Birthday Wishes
It's a candle-heavy time in Lakerland. We're just two days past what would have been Wilt Chamberlain's 70th (check out Roland Lazenby's blog for some Stilt-related material), and today, folks are singing "Happy Birthday" to Kobe Bean Bryant, who turns 28. It feels like the guy has been around way too long to still be two years short of 30, but as more players start their careers at 18, we're going to have to get used to it. (Maybe we should start thinking of hoopsters like hockey players, who fairly routinely start their careers before 20 and seem to play until they're 108.)
So what do you get a guy who makes more in a year — hell, maybe a month — than all of us put together? The idea of running down to Macy's to pick out a lil' somthin' seems a kind of silly, unless you can buy veteran point guards off the rack. So assuming Kobe would even accept a gift from me after last season's MVPgate, what exactly can I offer? Material goods aren't looking like a good option. That leaves birthday wishes, and this would be mine for the former Ocho:
I wish for him one year of not being at the center of every basketball argument on the planet. A year of not being the guy compared to every other guy in the league, in terms of dominance. Of not being compared to a certain player-turned-baseballer-turned-player-turned-GM-turned-Hanes pitchman-turned-part-owner. A season where everyone focuses their attention somewhere else — 365 days of Kobe-free hoops chatter. It would be interesting to see how people would perceive the guy after 12 months of a Kobe embargo. Would old prejudices die? Would beliefs become more crystallized? Would Kobe be able to connect more effectively with fans, peers and the media?
What would happen if we could all go a year without having to declare seemingly on a daily basis where we stand on Kobe?
Of course, none of this will ever happen. We'll be debating him again tomorrow, likely today in this thread. But it would be interesting to see how that reality would play out. To become perhaps the most polarizing figure in sports takes a group effort. Kobe has done his part, so has the media. It doesn't take long to create perceptions, but changing them is often a Herculean task.
So that's what I'd like to give the guy. A crappy gift to be sure, in the sense it can't actually be delivered, but like they say — it's the thought that counts.
Right?
—BK
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so about those niners lol
Posted by: joninjapan | August 23, 2006 at 12:16 PM
yes!!!! first post haha
actually i wish kobe wins a championship
imagine all the personal attacks he would get then
or we could talk baseball. . .or hockey. . .or
"the air speed velocity of an african swallow"
Posted by: joninjapan | August 23, 2006 at 12:26 PM
Happy Birthday Kobe!
Posted by: Faith | August 23, 2006 at 12:28 PM
I WISH for KOBE a son -- that is, Vanessa would bear his son..He has two wonderful daughters but this guy has to have a son - -- just seems like the coolest thing for Kobe!!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | August 23, 2006 at 12:31 PM
Hi, Lakerville.
This is my first time to post.
My friend's birthday is the same as Kobe's so I never forget it. lol!
Happy birthday, Kobe!
Posted by: lakergirl28 | August 23, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Happy birthday Black Mamba. Watch out this year NBA the Lakers are ready to strike back.
Posted by: KoMagicJabar | August 23, 2006 at 12:35 PM
Wouldn't NOT writing about Kobe bring your birthday wish at least a little closer to fruition?
Or am I missing something?
kidding
Who else is not surprised that Kobe, the perfectionist, is a Virgo?
Posted by: akr_68 | August 23, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Happy Birthday Kobe24!
Hopefully the role players' gift to him is a championship level effort.
BTW, Greece is 4-0! They beat Brazil last night.
Go Greece!!
Most of all Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: greek dude | August 23, 2006 at 12:39 PM
I wish for him that his knee gets better quickly so he can take us deeper into the playoffs this year haha
Posted by: Marcus | August 23, 2006 at 12:39 PM
Hey Kobe...Happy Birthday!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 23, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Happy birthday my negro. In my darkest moments, watching you play ball was the only thing that brought a smile to my face.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 23, 2006 at 12:48 PM
Sorry if this is too off topic, but I found it amusing. It's pretty hard not to like DWade.
