakers still had more than enough space to sign free agents this summer, but simply missed out on players they felt could make a significant impact on the future, and present, of the team. Sure, they didn't have to room for the reaching scenario of signing two maximum-worthy players, but what were the odds of that happening? The Rockets had a much more appealing roster and lost talent to create salary space and still wound up with zero payout.

Because no one wants to play with Harden and Dwight after their way of treating Chandler on the way out, or how Harden plays defense. People don't want to go to LA? When did that ever happen? Isn't the place supposed to be the best place on earth?


But if you want to, go ahead. Just remember what he's done for the Lakers, and the NBA, along the way.

Does Kobe remember what the Lakers and the NBA did for him?

[Donkeybong]

^you have some might dumb retorts.

[Dex]

The most fantastic part of all of this is that Kobe is going to try to go out there at the start of the season and "prove everybody wrong".

[Shastafarian]

http://giant.gfycat.com/WellmadeThunderousFlatfish.gif

This gif and the original comment from Nono had me :rollin

[ambchang]

^you have some might dumb retorts.

Yeah. The article is dumb.

[Cry Havoc]

The ones that have mattered recently -- Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest -- through the second half of his career have nary said a word diminishing his character



Because every single one who ever criticized Kobe were banished by the media, even the almighty Shaq.

This is perhaps the most absurdly hilarious thing. EVERY SINGLE STAR TEAMMATE Kobe has ever had has made extremely transparent references to the fact that he's a ball hog who's attitude is disrupting if not completely destroying team chemistry. Pau said it, Bynum said it, Shaq said. Derek Fisher might be the exception, and that's because Kobe was always tip-toeing around Fisher and would never say anything bad about him.

The notion that no teammate "that mattered" has had anything negative to say about Kobe is some of the most ridiculous bullshit I've ever read.

[Koolaid_Man]

This is perhaps the most absurdly hilarious thing. EVERY SINGLE STAR TEAMMATE Kobe has ever had has made extremely transparent references to the fact that he's a ball hog who's attitude is disrupting if not completely destroying team chemistry. Pau said it, Bynum said it, Shaq said. Derek Fisher might be the exception, and that's because Kobe was always tip-toeing around Fisher and would never say anything bad about him.

The notion that no teammate "that mattered" has had anything negative to say about Kobe is some of the most ridiculous bullshit I've ever read.

who cares what his teammates think at least his wife doesn't think he's an under cover fag :lmao

[dirk4mvp]

lol around the horn trying to spin this shit

He's a Darwinistic player :(

[usdane]

Phil Jackson reaction.

https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11

Phil Jackson PhilJackson11 (https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11) · 1h 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11/status/524678101989851136) “@flea333 (https://twitter.com/flea333): henry abbott your @espn (https://twitter.com/espn) kobe article is absolute garbage and a blatant irresponsible attack. "Go get'em, Flea

[djohn2oo8]

Didn't that hypocrite write a book about how uncoachable Kobe was? ^

[Clipper Nation]

Didn't that hypocrite write a book about how uncoachable Kobe was? ^

:lol I wonder how much Fredo is paying these guys to circle the wagons around Kirby....

[usdane]

Kevin Deng 10 year beat writer for OC Register and now bleacher report.

https://twitter.com/KevinDing

KEVIN DING kevinDing (https://twitter.com/KevinDing) · 2h 2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/KevinDing/status/524671495835226112) Don't like to criticize others' work, but many asked me on Henry Abbott's ESPN Kobe article: Entitled to opinion, but so many "facts" wrong.

[Clipper Nation]

Kevin Deng 10 year beat writer for OC Register and now bleacher report.

https://twitter.com/KevinDing

KEVIN DING (https://twitter.com/KevinDing)kevi (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=47291)nDing · 2h 2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/KevinDing/status/524671495835226112) Don't like to criticize others' work, but many asked me on Henry Abbott's ESPN Kobe article: Entitled to opinion, but so many "facts" wrong.
Wow, shocker.... the LAKERS reporter for Bleacher Report is defending Kirby!

[Koolaid_Man]

Wow, shocker.... the LAKERS reporter for Bleacher Report is defending Kirby!

who cares dipshit....you're as dickless as you are ringless....:lol

[Silver&Black]

:lol I wonder how much Fredo is paying these guys to circle the wagons around Kirby....

