About a month or so ago during this playoff run, a friend asked if the Lakers won it all or lost, would I think any differently of Kobe. I told him that if they lost, I wouldnt think any less of him, and that if they won I wouldnt think any more of him. I didnt really believe what I was saying completely but thats what I said. Now with the Lakers winning #15, Kobe winning #4 and winning this one without Shaq, I honestly don't feel any differently about Kobe. It's almost anti-climatic for me. Dont get me wrong. Im super hyped and proud of him and this team but my perception of him hasnt changed. I know the basketball world and the media now sees Kobe in a different light but to me he is still the same old Kobe. Just as great as he has always been. Thoughts?
I think its because you've never been blinded by the media hate. You've known Kobe is a superstar, a leader, and capable of getting to this point--and he did.
I see him as a better floor leader now. The longer the Lakers can keep this core together, Kobe should become an even more efficient player. He's really improved his balance of facilitating and being in attack mode this season and it carried over into the playoffs. The media was washing his balls all night long. I'm sure all the coverage and praise he got will make people hate him even more. LOL.
I think post-game kobe really had his time to show his true self, he had won the championship and business was over, he was all hugs and smiles! In his interview with the tnt guys he said he had enourmous amount of respect for his oponents and that it was a tough road to make it to these finals when asked if the lakers would repeat next playoffs, meaning he did not want to disrespect any of the other teams next year who are also playing for the championship. i think kobe got his chance to show his true self and even when i knew he was always this way it still surprised me, made me think of all the other nba fans out there who dont like him, that they have nothing to argue against. once that siren sounded kobe came running over to his teammates, looking out for each one of them to congradulate them. he is a great guy, with a winning attitude, a stand up guy. i am so happy at this moment, congats to all of us in s2 for being part of it all. i hope your all as happy as i am!