Things got physical, cheap and testy midway through the third quarter. Wade and Matteo Soragna battled for one rebound, then Soragna threw an elbow, Wade came back at him and there was a lot of milling around a jawing. "The guy told Dwyane, 'You're not Michael Jordan. There was only one of him.' Dwyane said, 'I never said I was, but thanks for the compliment. It was nothing personal, just competitiveness." Houston Chronicle
Posted by: Marcus | August 23, 2006 at 12:54 PM
AK/BK,
wow I'm now being censored...lol...hopefully you won't object to just posting a link
Laker Nation,
http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2005/09/shaq_slapped_kobe_but_good.html
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 23, 2006 at 01:02 PM
Happy Birthday Kobe! Good Luck this year and continued success developing your ball-handling skills, 3 Point shooting and Assists. The truth is you have just about everything material wise that anyone could ever want, so continue to be a great human being sharing yourself, and your wealth with those less fortunate. I wish for you another year of maturity, wisdom, and a team that follows a disciplined path of grinding out 55 wins along with a coach that can find new wrinkles in the triangle to get everyone involved, more off the ball screens and simple pick and rolls. God Bless you and your beautiful family, Kobe Bean Bryant!
I doubt he reads a line of this blog, but if I were Kobe, I would be hanging out in Mitch’s office trying to bring another serious big man to this team and a decent playmaker- Bonzi? Who knows...so much talent in so many of these players, but when the lights come on and they are in the big show of the NBA - some guy’s shine and some just can't get over the stage fright. We have some good players but I am skeptical this team can make it past the big 4 of Dallas, SA, Phoenix, and Denver- possibly even the Clippers. We are ranked 7th ahead of the Kings, who might gel and be a lot better with a defensive minded coach. The Rockets could be a lot better with a healthy year of McGrady and Memphis is still ahead of us as well. Hope the Lakers can give away the bench and even a few starters for KG. Fat chance, no Celtic would ever help the Lakers that much. I think the Vlad and MEvans project will be it for this off-season. Thanks again Mitch, you did something, which is better than nothing. The rest is up to these superstar NBA players to exceed our expectations and their own.
Posted by: Peter Maguire | August 23, 2006 at 01:02 PM
HAPPY BDAY KOBE.
28 WAS WHEN MJ WILLED HIS CHICAGO BULLS TEAM TO WIN THE TITLE. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Posted by: sixonezero | August 23, 2006 at 01:04 PM
Taliq,
You're not being censored. I accidentally deleted one of the posts thinking it was a double post on the same thread. By the time I realized it was a mistake, it was too late. But if you look in the other thread, it's there. My bad.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 23, 2006 at 01:12 PM
AK,
In my gripes about Kobe getting the wrong end of the stick in some ( not all )of your posts ( and mind u i still think that's true ) .... it may have gotten lost that .... you rock ( but that wasn't the point i was trying to make then )
Btw, I hope you guys don't split the cheque 50/50, BK seems to be slacking lately ... lol
In AK/BK we Trust,
Go Bloggers
Posted by: Taliq | August 23, 2006 at 01:23 PM
Happy 28th Kobe!!! What a nice coincidence for his birthday to fall on the 23rd of august.. 23-8
Posted by: Hellbydante | August 23, 2006 at 01:35 PM
Happy Birthday, Kobe.
My wish is for your 4th ring this year. And for a new starting point guard in Jordan Farmar to share your desire to win and your perseverance to be the best.
Los Angeles Lakers 2006/7 NBA Champions.
And many more.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 23, 2006 at 01:37 PM
BIG KOBE HAPPY B-DAY!!!
Ahh a wish for Kobe.. Humm let me see. Maybe the m.v.p. they stole from you last year while they over hyped the G.W.Hope Nash, or a video showing the look on Shaq's face when Buss told him "sorry you've been traded!" Okay what about a wish for the to make it back to the finals, icing on the cake would be to beat the Heat in 4! Major thanks to you and your camp for visiting the hood a.k.a. Watts/Willobrook/Compton Boys & Girls club. I spent many summer days there as a kid.. Laker Love
Posted by: LakerFaze | August 23, 2006 at 01:38 PM
Happy Birthday, Kobe!