48.5

[djohn2oo8]

:lol I wonder how much Fredo is paying these guys to circle the wagons around Kirby....

That sociopath Kobe probably paid Phil himself since we know he likes to pay people off to save his image. It's funny how none of Kobe's former teammates are disputing the report. Nash is awfully quiet :lol

[usdane]

Wow, shocker.... the LAKERS reporter for Bleacher Report is defending Kirby!

No he is stating that the Henry Abbott article has many "facts" wrong.

[djohn2oo8]

No he is stating that the Henry Abbott article has many "facts" wrong.

It's his job to defend Kobe.

[djohn2oo8]

No he is stating that the Henry Abbott article has many "facts" wrong.

It's his job to defend Kobe.

[UZER]

:lol


Phil said himself Dwight left because of Kobe.

Phil requested to have Kobe traded.

Phil called Kobe uncoachable.



But yeah...it's all absolute garbage.

[Brazil]

Found a new respect for abbot for calling a spade a spade

[Monkeyboy14]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64LSk8uAVS8

probably a repost but i thought it was interesting

[Kool Bob Love]

Cubby,:rollin

[whitemamba]

Phil Jackson reaction.

https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11

Phil Jackson (https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11)Phil (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=1564)Jackson11 · 1h 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11/status/524678101989851136) “@flea333 (https://twitter.com/flea333): henry abbott your @espn (https://twitter.com/espn) kobe article is absolute garbage and a blatant irresponsible attack. "Go get'em, Flea

pJax just shitting on everyone's soul with that tweet. :Lol mah nigga

[Donkeybong]

Didn't that hypocrite write a book about how uncoachable Kobe was? ^

If you read the whole book, you would know that was his initial sentiment, but then Kobe and him worked things out later on, which he mentions. PJ even admits to mistakes he made while coaching Kobe, which attributed to the rocky relationship in the beginning.

Reading is fundamental cocketfan.

[pgardn]

Phil will certainly admit Bryant as difficult to coach. This way Phil looks like a God. Especially with Pop getting too much attention." Lakerfan" has always loved Kobe more than the Lakers. So now to fall back on Magic, their best player ever...

Can they do it. Can they admit it. Not the contemporary laker twat, no way.

[Clipper Nation]

pJax just shitting on everyone's soul with that tweet. :Lol mah nigga

He already shat on Kirby's soul with these quotes:


I mentioned to Rick that I had been told that in high school Kobe “sabotaged” games to keep them close enough for him to dominate at the end.


“I was at a motel in Williston, North Dakota, when the call came from Mitch. “You’re not going to believe this,” he said, telling me about Kobe and the rape allegations in Colorado. Was I surprised? Not entirely. Kobe can be consumed with surprising anger, which he’s displayed toward me and toward his teammates.”


“I’m not going to take any shit from Shaq this year,” Kobe blurted out. “If he starts saying things in the press, I’ll fire back. I’m not afraid to go up against him. I’ve had it.”


“Since the charges were made, Kobe has been treated remarkably well by the Lakers organization and the fans. He gave his press conference at Staples with our blessing, and we have agree–once we attained permission from the league to make sure the funds wouldn’t be applied to the salary cap–to cover a percentage of his private plane expenses to and from Colorado for court hearings. This will cost thousands of dollars. Kobe was unhappy with the type of plane that was selected; he wanted one with higher status. He should feel fortunate he’s not footing the whole bill himself.”


"In fact, the word I got was that Kobe was the only player in the entire league who voted against the agreement (the then-new CBA) because of the cap it put on salaries.”


“Kobe’s defense, to be accurate, has faltered in recent years, despite his presence on the league’s all-defensive team. The voters have been seduced by his remarkable athleticism and spectacular steals, but he hasn’t played sound, fundamental defense. Mesmerized by the ball, he’s gambled too frequently, putting us out of position, forcing rotations that leave a man wide open, and doesn’t keep his feet on the ground.”


“Worse yet, Kobe and I had gotten into it earlier in the game after he threw a poor pass that Anthony stole, resulting in a Denver layup. “You can’t make that pass,’ I told Kobe when he came off the floor in the next timeout. “Well, you better teach those motherf***ers how to run the offense,” he said. I sat him down on the spot. “Watch your mouth,” I said.


