Kobe took inspiration from Michael Jackson

[LakersFan_33]

They put this on Yahoo front page today. Definitely some interesting pieces of information in this Wojnarowski article, many things that I didn't even know about Bryant. I'll forewarn most of you, that the article only talks about Michael Jackson briefly, and then goes mainly into Kobe. Even though I'm biased, I love anyone who can just say [I don't care about] everyone else, I just want to win as many championships as I can.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-kobebryantchat112310

[Edited.  No masked profanity.]

[fairweatherfan]

I love anyone who can just say F*** everyone else, I just want to win as many championships as I can.

With or without consent?   

I don't really disagree with the main point of the article - Kobe is ferociously competitive in a way that the new crop of stars don't seem to have to the same degree.  And I'm glad Kobe realizes that the real competition is coming from Boston, not Miami or anybody else.  But Woj's Goofus-and-Gallant routine with Kobe and LeBron has been tedious for awhile now.

When Kobe was the same age LeBron is now he was still super-competitive, but he was also just as self-centered and image-conscious as LeBron is now.  The reason he stopped caring as much about his image is because it was (temporarily) destroyed by the rape charges, driving Shaq out of town, and being on a few lousy-to-mediocre teams.  Not because Michael Jackson gave him a pep talk as a rookie.  If the Gasol trade never happens the same labels would be stuck on Kobe that are getting pinned on LeBron now. 

[LakersFan_33]

I love anyone who can just say F*** everyone else, I just want to win as many championships as I can.

With or without consent?   

I don't really disagree with the main point of the article - Kobe is ferociously competitive in a way that the new crop of stars don't seem to have to the same degree.  And I'm glad Kobe realizes that the real competition is coming from Boston, not Miami or anybody else.  But Woj's Goofus-and-Gallant routine with Kobe and LeBron has been tedious for awhile now.

When Kobe was the same age LeBron is now he was still super-competitive, but he was also just as self-centered and image-conscious as LeBron is now.  The reason he stopped caring as much about his image is because it was (temporarily) destroyed by the rape charges, driving Shaq out of town, and being on a few lousy-to-mediocre teams.  Not because Michael Jackson gave him a pep talk as a rookie.  If the Gasol trade never happens the same labels would be stuck on Kobe that are getting pinned on LeBron now. 

You can't really get on him because Gasol came to L.A. The Celtics clearly benefited when Ray Allen and Garnett came to Pierce, and Lebron when Bosh/Wade joined him.

[fairweatherfan]

I love anyone who can just say F*** everyone else, I just want to win as many championships as I can.

With or without consent?   

I don't really disagree with the main point of the article - Kobe is ferociously competitive in a way that the new crop of stars don't seem to have to the same degree.  And I'm glad Kobe realizes that the real competition is coming from Boston, not Miami or anybody else.  But Woj's Goofus-and-Gallant routine with Kobe and LeBron has been tedious for awhile now.

When Kobe was the same age LeBron is now he was still super-competitive, but he was also just as self-centered and image-conscious as LeBron is now.  The reason he stopped caring as much about his image is because it was (temporarily) destroyed by the rape charges, driving Shaq out of town, and being on a few lousy-to-mediocre teams.  Not because Michael Jackson gave him a pep talk as a rookie.  If the Gasol trade never happens the same labels would be stuck on Kobe that are getting pinned on LeBron now. 

You can't really get on him because Gasol came to L.A. The Celtics clearly benefited when Ray Allen and Garnett came to Pierce, and Lebron when Bosh/Wade joined him.

Absolutely - though the LeBron part is still debatable.  My point is that Kobe's image makeover was largely due to events that were beyond his control, not due to suddenly "getting it" like Woj seems to argue.  Pierce never sniffs a Finals without KG and Ray either, but nobody's saying Pierce won a ring solely due to having a killer mindset.

[paul]

Physical abilities matter.  Skill matters.  Team-mates matter.  Luck and timing matter.  But, in the end, greatness is an act of will, an expression of imagination and a result of determination.  Kobe couldn't have two better mentors in that than Russel and Jackson, and clearly they saw a kindred spirit in Kobe. 

Very interesting article.

[dpaps]

I love anyone who can just say F*** everyone else, I just want to win as many championships as I can.

With or without consent?   
 

Hilarious.

[ManUp]

I have to admit it even though he's our sworn enemy. I find it more and more difficult to hate him. The only thing that I can really knock him for is that he wants to win on his own terms (1st option/head honcho which leads to selfish play at times), but honestly who doesn't? I hope that he remains a Laker for the rest of his career, and he never wins another championship, but that's only because I'm a Celtic. Other than that I enjoy watching him play and even though I think he's a cheeseball (black mamba because blah blah accuracy strike? what a cornball). He's the best thing since to hit an NBA floor since Jordan. Lebron has that potential, but last May it was proven somethings lacking.

....ok I said it, I'm ready to get destroyed now.

[dark_lord]

I love anyone who can just say F*** everyone else, I just want to win as many championships as I can.

With or without consent?   
 

Hilarious.

co-sign

[jdub1660]

I have to admit it even though he's our sworn enemy. I find it more and more difficult to hate him. The only thing that I can really knock him for is that he wants to win on his own terms (1st option/head honcho which leads to selfish play at times), but honestly who doesn't? I hope that he remains a Laker for the rest of his career, and he never wins another championship, but that's only because I'm a Celtic. Other than that I enjoy watching him play and even though I think he's a cheeseball (black mamba because blah blah accuracy strike? what a cornball). He's the best thing since to hit an NBA floor since Jordan. Lebron has that potential, but last May it was proven somethings lacking.

....ok I said it, I'm ready to get destroyed now.

I won't leave you out alone in the cold with this. I 2nd this. Yeah, i said it. haha

Seriously. You can't argue talent. Kobe is the best thing since MJ, and I'd much rather see him and the Lakers in the Finals than say a team like the Mavs or Spurs. The rivalry makes the trash talking all year so much better.

And yes, I hate LeBron more now than Kobe, yet I don't HATE either. Just dont' like certain aspects. LeBrons baby antics, and Kobes jersey.

Celtics fans for Life. Play out this never gonna happen scenario. Kobe leaves LA for Boston. You take him or slam the door in his face? Don't lie.

[Fafnir]

Seriously. You can't argue talent. Kobe is the best thingshooting guard since MJ,

"Thing" would include other positions, players like Shaq/KG/Tim Duncan muddy those waters.

"Thing" also leaves open high speed internet, bittorrent, netflix, and modern smartphones.

All of those are better than Kobe  .

[dpaps]

Seriously. You can't argue talent. Kobe is the best thingshooting guard since MJ,

"Thing" would include other positions, players like Shaq/KG/Tim Duncan muddy those waters.

"Thing" also leaves open high speed internet, bittorrent, netflix, and modern smartphones.

All of those are better than Kobe  .

While Kobe has no chance against wikipedia, Netflix online, or the iphone, I think the argument can be made that he's the best basketball player since Jordan. I hate him and hope he never wins another basketball game, nevermind ring. But the guy is one of the greatest ever. period.