I would wish him an injury free season (how much will that cost?) and true peace in his heart.
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: Andy B | August 23, 2006 at 01:45 PM
Happy Birthday 24! Thanks for the entertainment you bring to us every season.
p.s. joninjapan, great Python reference..
Posted by: gerry b | August 23, 2006 at 01:50 PM
Happy Birthday Kobe!!!
My wish for you: win this seasons' mvp, another lakers dynasty, be happy as you have this past months, injury free season and help you dad to help the sparks win this 2006 title.
Thanks for past, present, and future memories.
Posted by: Sola | August 23, 2006 at 02:10 PM
I've got to say Happy B-day to my boy Kobe. It seems like just yesterday I was 9/10 years old watching this 17/18 year old guy who was compared to MJ for the first time.
Posted by: Xodus | August 23, 2006 at 02:10 PM
off topic but has anyone takin notice to how Melo is playing for team USA? I think this is going to be his blow-out season, his confidence is soaring! Which is the last thing we needed in the West but after all said I'm glad for Melo. It makes you really wonder how Kobe would have faired in international style of play, not to mention the impression of team play on him. On second thought that might back fire cause everyone on the USA squad will wish they had a team like the one they have now. Coach K is going to come to the NBA in a year or so, bets? anyone?
Posted by: LakerFaze | August 23, 2006 at 02:21 PM
Xodus has made me curious....so I'm gonna ask this question for all of the regulars....
How old are you? FYI - I am about to sign off for the day so if you respond I won't see it until tomorrow morning some time. Feel free to leave me a post and I'll find it in the morning.
Posted by: JJ | August 23, 2006 at 02:26 PM
Feliz Cumpleanos 8/24!!!!
Here's to another MVP like performance on 06-07!
Posted by: Onesocalkid | August 23, 2006 at 02:27 PM
Lakerfaze,
I agree. If 'Melo's/Denver's first half of the season had been as strong as the second, he'd have been right in the thick of the MVP race. Post All-Star break, dude was absolutely balling. Check out his March.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3706/splits;_ylt=ApL.jfIv1YBtPuQ8TlBhTkKkvLYF
The guy's D has also improved and he's turned out to be one hell of a clutch player with the clock running down. He's already a great player, but if he can pick up where he left off, scary stuff.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 23, 2006 at 02:39 PM
I've had many ups and downs in my life.From my parents separating,to me and my wife separating.But I always remember the goodtimes i had watching the Lakers.They always kept my spirits up.I've been watching the Lakeshow before Kobe was one,but some of the best times I've had watching was when Kobe and Shaq played together.Win or lose they still put a smile on my face.Hope Kobe gets a little help from Lamar and Kwame.Even MJ couldn't do it alone.Peace
Posted by: culing | August 23, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Kobe said Melo's the hardest for him to defend. He set the record at 35 pts for USA world championship teams.
Posted by: Marcus | August 23, 2006 at 02:48 PM
KOBE, TANJOUBI OMEDETOU GOZAIMASU!!!
i'm sure he appreciates the notion, but if coach k was ever inclined to test the NBA waters, he would have done so by now. the older he gets, the less i'm sure he's willing to leave the security and virtual diefication afforded by his position at duke to step into that always-uncertain abyss of being a head coach in the nba. i would think that his experiences with the national team would only solidify that resolve to remain in the college ranks and be a teacher to the young cats who still feel, for the most part, that they have things about the game to learn.
i hope for for both college basketball's and coach k's sakes that he never succumbs to any curiosity about coaching in the nba.
Posted by: joel-sensei | August 23, 2006 at 02:56 PM
haha who keeps bringing up Melo and Wade in Kobe's B-day Post?!
Posted by: wiZo | August 23, 2006 at 03:06 PM
Taliq,
BK's been holding down the Dodger Blog front a little more than me lately, so it all evens out. But I appreciate the concern for my economic well being. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 23, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Happy Birthday Kobe
Enjoy life and your family and peace to all.....