“Earlier this week at El Segundo there was an incident at practice. On the way to the court, I asked Kobe, still nursing a sore shoulder, if he was up to doing a little running. Sure, he responded, as soon as he finished his treatment. Almost an hour went by, and there was no Kobe sighting. Finally, with an ice pack on his shoulder, he took a seat on the sideline. It began to dawn on me that contrary to what he had told me, Kobe had no intention of running. After practice I followed Kobe to the training room, asking him why he lied to me. He was being sarcastic, he said. Wrong answer. I told him that he needed to treat me with respect, not sarcasm. I turned and walked away, heading to the coaches’ locker room. A minute later I heard him cursing in the training room in front of the players, though I couldn’t make out the exact words….Now I was the one who was angry. I went upstairs to see Mitch in his office. Wasting no time, I went off on a tirade about the need to deal Kobe before the trading deadline in mid-February. “I won’t coach this team next year if he is still here,” I said emphatically. “He won’t listen to anyone. I’ve had it with this kid.”


“At practice the day before Kobe, who told Vitti that his finger hadn’t healed sufficiently for him to play in the Miami game, was taking a few shots left-handed when I asked him not to be a distraction. I needed to work with the players who would be suiting up. “Distraction,” he said, mockingly, unable to resist taking one more shot. A few hours later, during dinner in Key Biscayne with the staff, Vitti told us that Kobe has been threatening again to opt out of his contract, vowing “to take Slava with me.” Slava? Was this an indication of Kobe’s being totally out of touch with reality? If Kobe was interested in taking along a player who would defer to him, Slava Medvedenko was the worst choice imaginable. He hasn’t passed up a shot since November.”


“We were playing solid team ball, a rarity this season, although, as usual, Kobe seemed intent on taking over. “Get me the f***ing ball,” he said on his way to the bench, a demand Kobe had never verbalized. I smiled, didn’t say a word, and went to chart a play on the clipboard. I sometimes think Kobe is so addicted to being in control that he would rather shoot the ball when guarded, or even double-teamed, than dish it to an open teammate."


"One of the biggest differences between the two stars from my perspective was Michael's superior skills as a leader," Jackson said. "Though at times he could be hard on his teammates, Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence. Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim."

[Koolaid_Man]

He already shat on Kirby's soul with these quotes:

He also said the Spurs title in 99 deserved a big fat asterisk :lmao

[Koolaid_Man]

But I wonder what he said about the Clippers title in 2004 :lmao

[Clipper Nation]

It's just a fact: Phil himself called Kirby selfish, greedy, delusional, a bad teammate, not a leader, a saboteur, and a distraction years ago... all things being echoed in the media right now in the articles Kirbystan is now trying to spin and deflect :lol

[pgardn]

He also said the Spurs title in 99 deserved a big fat asterisk :lmao

Which proves he is a crippled old woman.
She complains about so many players to make himself good.
Does she still wear the ass-pillow to work?

[Splits]

http://www.whitepapergames.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Ether_One_capsule_lg_Deluxe_Edition.png http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060822062047/uncyclopedia/images/c/c7/PWNWAR_NUKE.jpg


I mentioned to Rick that I had been told that in high school Kobe “sabotaged” games to keep them close enough for him to dominate at the end.



“I was at a motel in Williston, North Dakota, when the call came from Mitch. “You’re not going to believe this,” he said, telling me about Kobe and the rape allegations in Colorado. Was I surprised? Not entirely. Kobe can be consumed with surprising anger, which he’s displayed toward me and toward his teammates.”



“I’m not going to take any shit from Shaq this year,” Kobe blurted out. “If he starts saying things in the press, I’ll fire back. I’m not afraid to go up against him. I’ve had it.”



“Since the charges were made, Kobe has been treated remarkably well by the Lakers organization and the fans. He gave his press conference at Staples with our blessing, and we have agree–once we attained permission from the league to make sure the funds wouldn’t be applied to the salary cap–to cover a percentage of his private plane expenses to and from Colorado for court hearings. This will cost thousands of dollars. Kobe was unhappy with the type of plane that was selected; he wanted one with higher status. He should feel fortunate he’s not footing the whole bill himself.”