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 23, 2006 at 03:16 PM
Hello Laker Tom,
I'm back sooner than anticipated, albeit for only a day or so. Here is my take on Bonzi and Kings thinking.
First off, I'm often in disagreement with many Kings fans and sports pundits, so I speak only for myself.
Bonzia can be an absolute terror. He can post you up and slam it, or can knock em' down under pressure from three point land. He scores a lot of points collecting offensive rebounds like a mad man. For the most part, he is consistent.
Bonzai instantly became a crowd favorite in Sacramento with his hustle and uncanny ability to be on top of the ball, anywhere on the court, but particularly in the paint. Against smaller guards (and most of them are) he is either a stopper, or a serious nemesis.
He is personable,smart, articulate, good looking, and seems readily adaptable (to the game being played) and is made to order for the Lakers at this point in time. There was some disagreement when I made that contention in an earlier blog, but I stand by it. Bonzai would make the Lakers an instant contender. Repeat, Bonzai would make the Lakers contenders right now. For that reason, nothing short of a sign and trade for Bynum or Lamar would offer any satisfaction to Kings fans, and for some, that wouldn't be enough.
Whether or not Bonzai will assume his old persona as a racist and general problem child remains to be seen. I hope not. In Sacramento, Bonzi was a model citizen and player and the Kings made him an offer which is still by far the best to date.
Many of us -against all odds- are hoping that the Maloofs, before all is said and done, will go into luxury tax territory and offer him a one year deal. Insomuch as he (according to my limited information) stands to make only 3 or 4 million, perhaps with a Denver or Detroit, Bonzi might be amenable to such an offer. He would again be a free agent after the season, and with a new agent, could test the waters again.
The nature of the Kings (non susperstar oriented) play would still give Salmon plenty of time on the floor. If Bonzi came back to us, Salmon would have to be patient. Remember too that Bonzi was injured for most of a month during the latter half of last season. Martin and Garcia stepped it up and the Kings performed almost brilliantly. (The Lakers weren't the only team experiencing a magnificient upside the latter half of last season).
Yes, Ron Ron offered up 1 mil to the Kings to keep Adelman and Bonzi. That spoke volumes to me. Duh!
Even so, Adelman and Bonzi are both gone. Many of us were stunned. Even so, with eight playoff appearances in a row with essentially three different teams, Petrie is like a god up here.
In the end, I have always regretted questioning his moves, however idiotic they may have seemed at the time. I have no choice but to trust his judgement, and probably should, Bonzai or no Bonzai.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 23, 2006 at 03:28 PM
At Target, I found an adorable birthday card for Kobe. You know how those cards read. All I had to do was pencil in a 2 next to the eight.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 23, 2006 at 03:30 PM
An article in Las Vegas review Journal about Kobe's Basketball Clinic.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Aug-23-Wed-2006/sports/9219364.html
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 23, 2006 at 03:31 PM
AK,
I too am concerned with your economic well being.
Hey, if I can get you a lot more dough, would you consider running a decent blog for the Kings and Niners up in God's country?
You won't have a winner down there until the Saint is gone anyway.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 23, 2006 at 03:36 PM
Sonny,
It was refreshing to see you talk about a subject, while respecting the Kings, and the Lakers. You have always been a good poster, even though you repeatedly dog us out. I know you are still a closet Laker fan, so I try not to bash you like some of our fellow blog members (even though you do make it hard sometimes lol).
HAPPY B-DAY KOBE!!!!!!! My wish for you is happiness, and respect. I would love to see at least one season where the media, and the general public give you the respect you deserve. They don't have to love you like most of us do, but just to show respect for your game, leadership, and overall growth as a human being would be a great birthday present.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 23, 2006 at 03:50 PM
Happy Birthday Kobe, just good ol' Happy Birthday; you know the rest.
Posted by: 24Tushort08 | August 23, 2006 at 03:57 PM
It must hurt all those Kobe haters to see him working hard, spending time with the kids in vegas, even though it's his b-day. I'm sure they even have a problem with that.