"In fact, the word I got was that Kobe was the only player in the entire league who voted against the agreement (the then-new CBA) because of the cap it put on salaries.”



“Kobe’s defense, to be accurate, has faltered in recent years, despite his presence on the league’s all-defensive team. The voters have been seduced by his remarkable athleticism and spectacular steals, but he hasn’t played sound, fundamental defense. Mesmerized by the ball, he’s gambled too frequently, putting us out of position, forcing rotations that leave a man wide open, and doesn’t keep his feet on the ground.”



“Worse yet, Kobe and I had gotten into it earlier in the game after he threw a poor pass that Anthony stole, resulting in a Denver layup. “You can’t make that pass,’ I told Kobe when he came off the floor in the next timeout. “Well, you better teach those motherf***ers how to run the offense,” he said. I sat him down on the spot. “Watch your mouth,” I said.



“Earlier this week at El Segundo there was an incident at practice. On the way to the court, I asked Kobe, still nursing a sore shoulder, if he was up to doing a little running. Sure, he responded, as soon as he finished his treatment. Almost an hour went by, and there was no Kobe sighting. Finally, with an ice pack on his shoulder, he took a seat on the sideline. It began to dawn on me that contrary to what he had told me, Kobe had no intention of running. After practice I followed Kobe to the training room, asking him why he lied to me. He was being sarcastic, he said. Wrong answer. I told him that he needed to treat me with respect, not sarcasm. I turned and walked away, heading to the coaches’ locker room. A minute later I heard him cursing in the training room in front of the players, though I couldn’t make out the exact words….Now I was the one who was angry. I went upstairs to see Mitch in his office. Wasting no time, I went off on a tirade about the need to deal Kobe before the trading deadline in mid-February. “I won’t coach this team next year if he is still here,” I said emphatically. “He won’t listen to anyone. I’ve had it with this kid.”



“At practice the day before Kobe, who told Vitti that his finger hadn’t healed sufficiently for him to play in the Miami game, was taking a few shots left-handed when I asked him not to be a distraction. I needed to work with the players who would be suiting up. “Distraction,” he said, mockingly, unable to resist taking one more shot. A few hours later, during dinner in Key Biscayne with the staff, Vitti told us that Kobe has been threatening again to opt out of his contract, vowing “to take Slava with me.” Slava? Was this an indication of Kobe’s being totally out of touch with reality? If Kobe was interested in taking along a player who would defer to him, Slava Medvedenko was the worst choice imaginable. He hasn’t passed up a shot since November.”



“We were playing solid team ball, a rarity this season, although, as usual, Kobe seemed intent on taking over. “Get me the f***ing ball,” he said on his way to the bench, a demand Kobe had never verbalized. I smiled, didn’t say a word, and went to chart a play on the clipboard. I sometimes think Kobe is so addicted to being in control that he would rather shoot the ball when guarded, or even double-teamed, than dish it to an open teammate."



"One of the biggest differences between the two stars from my perspective was Michael's superior skills as a leader," Jackson said. "Though at times he could be hard on his teammates, Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence. Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim."

[Splits]

CN going in with no regard for human life

[RD2191]

Of course Phil is pissed. Just like Kobe he is one of the most overrated of all time.

[scanry]

I wouldn't be surprised if CN has a Kobe folder on his desktop dashboard. I haven't read some of those quotes but looking back Phil coming back is even more chicketshit tbh. Kobe actually ethered Phil to a point where he wanted him traded.

[lefty]

Well Phil is a faggot tbh, he always acted tough in front of the cameras when telling Kirby it was a bad shot, or telling MJ to wake the fuck up



You think Phil was coaching the Bulls?


MJ was coaching that team

[usdane]

https://twitter.com/brandonjennings/status/524758382440624128

[spurraider21]

15 points on 13 shots, 38% from the field.

but i think one of his shots was a high degree of difficulty fadeaway. LOL ESPN

[Kool Bob Love]

I'm just gonna enjoy every min of this NBA season. Bleed dat.

[HI-FI]

surprised it's taken the media this long to really go after kobe. I told people who liked him that he would end up doing something bad, this was pre-rape. I knew then he was toxic. I guess since he was making the league and Lakers so much money he was protected, given MVPau etc....but now he's becoming a bigger hindrance so the knives will come out.

[Clipper Nation]

https://twitter.com/brandonjennings/status/524758382440624128

Brandon Jennings is a known delusional Kirbystan, he tweeted a couple months ago about how Kirby is the GOAT :lol

:lmao at all the stans and dickriders circling the wagons!

[Clipper Nation]

I wouldn't be surprised if CN has a Kobe folder on his desktop dashboard. I haven't read some of those quotes but looking back Phil coming back is even more chicketshit tbh. Kobe actually ethered Phil to a point where he wanted him traded.

Kirby being a salty, coach-killing bitch is not "ethering" :lol

[DMC]

It's his job to defend Kobe.


It's his job to defend Kobe.
He has two jobs?

[ElNono]

Brandon Jennings is a known delusional Kirbystan, he tweeted a couple months ago about how Kirby is the GOAT :lol

:lmao at all the stans and dickriders circling the wagons!

:lol not surprisingly, Brandon Jennings shares a lot of Kobe's traits... chucker, franchise-killer, overpaid, overrated, leading his team to the lottery, etc

[Splits]

Kirbs just shut the haters up, shot 50% from the field in a preseason game!!!????

Is this real life?

:worthy: http://archive.wusa9.com/images/640/360/2/assetpool/photogallery/232983/kobe%20bryant.jpg

[DMC]

All Jackson said was "go getem flea"

Flea said the other shit.

So what's the timeline for "ESPN is stupid" to the Kobe article? Did someone at ESPN take offense? Abbott perhaps, maybe more of them who graciously gifted Kobe a much higher position than he deserved and probably fought to do so?

[usdane]

15 points on 13 shots, 38% from the field.

but i think one of his shots was a high degree of difficulty fadeaway. LOL ESPN

Correction 27 points on 20 shoots, 50% from the field.

[spurraider21]

Correction 27 points on 20 shoots, 50% from the field.
i cant predict the future man

[usdane]

i cant predict the future man

You could wait till you have an actual stat line. Kobe went to work that last few minutes. But you probably would not know that.

[Splits]

You could wait till you have an actual stat line. Kobe went to work that last few minutes. But you probably would not know that.

Did the Lakers win?

[spurraider21]

You could wait till you have an actual stat line. Kobe went to work that last few minutes. But you probably would not know that.
no, i dont watch preseason basketball. i checked on the box score and thought he was done for the game, i guess he just wanted to really go out there and prove himself against phoenix reserves like pj tucker

[Malik Hairston]

All Jackson said was "go getem flea"

Flea said the other shit.

So what's the timeline for "ESPN is stupid" to the Kobe article? Did someone at ESPN take offense? Abbott perhaps, maybe more of them who graciously gifted Kobe a much higher position than he deserved and probably fought to do so?

Actually, Abbott and all the "new media" and advanced metrics guys have always hated Kobe, tbh:lol..

It's a theist vs. atheist argument, with one side believing in numbers and stats vs. the other side that judges by "will to win" and "killer instinct)..

The new media hates him, the old media(Wilbon, Kornheiser, Bob Ryan, etc) still loves him..

[HI-FI]

i'm a huge flea fan, was just listening to Freaky Styley earlier tonight, but sucks he's a brainwashed kobestan.

[usdane]

no, i dont watch preseason basketball. i checked on the box score and thought he was done for the game, i guess he just wanted to really go out there and prove himself against phoenix reserves like pj tucker

No Kobe actually sat in the overtime since it's only preseason. But I am pretty sure PJ Tucker will be their starting SF.

[DMC]

Actually, Abbott and all the "new media" and advanced metrics guys have always hated Kobe, tbh:lol..

It's a theist vs. atheist argument, with one side believing in numbers and stats vs. the other side that judges by "will to win" and "killer instinct)..

The new media hates him, the old media(Wilbon, Kornheiser, Bob Ryan, etc) still loves him..


But I've never seen a NBA front page article about Kobe being a detriment to the team before, and the timing is suspect, not that it was submitted, but that it was published and given that space. ESPN trying to create interest in LA?

[Malik Hairston]

But I've never seen a NBA front page article about Kobe being a detriment to the team before, and the timing is suspect, not that it was submitted, but that it was published and given that space. ESPN trying to create interest in LA?