Oh, well. Happy b-day to the best baller in the world.
B.
Thee Cali King
Posted by: Thee Cali King | August 23, 2006 at 04:12 PM
Joninjapan,
Coconut-laden?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 23, 2006 at 04:16 PM
Happy B-Day Kobe.
I wish for you a ring and the undying respect of your peers, the media, and us fans.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 23, 2006 at 04:20 PM
HAPPY B-DAY KOBE
I got the perfect present for Kobe (too bad i cant afford it LOL)
The best present he could get should come from the Lakers front office when they sign KG. A bit late this offseason but next offseason they could sign KG on this date and that could be Kobe's present.
Edwin
Kobe has been spotted around town (Vegas). My girls' cousin saw him last week at the airport and I cant wait til the games in Oct to try and get an autograph on his new #24 jersey.
Posted by: Shady | August 23, 2006 at 04:34 PM
sonny:
Thanks for your post and comments about Bonzi and the "Lakers." I agree with you that Bonzi would be a great addition to the Lakers and would make them an immediate contender. I still do not undestand why the "Kings" were not willing to re-sign him. I think he would have made them a contender also. I wish the Lakers had shown more interest in him. Undoubtedly, you are right that there is no way the Kings and Lakers could come to an agreement for a sign and trade for him at this point. In fact, have the Lakers and Kings ever made a trade? I can't remember any.
I was also happy to hear that Bonzi had comported himself well while a King. Did I also understand you to say that he played some good defense? I have always believed that toughness was a major component of being a good defender. You have to have a little meanness in you. Most of the fights that I was involved in as a younger man playing basketball always came as the result of battling on defense.
I was listening to a radio talk show a few months ago where the announcer was discussing how certain plays turned franchise's fortunes around. He called them destiny changing plays. Several of the examples he brought up involved some of your and my favorite teams. By the way, I hope you aren't an Atlanta Braves fan, too. Anyway, here's to some great memories for both of us and one painful one for you.
The first destiny changing play was Jim Layritz's World Series home run that jumpstarted the Joe Torre New York Yankees' string of championships and sent the Atlanta Braves toward their journey of championship futility. The second play was "the Catch" by Dwight Clark that vaulted the Bill Walsh San Francisco 49ers to greatness and returned the Cowboys to mediocrity. And the third play was the Robert Horry 3-pointer at the buzzer in the West Conference Finals that sent the Lakers' championship run soaring and closed the championship window for the aspiring Kings.
I appreciate your courtesy in responding to my posts and look forward to more mutual respect in the future. Hopefully, our Niners will take five steps forward this week against the hated Cowboys and the even more hated TO.
Until then. Go, Niners.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 23, 2006 at 04:41 PM
Happy birthday Kobe!
You were one day away from being a LEO, but I still love ya!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 23, 2006 at 05:10 PM
Sonny-
Do you guys even have money up there? Or would we be paid in cow chips and hay?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 23, 2006 at 05:27 PM
Boun Natale Signor Kobe Bryant!(If I got it right, that's Happy Birthday in Italian). Wish you the best and more to come.
Posted by: Lysander | August 23, 2006 at 05:37 PM
JJ,
I'm a 20 year old junior at the University of Florida (I take every opportunity to rep my school lol), I'm one of the youngsters on the blog lol. I think I compensate for my age with a pretty strong knowledge of basketball though lol.
How old are you.
BK,
Haha that was a good one. BTW, where've you been you haven't been on the blog in forever.
Posted by: Xodus | August 23, 2006 at 05:40 PM
AK,
I've got to agree with you that Melo is nothing short of sick. I'd take Lebron and Wade ahead of him but that's more a testament to their greatness than Melo's shortcomings.
But, don't you think that his team will ultimately limit his public perception as far as being a winner and eventually winning an MVP. The guy is locked into hoops purgatory in Denver. He's got big men who are overpaid and are likely to get hurt by a strong gust of wind. And let's not even mention the fact he's got no shooters on his team.
Posted by: Xodus | August 23, 2006 at 05:44 PM