True..everybody is lining up to shit on Kobe now, it's kind of strange:lol..

I'm not sure what ESPN's motivation is, it could be to generate interest(like you said) in a team that is likely going to finish last in the West

[DMC]

True..everybody is lining up to shit on Kobe now, it's kind of strange:lol..

I'm not sure what ESPN's motivation is, it could be to generate interest(like you said) in a team that is likely going to finish last in the West

They do still have ESPN LA who has to report on something, and we know CP0 and Flake Griffith aren't newsworthy. Now with Cleveland stepping up, they either have to have a "Cavs index" or find some reality TV level bullshit story to follow in LA.

[Kool Bob Love]

http://youtu.be/3yHwcJIIQpM

[Cry Havoc]

He already shat on Kirby's soul with these quotes:

:lol

Not surprising to anyone who objectively watches Kobe play.

[whitemamba]

It's just a fact: Phil himself called Kirby selfish, greedy, delusional, a bad teammate, not a leader, a saboteur, and a distraction years ago... all things being echoed in the media right now in the articles Kirbystan is now trying to spin and deflect :lol

Its called Marketing, AKA making money, nothing your broke would know tbh

[Arcadian]

:lol lakers

:lol faggots

[Monkeyboy14]

no, i dont watch preseason basketball. i checked on the box score and thought he was done for the game, i guess he just wanted to really go out there and prove himself against phoenix reserves like pj tucker
He needed to make up for quitting against them in 06..

[RsxPiimp]

Frankly, the only thing about the Abbott piece that's somewhat unfair, is the fact he ran Dwight outta LA... Dwight is a loser, and in that sense, Kirby did right for the franchise, IMO.

That's actually one of the best thing that could've happened for L.A. Im willing to bet if the Lakers retained Dwight, there's no way in hell Kobe would get $48.5. After losing DH, Buss panicked and practically gave Kobe an amount he couldn't refuse. Dwight leaving the Lakers was one of the most fatal blow this past 3 yrs.

[Killakobe81]

That's actually one of the best thing that could've happened for L.A. Im willing to bet if the Lakers retained Dwight, there's no way in hell Kobe would get $48.5. After losing DH, Buss panicked and practically gave Kobe an amount he couldn't refuse. Dwight leaving the Lakers was one of the most fatal blow this past 3 yrs.

No it wasn't. contract for Kobe was dumb, but so would have been maxing Dwight. Neither one is worthy of a max contract currently. Also hell yes they still pay Kobe even if Dwight stays. He had Bird rights and the team would be just almost as shitty. No Randle and no chance at getting the pick back from PHX. I regret the veto, I regret the begging and Kobe's extension but Dwight at the max I do not regret. Just wish we had traded him at trade dead-lineif he would not commit.

[RsxPiimp]

No it wasn't. contract for Kobe was dumb, but so would have been maxing Dwight. Neither one is worthy of a max contract currently. Also hell yes they still pay Kobe even if Dwight stays. He had Bird rights and the team would be just almost as shitty. No Randle and no chance at getting the pick back from PHX. I regret the veto, I regret the begging and Kobe's extension but Dwight at the max I do not regret. Just wish we had traded him at trade dead-lineif he would not commit.

I know i'm in the minority when it comes to Dwight, but he was the best available player the Lakers could've realistically rebuild on. Sure he may not lead the Lakers to a dynasty like the other previous Laker greats, but he's legit. He looks amazing last playoffs and he seems to have regained his previous form this offseason.

Randle is good, but lets be honest, if it comes between keeping Dwight and having the opportunity to draft Randle, give me DH, no question.

[Killakobe81]

I know i'm in the minority when it comes to Dwight, but he was the best available player the Lakers could've realistically rebuild on. Sure he may not lead the Lakers to a dynasty like the other previous Laker greats, but he's legit. He looks amazing last playoffs and he seems to have regained his previous form this offseason.

Randle is good, but lets be honest, if it comes between keeping Dwight and having the opportunity to draft Randle, give me DH, no question.

He was really good versus the Blazers. Looks strong in pre-season. Randle is unproven. But again look at cost. With lakers we would have had to pay an extra year at full max to keep Dwight. Even with new TV contract that money can be better spent elsewhere. you just have no patience. IF you were a Cowboys fan, you would have been one of the idiots wanting Johnny football over Zack Martin. IS Johhny a better player to market and build around? sure. Solid pieces on low contracts is how you build for the future. I'm sick of all the quick fixes. Melo, Dwight I did not want either at max. LAkers need to think long-term. Even Durant with a foot injury may not be the best target. Lakers next star is probably not even in the NBA. My pipe-dream wishlist: 1. Anthony Davis 2. Anthony davis If not Kiwi, Klay Beal are next. dont wanna pay a 30 year old who most of their prime has been spent with someone else max money unless it was Lebron or durant (pre-foot)

[DMC]

:lol lakers

:lol faggots

Nice thread summary.

[ambchang]

Would be awesome if Kobe and Dwight are on the same team with Dwight making more money.

Got reality tv written all over that one.

[DMC]

I've said all along that Kobe's legacy will be how he was built up by the media only to be torn down by them after he no longer has anything to offer them. He was an amazing player, but a really shitty person and teammate. You can buy a lot of shit with all that cash, but you cannot buy a new reputation.

[Cry Havoc]

I've said all along that Kobe's legacy will be how he was built up by the media only to be torn down by them after he no longer has anything to offer them. He was an amazing player, but a really shitty person and teammate. You can buy a lot of shit with all that cash, but you cannot buy a new reputation.

It's crazy to think where Kobe's reputation would be if the Lakers hadn't underhandedly traded for Pau. He'd be sitting on 3 of Shaq's rings and nada else.

[DMC]

It's crazy to think where Kobe's reputation would be if the Lakers hadn't underhandedly traded for Pau. He'd be sitting on 3 of Shaq's rings and nada else.

Steph Marbury with a coattail to ride.

[UZER]

The teammates that "loved" playing with Kobe...

Artest - head case
Barnes - head case
Odom - head case

[rmt]

Why hasn't any of his tens/hundreds of (former) team mates come out in defense of Kobe? And no, Jeannie and Phil don't count - they have lots of skin in the game.

[moisaenz]

I guess kobe is the new kareem, admired for his play but hated as a person.

[Raven]

No it wasn't. contract for Kobe was dumb, but so would have been maxing Dwight. Neither one is worthy of a max contract currently. Also hell yes they still pay Kobe even if Dwight stays. He had Bird rights and the team would be just almost as shitty. No Randle and no chance at getting the pick back from PHX. I regret the veto, I regret the begging and Kobe's extension but Dwight at the max I do not regret. Just wish we had traded him at trade dead-lineif he would not commit.

You guys are paying lin 15M

[scanry]

I guess kobe is the new kareem, admired for his play but hated as a person.

Kareem is arguably Basketball's greatest player. Won 3 chips in college and 6 in pro. They had to change the rules in college to stop Kareem's dominance.

Kobe is not in Kareem's ball park tbh. Moreover he had a valid reason to be butthurt cause the media was too busy hyping up Walton, Bird, Magic, Dr J & MJ. Heck even Isiah had more exposure than KAJ.

[Cry Havoc]

I guess kobe is the new kareem, admired for his play but hated as a person.

If by "the new", you mean a much worse player on both sides of the ball, then absolutely.

[140]

On this special day, lets all take some time and reread one of the finest pieces of sports journalism ever, shall we

[DPG21920]

It's funny how since the Henry Abbott piece you see Kobe has aligned with Woj & Yahoo and everything will go through them. Woj saw an opportunity to be the mouth piece for Kobe and took it and now he will get the "access".

That's how Kobe/Woj roll. Kobe sort of spat in ESPN's face, ESPN told the truth & now it's Woj.

Woj actually wrote about a piece about Kobe's sub 50% FG, 4 TO to 1 AST, 20 point blowout game against HOU with something along the lines of "Kobe brings the magic one last time" :lol

Had quotes from Kobe "I shouldn't be able to do this at my age anymore" :lol. Doing what, sucking to the tune of the worst efficient shooting season ever? Getting blown out all the time? It was a pretty obvious fluff piece from Woj and I bet it continues with Woj.

[Tully365]

The original piece is from 2014, and Kobe's 2015 & 2016 numbers were even worse than expected...

[in2deep]

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